How to Clean Brass: 14 Easy & Proven Tricks

Brass is a metal that has long been associated with elegance and durability. It’s commonly used in various household items, from candlesticks and doorknobs to jewelry, musical instruments, and even furniture accents. Its distinctive, warm, golden hue can instantly elevate the aesthetic appeal of any object. However, despite its beauty, brass is also notorious for losing its luster over time. Exposure to air and moisture can lead to tarnishing, a natural process where the metal oxidizes, forming a dull or darkened layer on the surface. Tarnished brass can look old, dirty, and unsightly, detracting from its original beauty.

Thankfully, brass is a material that responds well to cleaning, and with the right techniques, it’s possible to restore tarnished brass to its former gleaming state. The methods for cleaning brass vary depending on whether the brass is solid or brass-plated, as well as the severity of the tarnish. Additionally, it’s essential to note that some methods are better suited to delicate or intricate brass items, while others work best on large, heavily tarnished pieces. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 14 proven tricks for cleaning brass, using both natural home remedies and commercial cleaning products, to help you keep your brass items looking as good as new.

Solid Brass vs. Brass-Plated: Identifying Your Item

Before embarking on any cleaning regimen for your brass item, it’s crucial to determine whether it’s solid brass or brass-plated. Solid brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and it’s much more robust, meaning it can withstand more aggressive cleaning methods. In contrast, brass-plated items have only a thin layer of brass coating another metal, such as steel or zinc, and are more susceptible to damage if scrubbed too harshly. If you’re unsure whether your item is solid brass or brass-plated, a quick test can help:

Simply use a magnet. Solid brass is non-magnetic, so if the magnet doesn’t stick, it’s likely solid brass. If the magnet does stick, the item is brass-plated, which means you’ll need to be more cautious when cleaning to avoid damaging the brass layer.

Now that you’ve identified your brass item, let’s dive into 14 effective ways to clean it.

1. Lemon and Baking Soda Paste

A tried-and-true method for cleaning brass is the combination of lemon and baking soda, both of which are household staples. Lemon, with its high acidity, is particularly effective at breaking down tarnish, while baking soda provides a mild abrasive to help scrub away the grime without scratching the surface. This natural solution is a great alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

Instructions:

1. Start by squeezing the juice of a lemon into a small bowl.
2. Gradually add baking soda to the lemon juice, stirring as you go, until you form a thick paste.
3. Apply the paste to the brass using a soft cloth or sponge, gently rubbing it into the surface in small, circular motions.
4. Allow the paste to sit on the brass for about 5–10 minutes, giving the lemon’s acidity time to break down the tarnish.
5. After the time has passed, rinse the brass with warm water to remove the paste.
6. Dry the item with a clean, soft cloth and buff it to restore the shine.

This method works well for most solid brass items and is particularly effective for heavily tarnished pieces. However, it’s important to avoid using this method on brass-plated items, as the abrasiveness of the baking soda could wear away the thin layer of brass.

2. Vinegar, Salt, and Flour Paste

Another effective and natural solution for cleaning brass is a mixture of vinegar, salt, and flour. Vinegar is a mild acid that helps dissolve tarnish, while salt acts as a gentle abrasive. The addition of flour helps to thicken the mixture, making it easier to apply to the brass surface. This paste is particularly useful for brass items with intricate designs or engravings, as it can reach into small crevices.

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of salt with half a cup of vinegar until the salt dissolves.
2. Slowly add enough flour to the mixture to create a paste-like consistency.
3. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to the brass item, rubbing it gently over the tarnished areas.
4. Allow the paste to sit on the brass for 30–60 minutes.
5. Afterward, rinse the item thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the paste.
6. Dry the brass with a soft towel and buff it to a shine.

This method is especially helpful for heavily tarnished brass that needs a bit of extra care. The vinegar and salt work together to lift the tarnish, while the flour allows for easy application and removal. It’s a safe, effective option for both solid brass and brass-plated items.

3. Ketchup or Tomato Paste

It may sound unconventional, but ketchup or tomato paste can be surprisingly effective at cleaning brass. The acidic nature of tomatoes, combined with the mild abrasiveness of the paste, makes it a great option for removing tarnish and restoring shine.

