Knowing how to clean brass is simple and straight forward. It is often used on lamps, vases and flatware. Due to its striking appearance as a high-end décor item, it is also known for getting tarnished quickly which unfortunately creates quite an aged and dated look.
Taking care of dirty brass is essential whether in the home, office or medical centre, as with time it is common for it to lose its shining properties, which is unfortunately one of the negatives you can face when owning it. On a positive note, there are several methods you can begin using to polish your brass, bringing it back that beautiful shine once again.
We use tried and tested commercial cleaning methods, which while they may work instantly for you, we also fully understand that cleaning brass is not a one size fits all. Brass is one of those things that you may need to try multiple methods on to find the one that works best for the brass you are attempting to clean.
Taking your brass items to a professional brass cleaner may not always be the most cost and time effective, so feel free to read through our comprehensive brass cleaning guide for our tips and tricks.
Before You Begin Cleaning Your Brass
The first question you should ask yourself is, am I attempting to clean solid brass or brass plated, as the answer to this question will determine how much elbow grease is required along with the level of care you essentially need to take. So how can you tell if it is solid or plated? Use a magnet! If the magnet does not stick, the item is solid brass, whereas if the magnet sticks, then the piece you are testing is in fact brass plated (a base metal coated with a very thin layer of brass plating). Unfortunately, brass plated pieces are susceptible to damage if you are too firm on the scrubbing motion, due to the plating being worn away easily. Contact us if you are still unsure how to clean brass and we will attempt guiding you through the process.
Equipment/Tools/Materials
| Equipment / Tools | Materials |
| 2 Microfiber Cleaning Cloths | Baking Soda Box |
| 1 Soft Toothbrush | Distilled Vinegar |
| 1 Large Bucket | Dishwashing Liquid |
| 1 Sponge | Magnet |
| 1 Small Bowl |
How to Clean Brass – Instructions:
Step 1: Wash the Brass
The first step is to ensure dust and grease particles are cleaned off before attempting to remove the tarnish. Using either a large bucket, or even the bathtub, submerge the brass piece in hot water along with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Wash the brass with a soft sponge or soft cloth before rinsing and drying with a microfiber cloth. Visually inspect the brass once dry to ensure all dust, grease and grime has been removed prior to commencing step 2.
Step 2: Make a Brass Cleaning Paste
In this step you will need to mix ingredients to create your brass cleaning paste. Do this by mixing 1 cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar in a mixing bowl. The paste will likely fizz for a short period of time, approximately 1 minute. Once the fizzing stops, it is time to spread the paste on the brass surfaces using an old toothbrush or cloth.
Step 3: Rest, Rinse, Buff and Display
Set your timer for half an hour once you have applied the paste to the brass. Using a damp soft cloth, gently rub the brass to help loosen any tarnish. Rinse with warm water while attempting to wipe away any tarnish using the damp cloth. Finally, you can begin buffing the brass with a dry microfiber cloth. Please note: if the brass is heavily tarnished, repeating the above steps may be required.
How Often Should You Clean Brass?
The answer to this question can depend on the level of usage the brass receives. Generally, the more often brass is handled, the increased risk it will tarnish faster. High frequency brass hardware, such as on kitchen cabinets and sinks should be cleaned often, at least monthly. Low frequency items, such as rarely worn jewellery or decorative brass, can go for much longer periods of time without being cleaned, several months to a year. If you are stuck for time, try contacting a professional cleaning service provider for a quotation.
Tips to Keep Brass Tarnish-Free and Shining
- Don’t touch brass items any more than necessary. The oils in your hands cause brass to tarnish. We know, that is easier said than done when brass can be jewellery.
- Ensure you dry brass pots and pans as soon as you wash them to prevent spotting and tarnish.
- Never put brass kitchenware in the dishwasher! The harsh detergents can damage the finish.
- Create a regular dusting routine for decorative brass pieces to prevent tarnish from forming.
Contact Us
When it comes to tips and tricks for how to clean brass, we understand there are several methods with most equipment and materials easily found within your own home.
Partner with Cleanco Commercial Cleaning for additional cleaning instructions and advice. Contact us today!