How To Clean Brass

Brass fixtures and hardware can pick up nasty grime as they age. But with a few household items and store-bought cleaners, you can keep your brass looking sharp throughout its life span.

Written by Brenda Woods Updated 12/04/2024

Brass fixtures and hardware can develop an unsightly green, oxidized layer over time, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw them away. Using the right tools and techniques, you can clean and polish brass, restoring the metal and making it shine like new once again. In our guide, we’ll explain how to clean brass, what tools you’ll need, and the steps you can take to care for your brass items, keeping your brass gleaming for years to come.

What Is Brass and Why Does It Tarnish?

Brass is a mix of copper and zinc. This combination creates a metal that’s durable, malleable, and resistant to corrosion. Because of its golden hue, it’s used for decorative items, hardware, and musical instruments.

When brass is exposed to air and moisture, it goes through a process called natural oxidation. The reaction turns the surface green or brown, which is known as patina. Antique collectors value this aged look, but many others would like to maintain the original shine of their brass items.

Identifying Genuine Brass Items

If you want to restore that golden hue, you first need to determine whether the item is solid brass or brass-plated. The cleaning method you use depends on the brass makeup. Using harsh cleaning methods on brass-plated items can damage the thin brass layer and expose the base metal underneath.

Common Household Brass Objects

Brass is commonly found in various household items, including the following:

Cabinet hardware
Decorative vases and bowls
Doorknobs and handles
Light fixtures
Musical instruments
Plumbing fixtures

How To Tell If It’s Real Brass

To identify genuine brass:

Check the color: Real brass has a muted, golden hue, but brass-plated items have a brighter yellow appearance.
Look for a yellow scratch: Make a tiny scratch in a discreet spot. If you see a bright yellow color, it could be solid brass.
Test with a magnet: Solid brass isn’t magnetic, so if a magnet sticks to the item, it’s probably brass-plated.

Tools and Materials for Cleaning Brass

Collecting the right tools and materials will help you clean your brass items without causing damage. You can mix a homemade cleaner or buy one from the store.

Homemade Cleaning Solutions

We’ll explain how to mix a cleaning solution a little later in this article, but for now, here are the everyday household items you can use to create an effective brass cleaners:

Diluted dish soap
Ketchup or tomato sauce
Lemon juice and baking soda
Olive oil
White vinegar, salt, and flour

Commercial Brass Cleaners

For tougher cleaning jobs, consider these store-bought options:

Brass polish
Copper polish
Metal cleaning pastes
Specialized brass cleaning solutions

Additional materials you’ll need include the following:

Rubber gloves
Soft-bristled toothbrush
Soft cloths or microfiber towels
Warm water

Step-by-Step Guide To Clean Brass

Now that you’ve collected your tools and materials, follow the steps below to clean your brass items.

Preparing the Brass Surface

The first step to restoring your brass item’s appearance is to get rid of dust, dirt, and grime. Here’s the way you can clean your brass items:

Dust the item with a soft cloth to remove loose dirt.
Wash the brass with mild soap and warm water to remove surface grime.
Dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.

Applying Cleaning Solutions

Once you’ve removed all that dirt and grime and decided which cleaning solution to use, it’s time to apply it. Below are the steps and a few tips:

Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth or directly to the brass surface.
Rub the cleaner into the brass using circular motions.

Rub the cleaner onto your item gently so that you don’t scratch your item, and if you have to clean more intricate areas, use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Polishing and Finishing

The final step in cleaning is polishing the brass to restore its natural luster.

Rinse the brass item thoroughly with clean water.
Dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Apply a thin layer of brass polish or olive oil for extra shine and protection.

Natural Brass Cleaning Methods

If you’ve decided to create a do-it-yourself (DIY) solution to clean your brass, grab those products we listed earlier and get to mixing. Here’s how to use each one depending on the ingredients you have on hand:

Lemon and Baking Soda Method

Cut a lemon in half and remove the seeds.
Sprinkle baking soda on the cut side of the lemon.
Rub the lemon on the brass surface, reapplying baking soda as needed.
Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry.

Vinegar and Salt Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and salt to form a paste.
Apply the paste to the brass with a soft cloth.
Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and dry.

