Bring back the shine of your favorite brass items with these editor-tested cleaning methods.
Fortunately, there are many simple ways to bring luster back to your brass items.
Here are the best ways to clean brass and restore its original luster using household products.
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Check the metal with a magnet; if it sticks, it’s not real brass.
Many items are brass-plated, and most cleaning methods could damage them.
If the item is brass-plated, soap and water on a soft cloth is the safest choice.
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Also, check to see if the brass has been lacquered.
Test the chosen cleaning method in a small, inconspicuous area on the brass item.
Combine Ingredients
Start by squeezing the juice from half a lemon into a bowl.
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baking soda and mix.
Apply and Buff
With a clean cloth, rub some of the mixture onto the brass.
Polish and buff away grime, reapplying the mixture as needed.
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Wipe and Dry
Wipe away any leftover residue with a wet rag.
Then dry with a clean cloth.
You’ll revive the shine without having to remove any hardware.
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Combine Salt and Vinegar
In a medium-sized bowl, add 1 tsp.
salt to 1/2 cup vinegar.
Stir the mixture until the salt dissolves.
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Make a Paste
Add about 2 Tbsp.
of flour to the salt and vinegar mixture to make a paste.
Apply Paste
Rub the paste onto your brass object and let it dry for 10 minutes.
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Rinse and Dry
Rinse, wipe clean, and thoroughly dry the brass with a clean cloth.
Thissimple cleaning hackrequires only the condiment and a few clean cloths.
Let it sit for a few seconds, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
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If it works well, repeat the process on the remainder of the brass piece.
Wipe the item clean using a damp cloth.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
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How to Clean Brass with Toothpaste
Thegentle abrasives in toothpastecan work their cleaning magic on brass.
Apply Toothpaste
Apply a thin layer of toothpaste to your brass object.
Let it rest for a few minutes.
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Polish Brass
Polish with a clean cloth.
For tough spots, you’ll likely need to use a bit more effort.
Feel free to apply extra dabs of toothpaste to particularly stubborn areas.
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After the brass is polished to your liking, rinse with cool water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
If you’re short on cleaning supplies, try dish soap and water to clean tarnished brass.
Soak and Scrub Brass
Soak the brass for a few seconds.
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Use a microfiber cloth or clean toothbrush to remove any stains.
When all the tarnish is gone, remove the brass piece from the soapy water.
Rinse and wipe dry with a clean cloth.
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Always wash the item with mild soap and water to remove dust or other debris before polishing.
Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to clean and polish your brass item.
Brass polishes typically leave a protective coating on the surface, which helps prevent future tarnish and discoloration.
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How Often Should You Clean Brass?
Cleaning frequency is determined by how often you use and touch the brass item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
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Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then remove it.
Be sure to test it on a small spot first to ensure it won’t damage your piece.
To preserve the patina, use mild soap and water and wipe the brass gently.
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Don’t use abrasive or acid-based cleaning products because they’ll remove the patina.
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Credit:Jason Donnelly
