How to clean brass

Here are the best tips for cleaning brass surfaces depending on their condition and for  making them look like new. Don’t miss out!

How to clean brass

Brass is a material that is commonly used in the manufacture of door handles, ornaments, musical instruments, and a variety of decorative objects. It is made from a copper-zinc alloy and has a beautiful golden sheen. However, with time, it can lose its shine and become covered with a patina (a kind of olive-coloured varnish) due to oxidation, damp and exposure to the air.

Fortunately, with proper products and methods, the brass can be cleaned, and its original shine restored without damaging the surface during the procedure, by using both specific products and home solutions. Start by removing the dust from the surface with a soft cloth or a soft-bristle brush. Wash the brass item with lukewarm water and gentle soap (such as washing up liquid) to remove any superficial dirt. Make sure to dry it completely with a clean cloth to prevent water stains.

There are natural methods for brass objects that require a thorough cleaning.

Vinegar, salt and flour: In the event that you need to polish the brass to remove more stubborn dirt, use a mixture of these ingredients to make a paste. Apply the paste on the brass and leave for about 10 minutes. Then rub gently with a soft cloth or a soft-bristle brush. Rinse with lukewarm water and leave to dry.

Lemon juice: Most metal objects are cleaned with a cloth soaked in lemon juice. Rub the metal with a damp cloth dipped in lemon juice until it shines. Then, with a wet cloth, rinse the surface and then dry it with a clean, dry cloth.

Toothpaste: Components of toothpaste recover the shine on brass items when they start to change colour. This simple alternative is quite useful especially when cleaning brass door handles, hinges and other objects that cannot be removed. Spread the toothpaste evenly over the object and rub it with a soft cloth or soft-bristle brush. Leave on for 10 minutes and remove with a damp cloth and then wipe with another dry cloth. 

Ketchup: A very surprising method is ketchup. Yes, ketchup! If you don’t have other ingredients on hand, like lemon or bicarbonate of soda, you can put some of this tomato sauce on the brass item and rub with a cloth. You will see how, against all odds, it works.

You can always use specific products , sold in your usual Consum to remove stains. In this case, 

Choose cleaners specifically designed for brass. Follow the manufacturer’s indications carefully to avoid damaging the item. You usually need just a small amount of these cleaners on a cloth. Wipe the brass and then polish it with clean, dry cloth.

How to clean rusty brass

The procedure in this case is to soak the brass items in a container with vinegar for several hours. The time depends on the degree of oxidation and the size of the rust stains. You should check the items every 30 mins. Then apply a paste made with lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda with a cloth. The bicarbonate is one of the simplest option, especially when the brass items are rusty. Lastly, remove the paste applied to the item and dry properly with a clean cloth.

As you can see, there are many different alternatives. An infinite number of solutions at your fingertips. However, maintenance is important in the case of this material. This is why you should clean brass on a regular basis.