Caveat Lector wrote:
Regarding steel wool, I recall an old old radio catalog selling an antenna
cleaning kit to shine up your antenna wire -- claims it improved reception !

Don't recall if it was steel wool or a fine sandpaper

But when you put up a brand new shiny antenna -- does it seem to work
better, just like your car runs better after a wash and wax job (;-)

Mine always gets wet in the rain that comes immediately after the wash
job. ;^)....