Over time, your favorite brass bits can lose their glow as oxygen, water, and other elements cause the metal to corrode or tarnish. Luckily, there are lots of straightforward techniques to bring life back to your brass. With our editor-tested procedures on how best to clean brass, you will just need basic household supplies and a few minutes to restore shine into components, doorknobs, decorative items, and more.
Before you begin cleaning brass, however, make sure that what you are polishing is really created out of the material. Just because an item resembles brass doesn’t indicate that it is pure. Many items are simply brass-plated, and these cleaning procedures could hurt them. If you are not sure, try this simple test: Check the metal with a magnet; when it sticks, it is not actual brass.
Before you start cleaning your brass thing, you should also check to find out if the brass has been lacquered. Lacquer is a slim, shiny layer that helps prevent tarnish. Regrettably, most cleaning procedures will harm lacquered brass, so your best alternative is to take the piece to a professional.
You’ll also need to understand what sort of stain, grime, or buildup you are working with. Always test the cleaning procedure in a small, inconspicuous location. For stubborn stains, it is possible to try many different cleaning procedures on the same spot, just make certain to complete the entire procedure before continuing to another method. In case you have any doubts or the thing you are attempting to clean is high in value, think about taking the brass piece in for a cleaning.
1. How to Clean Brass with Ketchup
Who’d have figured your favorite burger topping could double as a brass cleanser? Ketchup’s mix of berries, spices, and vinegar is a cheap, easy way to revive old brass. This simple cleaning hack requires only the condiment and a couple of clean cloths. Begin by squirting a small amount of ketchup onto the brass in an inconspicuous place, such as the bottom.
Allow it to sit for a couple of seconds, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Repeat on the remainder of the brass piece. Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a clean cloth.
2. How to Clean Brass with Vinegar
Three common household items unite for this brass cleaning method. To create tough stains disappear, combine salt abrasive energy, vinegar’s tough acid, and all-purpose flour as a thickener. In a medium-size bowl, add 1 teaspoon. Salt to 1/2 cup vinegar.
Stir the mixture until the salt is dissolved. Then add enough flour to make a paste (about two tbsp). Rub the paste on your brass object and let dry for 10 minutes. Rinse, wipe clean, and thoroughly dry the brass with a clean cloth.
3.How to Clean Brass with Lemon and Baking Soda
Lemon juice and baking soda are strong all-natural cleansers on their own, but when combined, this dynamic duo eliminates brass buildup easily. Add 1 teaspoon. Baking soda and mix. With a clean cloth, rub a few of this mixture on the brass. Polish and buff away dirt, and reapplying the mixture as needed. Wipe away any lingering residue with a wet rag, then wash with a clean cloth.
Editor’s Tip: Try this method on brass items that you can’t readily soak, like doorknobs and knockers. You will revive the glow without needing to eliminate any hardware. How to Wash Brass with Soap and Water.
4. How to Clean Brass with Soap and Water
Sometimes the easiest brass cleaning methods are the best. If you are short on cleaning materials, try water and soap to clean tarnished brass. Make a warm bath for your brass in a container that is clean, then blend in a few tablespoons of soap. Soak the brass for a few seconds, then use a microfiber cloth or wash toothbrush to work out any stains.
The warm soap and water will do a bit of their job, but this method may still expect a bit of elbow grease! After all of the tarnish is gone, remove the brass piece from the soapy water. Rinse and wipe dry with a clean cloth.
5. How to Clean Brass with Toothpaste
Toothpaste helps whiten your teeth and you can use the same cleaning magic. To clean brass with toothpaste, first pick plain, white toothpaste (you don’t need any gels or elaborate flavors). Then, apply a thin layer of the paste to your brass object. Let rest for a couple of minutes, then polish with a clean cloth.
For tough stains, you’ll likely need to use a little force. Feel free to apply extra dabs of toothpaste to especially stubborn locations. When the brass is polished to your liking, then rinse with cool water and dry using a microfiber fabric.
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