How to Restore the Shine of Brass for a Like-New Appearance

Unsure about cleaning brass? Over time, brass can lose its luster if not maintained properly. When exposed to oxygen or oils from our hands, uncoated brass tarnishes. While tarnish doesn’t usually cause damage, it can darken and dull the metal. Some may prefer the antique appeal of aged brass, but it's good to know how to restore its original gleam. The good news is that you probably have the necessary natural cleaning products right in your kitchen.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Starting

Before you begin cleaning, make sure you're clear on the type of material you're working with. Is it solid brass, or just a brass coating? Does it have a protective finish, like lacquer or polyurethane sealer? Solid brass can endure years of cleaning and polishing without significant wear.

Not sure if your item is made of solid brass? Perform a simple magnet test. A magnet won't stick to solid brass, but if it clings to the surface, the item is likely brass-plated. For brass-plated pieces, clean gently and carefully.

How Often Should You Clean Brass?

Brass that's frequently handled will tarnish faster. To keep brass items like door hardware, cabinet handles, and sink fixtures looking shiny, make sure to clean and polish them monthly. For decorative brass pieces, clean them at least once a year, or whenever tarnish appears. Lacquered brass requires only occasional dusting and a gentle wipe with a damp cloth as needed.

How to Clean Brass Using Lemon and Salt

If you've ever used a lemon dipped in salt to polish a copper pot, you can apply the same technique to brass. Brass is an alloy containing copper, and the citric acid in lemon helps break down the tarnish on the brass surface, while the salt provides a gentle abrasive action. You can either use a fresh lemon or create a paste using bottled lemon juice.

Items You'll Need

• Dishwashing liquid
• Lemon
• Table salt
• Spongue
• Microfiber cloth

Step 1: Eliminate Surface Dust and Dirt

Place the brass item into a container with warm, soapy water (using dish soap) to eliminate dust and grease. If the item can't be fully submerged, use a cloth dipped in the soapy water to gently wipe away any surface dirt.

Step 2: Create a Lemon Scrubber

Cut a lemon in half and dip the exposed sides into table salt. Use the salt-covered lemon to scrub the brass surface. Add more salt as necessary to maintain the abrasive effect.

Step 3: Make a Lemon Juice Paste

Combine one cup of salt with one-fourth cup of lemon juice to form a paste. Use a sponge or cloth to apply the mixture to the brass and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, scrub the brass clean with a damp sponge.

Step 4: Rinse and Polish

Once the tarnish has been removed, rinse the item thoroughly and then polish the brass with a lint-free microfiber cloth to dry it off.

How to Clean Brass Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Using baking soda and vinegar to polish brass is a tried-and-true method for maintaining its shine. While vinegar is an excellent cleaner, it can cause brass to lose its luster if left for too long or if scrubbed too aggressively. Be gentle when cleaning with vinegar and avoid overapplying. Mixing vinegar with water can help reduce its harshness.

Items You'll Need

• Dishwashing liquid
• Baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar
• Microfiber cloths
• Toothbrush

Step 1: Remove Surface Soil

Submerge the brass item in warm, soapy water (using liquid dish soap) to remove dust and grease. If the piece cannot be submerged, dip a cloth in the soapy water and wipe away loose dirt.

Step 2: Create a Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

In a bowl large enough to handle the fizzing, mix one cup of baking soda with one-fourth cup of distilled white vinegar to form a paste.

Step 3: Apply the Paste to the Brass Surface

Once the fizzing subsides and the paste has settled, apply it to the brass using a sponge. Let it sit on the brass for 30 minutes, but do not leave it for longer than one hour.

Step 4: Eliminate the Tarnish

Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away both the paste and the tarnish. For brass pieces with intricate designs, an old toothbrush can be used to clean the small details and remove tarnish from hard-to-reach areas.

Step 5: Rinse and Polish to a Gleam

Rinse the item thoroughly in warm water, then buff it dry using a lint-free microfiber cloth. To avoid spots and tarnishing, make sure to dry brass kitchenware completely after cleaning.

How to Keep Brass Clean and Shiny for a Longer Time

Brass cleaning may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. By maintaining the polish on your brass, you can reduce both the frequency and effort required for cleaning your objects and hardware.

• Avoid handling brass objects more than necessary, as the oils from your hands can cause tarnishing.
• Regularly dust decorative brass items to protect them from tarnish caused by airborne pollutants.
• You may want to apply a polyurethane coating after polishing to help preserve your decorative brass finishes and keep them free from tarnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does oxidation on brass look like and how can I remove it?

  Oxidation on brass appears as a greenish or bluish tint, often referred to as a patina. To remove this, use a cleaning paste made of white vinegar, salt, and flour. Apply the paste to your brass and let it sit for about an hour. Afterward, scrub and rinse it with warm water. Once dry, polish your brass with a little olive oil to restore its shine.