Instructions:

1. Squeeze a generous amount of ketchup or tomato paste onto the brass surface.
2. Spread the paste evenly using a cloth or sponge, ensuring all tarnished areas are covered.
3. Let the ketchup sit on the brass for 10–20 minutes to allow the acidity to break down the tarnish.
4. Afterward, use a soft cloth to gently rub the brass, focusing on any stubborn areas of tarnish.
5. Rinse the brass thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.

This method is particularly useful for small brass items, such as jewelry or decorative pieces, as it requires minimal effort and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

4. Toothpaste

Another simple but effective brass-cleaning method involves the use of non-gel toothpaste. Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that can gently scrub away tarnish without damaging the brass.

Instructions:

1. Apply a small amount of toothpaste (preferably non-gel, as gel formulas are less effective) to a soft cloth or toothbrush.
2. Gently rub the brass item using small, circular motions, focusing on areas where tarnish is most evident.
3. After scrubbing, rinse the item with warm water to remove the toothpaste.
4. Dry the brass thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.

Toothpaste is a great option for cleaning brass items that have delicate engravings or designs, as the toothbrush can reach into tiny crevices that are difficult to clean with larger cloths or sponges.

5. Lemon and Salt

For a quick and easy way to remove tarnish from brass, lemon and salt make a powerful combination. The acidity of the lemon helps break down the tarnish, while the coarse texture of the salt acts as a natural scrub.

Instructions:

1. Cut a lemon in half, then sprinkle coarse salt onto the cut side of the lemon.
2. Rub the salted lemon directly onto the brass, applying firm pressure as you scrub.
3. Continue rubbing the lemon over the brass until the tarnish is lifted.
4. Rinse the brass with warm water to remove the lemon juice and salt.
5. Dry the brass with a soft cloth and buff it to restore the shine.

This method is especially effective for solid brass items that are heavily tarnished. However, it’s important to avoid using this method on brass-plated items, as the abrasiveness of the salt can scratch or wear away the brass plating.

6. Brass Cleaner (Commercial Products)

For those who prefer store-bought solutions, there are several commercial brass cleaners available that are specifically formulated to remove tarnish and restore brass’s natural shine. These products are designed to be effective and convenient, often requiring less elbow grease than homemade solutions.

Instructions:

1. Apply a small amount of brass cleaner to a soft cloth.
2. Rub the cleaner onto the brass surface in circular motions, focusing on tarnished areas.
3. Let the cleaner sit for the amount of time recommended on the product’s label.
4. Buff the brass with a clean, dry cloth to restore its shine.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using commercial brass cleaners, and ensure the product is suitable for your specific item. Commercial cleaners can be especially useful for heavily tarnished items or for those who want a quick, professional-looking result without the hassle of making their own cleaning solutions.

7. Worcestershire Sauce

Surprisingly, Worcestershire sauce can also be an effective brass cleaner. The combination of vinegar, tamarind, and other acidic ingredients in Worcestershire sauce makes it great for breaking down tarnish on brass items.

Instructions:

1. Pour a small amount of Worcestershire sauce onto a soft cloth or sponge.
2. Gently rub the sauce onto the brass, ensuring all tarnished areas are covered.
3. Let the sauce sit on the brass for about 10–15 minutes.
4. Afterward, rinse the brass with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.

This method works well for small brass items such as jewelry, doorknobs, or hardware. The acidity of the Worcestershire sauce helps lift tarnish, while its thicker consistency makes it easy to apply.

8. Ammonia and Water Solution

For heavily

tarnished brass items, a solution of ammonia and water can be highly effective. Ammonia is a strong cleaning agent that cuts through tough tarnish and grime, making it ideal for items that haven’t been cleaned in a long time. However, this method should only be used on solid brass, as ammonia can damage brass-plated items.

Instructions:

1. Mix one part ammonia with ten parts water in a bowl.
2. Soak a soft cloth in the ammonia solution, then wring it out so it’s damp, not dripping.
3. Wipe down the brass item with the ammonia-soaked cloth, focusing on tarnished areas.
4. If needed, use a soft toothbrush dipped in the solution to scrub hard-to-reach spots.
5. Rinse the brass thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.
6. Dry the item with a clean, soft cloth.

It’s important to work in a well-ventilated area when using ammonia, as the fumes can be strong. Always wear gloves when handling ammonia, and avoid prolonged exposure to the skin.

9. Olive Oil for Polishing

After cleaning your brass, it’s a good idea to apply a light coating of olive oil to help maintain its shine and prevent future tarnish. Olive oil acts as a natural polish, creating a protective barrier that slows down the oxidation process, which is the main cause of tarnishing.

