Brass, with its warm golden hue, adds a touch of elegance to any home, from gleaming doorknobs to sophisticated décor. However, this beautiful alloy is prone to tarnishing, losing its luster over time and becoming dull or even green. Knowing How To Clean Brass effectively is key to maintaining its beauty and extending the lifespan of your treasured items. Whether it’s antique hardware or modern accents, understanding the right cleaning methods can restore their shine without causing damage.
This guide will walk you through various techniques for cleaning brass, from gentle everyday cleaning to tackling stubborn tarnish. We’ll cover everything you need to know to bring back the brilliance of your brass items safely and efficiently, ensuring they continue to enhance your space for years to come.
Identifying Solid Brass vs. Brass Plated Items
Before you begin cleaning, it’s crucial to determine whether your item is solid brass or brass plated. Solid brass is more durable and can withstand more rigorous cleaning methods, while brass-plated items require a gentler approach to avoid damaging the thin outer layer.
A simple test is to use a magnet. Solid brass is not magnetic, so if a magnet doesn’t stick, you likely have solid brass. If the magnet does stick, the item is likely brass plated over steel or another magnetic metal. Another indicator is weight; solid brass items are typically heavier than brass-plated ones. For delicate or antique pieces, especially if you are unsure, always err on the side of caution and use the gentlest cleaning methods.
Everyday Cleaning for Light Tarnish on Brass
For brass items that only have a light layer of dust or fingerprints, a simple cleaning routine can maintain their shine.
What you’ll need:
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Mild dish soap (optional)
- Warm water (optional)
Steps:
- Dusting: Regularly dust your brass items with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. This prevents dust and grime from building up and causing tarnish.
- Gentle Wipe Down (Optional): For fingerprints or light smudges, dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and a tiny drop of mild dish soap. Wring out the cloth well so it’s just damp, not wet.
- Wipe and Dry: Gently wipe the brass surface with the damp cloth.
- Dry Immediately: Use a separate, dry microfiber cloth to immediately dry the brass thoroughly. Moisture can accelerate tarnishing, so drying is essential.
This routine is perfect for brass doorknobs, handles, and decorative objects that are regularly touched or exposed to dust.
Deep Cleaning Tarnished Brass with Bar Keepers Friend
For brass items with more significant tarnish, Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) is a highly effective and recommended cleaner. It’s gentle enough for regular use yet powerful enough to remove tarnish without harsh abrasives.
What you’ll need:
- Bar Keepers Friend Powdered Cleanser or Soft Liquid Cleanser
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Soft-bristled toothbrush (for intricate areas)
- Small container of water
- Soft damp cloth
- Soft dry polishing cloth (microfiber)
Steps:
- Wet the Surface: Dampen the brass surface with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Apply BKF: Apply a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend Powdered Cleanser to a damp sponge, or use Bar Keepers Friend Soft Liquid Cleanser directly.
- Gentle Cleaning: Gently rub the BKF on the brass surface. For hard-to-reach areas or intricate designs, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to apply the cleaner and gently scrub.
- Wait Briefly: Allow the BKF to sit for about one minute. Do not let it dry completely on the surface.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the brass item thoroughly with water to remove all traces of BKF.
- Repeat if Needed: For heavily tarnished areas, you may need to repeat the cleaning process.
- Buff with Damp Cloth: Use a soft damp cloth to buff the surface.
- Dry and Polish: Dry the brass completely with a soft, dry polishing cloth, such as microfiber, to bring out the shine.
Bar Keepers Friend is effective because of its mild abrasive and acidic properties, which gently lift tarnish without scratching the brass. Always test in an inconspicuous area first, especially on antique or delicate items.
Natural Cleaning Solutions for Brass
If you prefer natural cleaning methods, several household ingredients can effectively clean brass, especially for lighter tarnish.
1. Vinegar and Salt Paste
- What you’ll need: White vinegar, salt, flour (optional – to make a thicker paste), soft cloth.
- Method: Mix equal parts white vinegar and salt to form a paste. For a thicker paste, add a bit of flour. Apply the paste to the brass, let it sit for about 15-30 minutes (depending on tarnish level), then rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry completely.
2. Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
- What you’ll need: Lemon juice, baking soda, soft cloth.
- Method: Make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Apply it to the brass, gently rub with a soft cloth, rinse with warm water, and dry thoroughly. The acidity of the lemon juice combined with the mild abrasiveness of baking soda helps remove tarnish.
3. Ketchup or Tomato Paste
- What you’ll need: Ketchup or tomato paste, soft cloth.
- Method: Surprisingly, the acid in tomatoes can help clean brass. Apply a thin layer of ketchup or tomato paste to the brass, let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry.
4. Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
- What you’ll need: Olive oil, lemon juice, soft cloths (two).
- Method: Mix equal parts olive oil and lemon juice. Apply to the brass with a cloth, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a fresh cloth. This method is good for both cleaning and adding a bit of shine.
When using natural cleaners, always test in a small, hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the brass finish. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely after using any of these methods.
Polishing and Protecting Your Cleaned Brass
Once your brass is clean, polishing can enhance its shine and protective measures can help prevent future tarnishing.
Polishing:
- Brass Polish: Commercial brass polishes are available and can provide a high shine and a protective layer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Microfiber Cloth Buffing: For a natural shine, simply buff the cleaned brass with a dry microfiber cloth in circular motions. This can enhance the natural luster, especially after using cleaning methods like BKF or natural pastes.
Protecting Brass from Tarnishing:
- Lacquer or Brass Protectant Sprays: For items that you want to keep shiny for a long time without frequent cleaning, you can apply a thin coat of clear lacquer or a specialized brass protectant spray. These create a barrier against air and moisture, the primary causes of tarnish. Be aware that lacquer can sometimes change the appearance slightly and is difficult to remove if you decide to go back to unlacquered brass.
- Regular Dusting: Consistent dusting is a simple yet effective way to minimize tarnish buildup.
- Avoid Moisture: Keep brass items away from excessive moisture and humidity as much as possible.
Tips for Cleaning Brass Effectively
- Gentle is Best: Start with the mildest cleaning method and only increase the intensity if needed. Harsh abrasives can scratch brass, especially plated items.
- Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before applying any cleaner to the entire piece, test it on a small, hidden spot to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
- Remove Hardware When Possible: When cleaning brass hardware like doorknobs or handles, remove them if possible. This makes cleaning easier and prevents cleaning solutions from damaging surrounding surfaces like wood doors.
- Wear Gloves: Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from cleaning agents and to prevent transferring oils from your skin to the brass, which can contribute to tarnishing.
- Clean Regularly: Regular light cleaning is much easier than dealing with heavy tarnish buildup. Incorporate brass dusting into your routine home cleaning.
By following these methods and tips, you can effectively clean your brass items, restore their beautiful shine, and keep them looking their best for years to come. Whether you choose a quick wipe-down, the power of Bar Keepers Friend, or natural solutions, your brass will once again be a gleaming highlight in your home.
