What can I use on an old iron bed frame

I'm not sure about the mineral oil...However, as with anything metal, a good cleaning (via powerwash wand or wire brush, for example) to remove loose dirt and rust debris is a good place to start. Then spray painting with a Rustoleum type of paint that is designed to seal and prevent from rusting is best.

Mineral oil will attract dust, look terrible, and feel, well, oily.

Rustoleum has clear sealer.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rust-Oleum-Stops-Rust-Clear-Enamel-Spray-Paint-Actual-Net-Contents-12-oz/50449042?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-Paint-_-SprayPaint-_-50449042:Rust-Oleum&CAWELAID=&kpid=50449042&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=1823&k_clickID=47f03b15-8742-4bc2-85f7-ee17a3ee7f9e&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxt6479nP1QIVzbbACh1J6QW3EAQYBCABEgIHe_D_BwE

Try lovingly rubbing it with paste wax just as you would your sports car.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/car-wax/buying-guide

Hello Gail; I personally acquired two very old Antique iron beds, many years ago.

My Parents surprised me, and had them sand blasted.

I then repainted them with an Antique white Rustoleum paint. They are in Perfect condition, and have held up exceedingly well.

I would not use Mineral oil. I would clean well, and paint using Rustoleum paints.

I hope that this is of help to you!!! Take Care!

You did not say what actual color the metal is...if it is a darker color, and you like it, then Rustoleum spray paint comes in quite a few very good darker colors like Soft Flat Iron, Oil Rubbed Bronze and several other "antique" looking colors that mimic antique furniture. So much easier to just clean it up and use this product than to worry about oils which smell and are notorius for attracting layers of dust. WalMart carries the whole line of Rustoleum ...I have used this product for metal, ceramic, wicker in white, etc. Great Great product!

it is a dark brown with some rust, but not a whole lot of rust. I had thought about spray painting in an off-white, but I didn't realize they had colors that mimic antique. I think the original color was dark brown. We recently bought a rustic one room cabin that I want to put it in. Thanks to all of you for the suggestions.

After removing existing rust with wd40 and steel wool. Clean it very well with dawn, drying as you go then use a clear Rustolium to prevent further rust And keep the raw iron look.

After thoroughly cleaning the bed (or even having it sandblasted), you'll want to protect the finish by waxing, friend. Here's how:

1 Melt pure beeswax in a microwave on "Low" power. Alternatively, melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot of the double boiler with water and heat it until it boils. Place the beeswax in the top pan and set it on the bottom pan. Stir the beeswax with a wooden spoon until it melts.

2 Dip a rag into the melted beeswax. Polish every surface of the iron bed, including the bed rails, with beeswax to prevent rust and give the metal a natural sheen.

3 Wipe off any excess wax with a dry cotton rag.

You have all given me some great advice. I am going tomorrow to see what I can find. Thanks so much!