Ketchup Cleaning Technique

Apply a thin layer of ketchup to the brass surface.
Let it sit for about an hour.
Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Commercial Brass Cleaning Products

When homemade solutions aren’t enough, you can use commercial products for more powerful cleaning action. Check the label before you buy to confirm that the cleaner is meant for brass.

Best Store-Bought Brass Cleaners

The following products are specifically designed for brass:

Bar Keepers Friend
Brasso Metal Polish
Wright’s Brass Polish

How To Use Commercial Brass Polishes

To use a commercial brass polish:

Read the product instructions.
Test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.
Apply the polish with a soft cloth, following the grain of the metal.
Buff to a shine with a clean, dry cloth.
Repeat if necessary for heavily tarnished items.

Maintaining Brass Items

Now that you know how to clean your brass items, we’ll explain how to care for them to help prevent tarnish and keep your brass looking its best.

Regular Dusting and Care

Dry after cleaning to prevent water spots.
Dust brass items weekly with a soft, dry cloth.
For light cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap and water.

Preventing Tarnish and Oxidation

There are a few tips to prevent tarnish and oxidation:

Apply a thin layer of mineral oil or beeswax to create a protective barrier.
Store brass items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Use felt pads on the bottom of brass objects to prevent scratches and moisture buildup.

Troubleshooting Common Brass Cleaning Issues

Even though you’ve taken the steps to clean your brass and help prevent tarnish, you may run into a few issues. Here are our tips for stubborn tarnish and discoloration:

Dealing with Stubborn Tarnish

For heavily tarnished brass:

Soak the item in hot, soapy water for several hours.
Use a mixture of salt, vinegar, and flour to create a paste.
Apply the paste and let it sit for up to an hour before rinsing and drying.

Addressing Discoloration

If brass develops pink or reddish spots, this may be dezincification, a process where zinc leaches out of the brass. Clean the item thoroughly and apply a protective coating. If your item is valuable or an antique, consult a professional restorer.

Safety Precautions When Cleaning Brass

Even if you use a DIY solution to clean your brass, consider taking safety precautions. We have a few tips to share to protect yourself during the cleaning process.

Protecting Your Hands and Eyes

Cleaning solutions can affect your eyes and hands if you don’t cover them.

Use safety goggles if working with abrasive cleaners or polishes.
Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from cleaning chemicals.

Ventilation Considerations

To avoid inhaling toxic fumes:

Clean brass in a well-ventilated area, especially when using commercial products.
Open windows or use fans to improve air circulation.

Our Conclusion

Cleaning brass restores the beauty of your household items and decorative pieces. Using the techniques we’ve outlined above can safely remove tarnish and maintain your brass item’s shine.

Remember to figure out whether your item is solid brass or brass-plated before cleaning, and always start with a gentle cleaning method before moving onto something stronger. With regular care and maintenance, your brass items can remain beautiful and functional for years to come.

FAQ About How to Clean Brass

Can you clean brass with just vinegar?

You cannot clean brass with just vinegar. Pure vinegar is abrasive and can stain or discolor the surface. Always dilute vinegar with distilled water.

How do you make brass shiny again?

You can make brass shiny again with a homemade cleaner made from lemon juice and salt. Make a paste of four parts salt to one part lemon juice. Apply the paste to the brass surface with a soft cloth and let it sit for up to 30 minutes. Gently clean away the paste with water and a cloth. Apply copper polish for even more shine.

Does WD-40 remove tarnish from brass?

WD-40 does remove tarnish from brass. Spray or drip a small amount onto your microfiber cloth, and rub the metal lightly in a circular movement. Let the material sit for no longer than 30 minutes, and then rinse it away.

Can you remove oxidation from brass?

You can remove oxidation from brass by applying a vinegar and salt solution. Mix it into a light paste and rub it onto green patches on your brass. Only let the vinegar sit on the metal for a few minutes before rinsing it off, as vinegar can abrade and discolor brass.

What is the best homemade brass cleaner?

The best homemade brass cleaner is a paste made from four parts salt and one part lemon juice. This cleaner can remove tarnish and discoloration without weakening or staining the brass surface. Carefully apply the paste to the surface, and let it sit for up to 30 minutes.

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