Let's get down to brass tacks
From lamps to jewelry to hardware, brass is everywhere. Whether you’re trying to give new life to a treasure you found at an antique store or hoping to preserve a family heirloom, learn how to clean brass to take your trinkets from tarnished to shiny and lustrous.
Brass, like many metals, can become tarnished, corroded, and dull over time. Exposure to oxygen, water, and even the oils from your skin can cause brass to lose its lustrous finish. Cleaning brass restores its shine and glow and keeps your pieces looking like new for years to come.
Before you start, inspect the brass item to ensure you’re picking the best cleaning method. Begin by inspecting the brass to look for corrosion or rust spots, which require targeted cleaning methods. (If the item has rust, it is not pure brass.) Next, you’ll need to determine if your item is solid brass, brass-plated, or lacquered brass.
Differentiate between solid brass and brass-plated items by testing them with a magnet. While brass-plated steel and zinc resemble solid brass, they are magnetic; solid brass is not. If you hold a magnet up to the item in question and it reacts, it’s likely that it’s brass-plated and needs to be cleaned differently.
Certain brass items have a lacquered coating to prevent oxidation and discoloration. This clear sealant can make brass look shiny and new, but it causes the surface to be easily scratchable. Are you wondering, “How do you clean brass that’s lacquered?” You’ll want to avoid using traditional brass cleaning methods on lacquered brass. If your item is tarnished, it likely does not have a lacquered coating on it.
Gently wipe off the object with a dry cloth to remove any surface debris or dust.
Pour one-half cup of white vinegar and one cup of warm water into a bowl large enough to allow the item to fully submerge.
Add one teaspoon of salt and a few drops of mild liquid dish soap.
Submerge the brass item for a few hours.
Wipe the brass item with a damp cloth, and then a dry cloth.
Wipe down the surface of the object with a dry cloth.
Pour one-half cup of white vinegar into a bowl.
Add one tablespoon of salt.
Sprinkle flour into the mixture until a paste forms.
Dip your cloth in the paste and apply it to the tarnished areas, using a bit more elbow grease if it’s an extra stubborn stain.
Wipe off the paste with a wet rag.
Use a cloth and buff dry the item for a perfectly polished look.
Use a cleaning cloth and apply enough ketchup to the surface of your item to fully cover it, or put enough ketchup in a bowl to fully cover the item (pure tomato juice works if you don’t have any ketchup).
Let the item sit in the ketchup for 30–60 minutes.
Rinse it under warm water, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any remaining debris or ketchup.
Use a cloth and buff dry.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a small bowl (you may need more lemons for large surfaces).
Sprinkle baking soda on the juice, and stir until it forms a paste.
Dip a cleaning cloth into the paste, and apply it to the surface of the brass object.
For heavily tarnished areas, let the paste sit for 30–60 minutes.
Rinse under warm water and buff dry.
Squeeze non-gel toothpaste into a small bowl.
Apply the paste with a soft-bristled toothbrush to the stained areas.
Let it sit for 5 minutes, and allow the whitening agent to reverse any oxidation that is causing the item to tarnish.
Rinse with warm, soapy water and use a dry cloth to buff dry.
Brasso Metal Polish Cream: You can find this cleaner at most hardware stores. It’s specifically targeted for tarnished brass and other stained metals, like copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. This cream is gentle enough to work on aged brass pieces and can provide a shiny, like-new finish when you’re done.
Twinkle Brass and Copper Cleaner: This brass cleaning kit comes with a cream cleaning solution and an applicator sponge so you have everything you need in one place.
Weiman Brass and Copper Cleaner: Weiman brass polish can be used to restore your unlacquered pieces and protect them from tarnishing in the future. Bonus points: it works on copper as well, so you can include your Moscow mule mugs in your polishing project.
FLITZ Instant Brass and Copper Tarnish Remover: This powerful cleaner is sprayed on tarnished items and instantly removes the staining (no rubbing required). Try this on delicate pieces that could be damaged by applying pressure when cleaning.
Use this method for brass-plated or lacquered brass items, as these items can be more susceptible to damage from other methods.
Mix one teaspoon of mild dish soap into two cups of warm water.
Use a microfiber cloth to gently buff the item with the soapy water.
Use a toothbrush for any small, hard-to-reach areas.
Rinse the item with warm water and buff dry.
Cleaning brass requires careful attention—avoid damaging your items by steering clear of these common mistakes:
Using abrasive materials: This can leave your trinkets with unwanted scuffs or scratches, especially if you are cleaning lacquered or brass-plated items.
Touching brass too often: Your skin is composed of natural oils that can speed up the oxidation process. This is why you may notice unwanted green marks on your skin when you wear brass jewelry for too long.
Cleaning lacquered brass with a too-strong solution: As noted, lacquered brass is sensitive and should only be cleaned using water and soap.
Periodic upkeep of brass items can be easily accomplished with household items, but if you don’t have time to fit this task into your schedule, a house cleaner near you can take it on as a special project. The cost of house cleaners is typically between $30 and $50 an hour.
In addition, if you have a tarnished lacquered brass piece, you may need to fully remove the varnish and re-lacquer it to preserve the item. This job is often best done by a professional.
Storing brass properly, cleaning it regularly, avoiding excess handling, and making sure to only use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning materials can all help extend the life of brass. Storing little-used brass items in airtight, water-tight containers will help prevent oxidation and water damage. For more frequently used items, try not to handle them frequently with bare hands, clean them when they begin showing signs of oxidation or tarnish, and avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners or tools.
Brass that is turning black is experiencing oxidation, a reaction caused by exposure to air. The oxygen found in air reacts with the metal and begins to cause discoloration that will become darker and more widespread with time. Regular cleaning will remove oxidation and prevent it from progressing on brass items.
Unpolished brass that isn’t regularly cleaned will become tarnished, resulting in a finish that’s dull, discolored, and dark. Unlike a lustrous patina that develops on some metal, tarnish can make your brass items appear old, dated, and dirty. Cleaning and polishing your brass will keep it looking great and in top condition.
