When the brass door handles, hinges, and other types of hardware begin to tarnish; a darker patina develops on the surface of the metal. Some homeowners who own older homes find this appearance appealing. It is feasible to age newly made brass to achieve this aged appearance artificially. However, regardless if you prefer the metal in your house to have an old effect, it does not have to appear rusted and unpleasant with smudged layers of tarnish and filth.
Oxygen, humidity, and other factors can cause the brass to erode or tarnish over time, which might result in your favorite brass objects losing their luster. Your brass can be restored to its former brilliance in several straightforward ways. All you will need is some common household items and a couple of minutes to bring back the luster to decorative items, doorknobs, and other hardware made of brass.
Utilizing Ketchup to Polish and Clean Brass
Who knew the condiment you love on your burgers could also be used to polish brass? Ketchup, made from tomato paste, spices, and vinegar, is an easy, low-cost method for giving dull metal a new shine. It simply takes the condiment and fresh rags to pull off this easy cleaning hack.
Step #1: Check if it is okay to use ketchup on your brass item
The first step is to apply some ketchup to the brass in a non-obvious area, like the bottom part. After waiting a few seconds, wipe it down with a wet rag. If that turns out to be successful, do the same with the rest of the brass.
Step #2: Apply the ketchup on the whole surface
Apply some ketchup on your brass piece and leave it for a few minutes. Utilize a clean damp cloth to wipe down the material.
Step #3: Wash the item and let it air dry
Perform a thorough cleaning by rinsing and drying with a fresh towel.
Vinegar and its Uses for Cleaning Brass
The abrasive strength of salt, the acidity of the vinegar, and the thickening properties of all-purpose flour can be combined to remove even the most stubborn stains.
Step #1: Mix the salt and vinegar
Mix together one teaspoon of salt and one-half cup of vinegar in a bowl or basin. Stir the ingredients together until the salt is completely dissolved.
Step #2: Add flour to make a paste
Mix in sufficient flour to create a paste with the salt and vinegar mixture, about two tablespoons is enough.
Step #3: Rub the paste on the brass item
Apply the paste to the brass item using only a rubbing motion, then wait ten minutes for it to dry completely.
Step #4: Wash the item and let it air dry
After being washed and wiped down with a clean towel, the brass should be dried completely.
Using Baking Soda and Lemon Juice to Polish Brass
Even while both baking soda and lemon juice are strong natural cleaning products on their own, when combined they quickly get rid of brass tarnish.
Step #1: Mix the lemon juice and baking soda
To begin, take one-half of a lemon and squeeze its juice into a bowl. Set the juice aside. Add a teaspoon of baking soda then stir.
Step #2: Rub the mixture on the brass item
To clean the brass, rub a portion of the liquid into it using a clean cloth. The filth can be removed by polishing and buffing, and the mixture can be reapplied as necessary.
Step #3: Wipe it clean
Use a damp rag to remove any residue that may have been left behind. After that, dry it with a fresh cloth.
Combine Mild Soap and Warm Water to Clean the Brass
Simple methods of cleaning brass often prove to be the most efficient. Tarnished brass can be cleaned using soap and water if you don’t have any other cleaning supplies available on hand.
Step #1: Make a soapy water
The brass can be cleaned by immersing it in a warm bath of soapy water in a clean container.
Step #2: Scrub the brass item
In order to preserve the brass, soak it for a short period of time. Those stains can be scrubbed away using a microfiber cloth or a clean toothbrush. This procedure may still require some elbow grease despite the help from the hot water and soap.
Step #3: Rise and let it air dry
As soon as the tarnish is removed, take the brass out of the soapy water. After washing, dry it off well.
Polish your Brass Items with Toothpaste
Just like how toothpaste may keep your teeth clean and make them shine, it can do the same for brass. Choose a fluoride-free, all-white toothpaste, no gels or flavored versions necessary, to clean brass.
Step #1: Put the toothpaste on the brass item
Spread a very thin coating of toothpaste on the brass item you have. Let the toothpaste sit for a couple of minutes
Step #2: Use a cloth to polish the brass
After that, use a fresh cloth to polish it. You’ll probably need to put in a little bit more force on challenging areas. You can freely apply an additional amount of toothpaste to places that are particularly difficult to clean.
Step #3: Rinse and let it air dry
After the brass has been polished to your satisfaction, rinse it with clean water then pat it dry with a clean cloth made of microfiber.
Additional Cleaning Tips for Brass Items
- Before you start polishing brass, you need to make sure that the item you are polishing is indeed made of brass.
- If you are unsure, you can determine it with this simple test: Use a magnet to examine the metal; if it adheres to the magnet, the metal is not genuine brass.
- For lacquered brass, the majority of cleaning methods will ruin the lacquer, so your best bet is to take the item to a specialist who can do it for you.
- Always test the cleaning product in an inconspicuous location first to make sure it won’t damage the brass.
- If there are stains that are tough to remove, you can attempt multiple different cleaning procedures, but be sure to finish one approach before going on to the next method.
- Consider getting the brass object to be cleaned by a professional if you are unsure how to properly clean it or if the item you are attempting to clean is of significant monetary value.