Instructions:

1. Pour a small amount of olive oil onto a clean, soft cloth.
2. Rub the oil into the brass, ensuring an even application across the entire surface.
3. Use a second clean cloth to buff the brass, removing any excess oil and enhancing its shine.

This method is especially useful for brass items that are frequently handled, such as doorknobs, handles, or kitchen hardware. The olive oil not only polishes the brass but also helps protect it from fingerprints and moisture, which can accelerate tarnishing.

10. Soap and Water for Routine Cleaning

For routine maintenance and lightly tarnished brass, sometimes a simple solution of soap and water is all that’s needed to keep your brass items looking clean and shiny. This gentle method works well on both solid brass and brass-plated items and can help prevent tarnish from building up over time.

Instructions:

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring it out so it’s damp.
3. Gently wipe down the brass item, removing any dust, dirt, or fingerprints.
4. Rinse the item with clean water to remove any soapy residue.
5. Dry the brass thoroughly with a soft towel.

This method is ideal for regular cleaning and works particularly well on brass items that are used frequently, such as kitchenware, doorknobs, or light fixtures. By incorporating this routine cleaning method, you can keep your brass looking its best without having to deal with heavy tarnish.

11. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Scrub

A variation of the lemon and baking soda paste is to create a scrub using the two ingredients. This method adds a bit more abrasiveness, making it suitable for brass items that are heavily tarnished or have stubborn grime.

Instructions:

1. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a small bowl.
2. Add about one tablespoon of baking soda to the lemon juice and stir to form a gritty scrub.
3. Using a soft cloth or sponge, apply the scrub to the brass item, focusing on areas with heavy tarnish.
4. Gently scrub the brass in circular motions, allowing the mixture to lift the tarnish.
5. Rinse the item with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.

This scrub is especially helpful for cleaning brass items with intricate details or engravings, as the gritty texture of the baking soda can get into small crevices and lift dirt and tarnish.

12. Cornstarch Paste

Cornstarch is another household item that can be used to clean brass. When mixed with water, cornstarch forms a paste that can help remove tarnish and restore shine.

Instructions:

1. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to the brass item using a soft cloth or your fingers.
3. Let the paste dry completely on the brass.
4. Once dried, use a clean cloth to buff the brass, removing the cornstarch and revealing the shine.

This method is particularly useful for removing fingerprints and light tarnish from brass items.

13. Club Soda for Quick Cleaning

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to clean lightly tarnished brass, club soda can do the trick. The carbonation in the soda helps to lift dirt and grime, leaving your brass looking clean and shiny.

Instructions:

1. Soak a soft cloth in club soda.
2. Wipe down the brass item, removing dirt and light tarnish.
3. Dry the item with a clean cloth and buff it to restore the shine.

This method works well for brass items that need a quick refresh, such as small decorative pieces or jewelry.

14. Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda for Stubborn Tarnish

For brass items with particularly stubborn tarnish, the combination of aluminum foil and baking soda can be highly effective. This method creates a chemical reaction that helps lift tarnish without the need for harsh scrubbing.

Instructions:

1. Line a bowl with aluminum foil.
2. Fill the bowl with hot water and add one tablespoon of baking soda.
3. Place the brass item in the bowl, ensuring that it’s in contact with the aluminum foil.
4. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes, allowing the chemical reaction to lift the tarnish.
5. Remove the item, rinse it with clean water, and dry it with a soft cloth.

This method is particularly effective for brass items that have intricate designs or are heavily tarnished. The baking soda and aluminum foil work together to lift the tarnish, leaving the brass looking bright and clean.

Conclusion

Cleaning brass may seem like a daunting task, but with these 14 proven tricks, you can easily restore the beauty and shine of your brass items. Whether you prefer natural, homemade solutions like lemon and baking soda or vinegar and salt, or you opt for commercial brass cleaners, the key is to find a method that suits the type of brass you’re cleaning—whether solid brass or brass-plated. Regular cleaning and maintenance, such as wiping down brass with a soap and water solution or applying a protective layer of olive oil, can help prevent tarnish from building up over time.

By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your brass items stay gleaming and beautiful for years to come. Whether you’re cleaning a cherished heirloom, restoring a piece of jewelry, or maintaining your home décor, the right cleaning technique can make all the difference in keeping your brass looking its best.