it’s possible for you to make your brass hardware and antiques sparkle with just a few household ingredients.
Carson Downing; Props: Joseph Wanek
Key Takeaways
Confused about how to clean brass?
If not kept up correctly, brass can get worn down as the years go by.
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When uncoated brass comes in contact with oxygen or oils from our skin, it tarnishes.
While tarnish isn’t usually corrosive, it darkens and dulls the surface.
Is your item solid brass or brass-plated?
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Does the brass have a protective finish like lacquer orpolyurethane sealer?
Solid brass withstands years of cleaning and polishing without excessive wear.
Not sure if you’re dealing with solid brass?
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Hold a magnet to the surface and see what happens.
A magnet won’t stick to solid brass.
Brass-plated items have only a thin layer of brass over another, usually less expensive, metal.
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A magnet test works here, too.
If a magnet sticks to the item in question, then the brass is just plating.
Use care and a light touch when cleaning brass-plated pieces.
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Damage to the coating will allow oxygen to reach the metal and tarnish to appear.
How Often to Clean Brass
Brass that is handled often is going to tarnish more quickly.
To keep brass hardware on doors, cabinets, andsink fixturesshiny, clean and polish them monthly.
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Decorative objects should be cleaned at least yearly or as tarnish appears.
Lacquered brass items only require dusting and gentle wiping with a damp cloth as needed.
you’re able to use a fresh lemon or make a paste with bottled lemon juice.
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Rub the salt-coated lemon over the surface of the brass.
Reapply salt as needed.
if you bump into some particularly tough spots on your brass objects, toothpaste can help.
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Always be gentle when cleaning with vinegar and don’t apply too much.
Mixing vinegar with water can help tone down the abrasiveness.
Allow the paste to remain on the brass for 30 minutes, but no more than one hour.
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Prevent spotting and tarnishing brass kitchenware by thoroughly drying the items after washing.
Keeping your brass polished will make cleaning your hardware and objects easier and less frequent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oxidation is the greenish or bluish tint your brass objects get over time.
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This tint is also called a patina.
Completely dry your brass hardware, then use a little olive oil to restore the shine to your object.
Coca-Cola is a surprisingly effective cleaning solution for brass.
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Its mild acidity works against corrosion, which protects the surface of brass objects.
Just see to it to spot-test before dunking your object in Coke to ensure it doesn’t get discolored.
WD-40 might remove some tarnish.
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As always, spot-test your object first to double-check the WD-40 doesn’t damage the finish.
confirm you start with a clean cloth, and it should be a softer variety like microfiber.
To remove tarnish, spray the WD-40 on your cloth and gently rub the spot in a circular motion.
Leave the cleaner on for 15 to 30 minutes, then wipe the object clean with a clean cloth.
