How to Clean Brass

It's important to know how to clean brass, as it's a fairly common metal, but can be part of many different kinds of home furnishings.

When cleaning brass pieces, consider that some collectors consider a bit of a tarnish to give brass a nice patina, that is highly desirable. If the piece is going to be sold, contact the buyer before cleaning to make sure that it will not reduce the value of the piece. Also, be sure that the object is actually brass.

A simple way to test this is to hold a magnet up to the piece in question. If the magnet sticks, the item is either not brass, or only brass-plated. If the piece is merely plated with brass, be extra careful during the cleaning process. Though brass is a metal it is very soft and can be completely removed if scrubbed too hard. Once it's been determined that the item needs to be cleaned, follow these instructions:

How to Clean Brass That Is Only Slightly Dirty

Wash the item with soapy water. Use a mild dish detergent, and a soft cloth. Dip the cloth into the water, wringing out any excess, and wipe away and dirt or grime. A toothbrush can be used for hard to reach places or to get into delicate engravings. Dry thoroughly.

How to Clean Brass That is Tarnished

For tarnished brass, polishing is needed. In order to polish brass pieces, the lacquer coating must be removed. Any paint or varnish remover will do the trick, but be sure to protect the work surface by laying down newspaper or old cloth. Use a paintbrush to apply the paint or varnish remover. When this step is complete, rinse the piece thoroughly, and dry with a soft cloth.

How to Clean Brass -- Heavy Duty

For very heavily tarnished pieces, bring enough vinegar to cover the item to a boil in a pot, preferably stainless steel. Drop the item into the pot and allow to sit for a few minutes. This removes the greenish buildup that occurs when polish is over-applied, as well as removes heavy tarnish. The brass will come out a reddish color, but this is removed in the next step.

You can also use commercially available, specially formulated brass polish to polish brass. Apply the polish to a soft cloth, and use the cloth to gently rub the brass. Buff the brass with a second clean, dry cloth, until it reached the desired shine.

Finally, reapply the lacquer. This protects brass from further tarnish for years to come. It will simply need to be dusted and lightly polished to retain its bright luster.

Keep in mind, when cleaning brass or even handling it, to use a soft cloth or gloves as much as possible. The oils and dirt on hands contribute to tarnishing. Keep brass pieces clean and polished, and they will sparkle for years.

-->