How to clean bronze

In this article, we show you how to clean bronze step by step, so that it looks beautiful and there is no damage. Don’t miss out on our tips.

Bronze corrosion occurs when the object comes into contact with different external elements: minerals, soil, water and/or air. These components erode the metal, creating a layer of oxide that spoils and darkens it.

The longer you leave a bronze item without cleaning it, the more rust and dirt from the environment it will have. Indeed, if it is not treated in time, these metal objects can suffer irreversible damage.  Keeping up a thorough cleaning routine for your bronze items is vital to keep the  in good condition.

How to clean bronze

Below are some tips for cleaning bronze at home:

• With sodium bicarbonate. You need two containers: one with water and a spoonful of salt and the other, with water and two spoonfuls of baking soda. First of all, place the bronze items in the water with salt for a few minutes. Remove them, and, after drying them thoroughly, place them in the container with baking soda. You use a toothbrush to remove any dirt and rust.
• With vinegar. We already know that vinegar is a great ally for domestic cleaning. Spray a cloth with vinegar and rub it all over the bronze item. You will see how the dirt gradually disappears. Then dry the item well to make it shine.
• With toothpaste. Add just a small amount of white toothpaste to  a cloth and rub the bronze item until  any remains of dirt have been removed and its natural shine has been restored. Then, remove the paste with water and dry the item. It can also be used to clean silver or gold.

How to clean blackened bronze

There are several methods for cleaning blackened bronze. However, you must make sure that the objects are pure bronze, as, if they are metal plated or plated in bronze, you could damage them with the products we propose:

• Ammonia. Just add a small part of ammonia to a container with water and immerse the bronze item in the water. After some time, rinse and dry the item.
• Another option is bicarbonate of soda, as mentioned above.
• Soap. This is the most common method used. Just wash the bronze item in water and soap. If you are unable to remove the blackened area, you can try with some lemon or vinegar.
• With tomato sauce and ketchup. These products are great for cleaning rust. Rub the bronze item with a little ketchup until the blackened area is gone. Then rinse the item with soap and water and you’re done!

How to clean bronze without damaging it

Ideally, clean the bronze once a month to prevent damage. In addition, you should keep in mind the following:

• Avoiding damp in the atmosphere is fundamental to prevent rust or blackening.
• As far as possible, store your jewellery or other bronze items in a dry place.
• It is also important to protect the item from dust. Dust the bronze items to make them shiny.
• Do not use abrasive products or steel sponges. They can scratch and damage the bronze irreparably.
• In addition, you can protect your bronze item with a small layer of wax or colourless cream that has a special silicone.

On the market, there are also specific cleaners for metal which will make your bronze look new. Just apply the product as recommended by the manufacturer on the label and use a clean cloth to polish it.

How to clean antique bronze

Many homes still have bronze doorknobs, as well as  drawer or cabinet handles in this material.

In these cases, you are recommended to, first of all, remove the dust and dirt with a clean and dry cotton cloth. Sponges are not recommended for cleaning bronze, as you could scratch the metal. Once the dirt has been removed, you can polish the items using one or other of the methods described above and add a shine by applying beeswax.