6 ways to clean brass

Brass is everywhere, from lamps and vases to coffee tables and cutlery. Over time, brass will start to look ugly due to oxidation, skin oils from touching, etc.. If this is the case, then it is time to start working with brass polish. But before we start using the most obvious method, brass polish, let us first show you a few alternative methods.

We will tell you all about cleaning brass and give you tips on brass polish.

Determine whether the object is made of brass

The first thing you need to determine is whether the object you want to clean is indeed brass. Although it appears to be brass, it may also be steel, zinc or cast iron with a layer of brass. The easiest way to check this is with a small magnet. Magnets do not stick to solid brass. So if the magnet sticks, it is not a solid brass object. Clean brass objects with hot soapy water (1). Rubbing or polishing too aggressively may remove the brass, so be careful!

1. Soap and warm water

Start with hot soapy water and a microfibre cloth: Go thoroughly with the cleaning cloth over all surfaces and use a clean toothbrush to get into all crevices.

• First fill a bowl with warm water.
• Add 5 to 6 drops of liquid soap to the water and mix.
• Dip some of the microfibre cloth or an old toothbrush into the mixture and brush it onto the brass surface.
• Wipe off the residue with a damp cloth, rinse with warm water and leave the brass item to dry.

2. Ketchup, tomato sauce or tomato paste

For heavier cleaning you can use ketchup, tomato sauce or tomato paste. Just rub a thin layer on the brass, let it sit for an hour and then clean the piece with hot soapy water (1).

3. Lemon juice

Lemon is a proven king for many solutions. If you are looking for a natural way to polish brass, grab a lemon. All you have to do is squeeze the lemon!

• First, fill a bowl with water.
• Then squeeze half a lemon into the container with the water.
• Then add a teaspoon of salt and mix it all together.
• Put the brass object in the container. For large objects, the following method is a better option.
• Let it soak until it is clean again.
• Wipe the brass with a clean cloth and let it dry.

4. Lemon with salt

The second way of cleaning brass also uses a lemon. However, this way is a little different. Instead of squeezing out the juice, use the lemon directly.

• Cut a lemon in half.
• Sprinkle some salt on the open side of the lemon.
• Rub the salted side of the lemon on the brass jewellery.
• As soon as the brass shines, wipe it off and let it dry.

5. A mixture of salt, flour and vinegar

Vinegar has the same effect as lemon in many ways. It is therefore logical to use it as a cleaning agent for brass and gold as well.

• First fill half a cup with vinegar.
• Then add a teaspoon of salt and mix it all together.
• Gradually add flour until the mixture forms a somewhat thicker paste.
• Spread the mixture over the brass and leave it to work for 10-15 minutes.
• Wipe off the residue with a damp cloth, rinse with warm water and allow the brass to dry.

6. Brass polish

Commercial metal cleaners and polishes are also effective in cleaning brass. One of these polishes is Autosol Metal Polish.

See the results obtained with Autosol Metal Polish as brass polish.

Mistakes to avoid when polishing brass

There are a few points to watch out for when cleaning and polishing brass:

• Avoid using strongly abrasive polishing cloths, brushes with metal bristles or coarse steel wool; these will scratch the surface of the brass.
• To prevent tarnishing, use a soft terry cloth to apply a thin layer of linseed oil or mineral oil to clean brass.
• Many brass objects are protected with a layer of lacquer. Clean these only with warm soapy water! If these objects are badly tarnished, you should remove the lacquer with a paint or varnish remover, clean and polish the brass with one of the above methods and then re-coat the object.
• You should avoid touching your brass items as much as possible; oils in your skin can accelerate oxidation.
• Regular cleaning with a microfibre cloth prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt. It keeps brass more beautiful.

With these simple and effective ways, you will enjoy your brass longer.