How to Clean Brass Fixtures & Accessories
Here are tips on how to restore the beauty and brightness of brass items in your home
The highly reflective and shiny surface of brass makes it a popular material for use in home accessories. The golden hues of brass add an element of glamour. It is introduced within the home in the form of statues, holy idols, decorative accessories, faucets, door or cabinet handles, planters and so on. However, brass – an alloy of copper and zinc –tarnishes over time to become dull and spotted. The metal naturally corrodes due to the oxidation of copper that is present in the brass when exposed to sunlight, salt-laden air or other elements of the weather.
Here are some tips on how to clean brass and make it shine.
Here are some tips on how to clean brass and make it shine.
Cleaning tips
Note: Liquid ammonia evaporates quickly to form a gas, hence it is advisable to open the window and wear gloves when cleaning with it.
- Unlacquered brass items need to be maintained regularly. The tarnished or dull surface should be cleaned with homemade or chemical-based brass cleaners.
- If the brass is coated with lacquer (a protective finish), then it can be cleaned by just wiping with a damp cloth.
- Brass-plated steel items should be cleaned only with hot soapy water. Use a soft cleaning cloth and dry thoroughly.
- Brass fixtures such as faucets and handles require regular maintenance. For routine cleaning, spray a solution of liquid ammonia onto these fixtures at least once a week. Wipe with a soft cloth and dry.
Note: Liquid ammonia evaporates quickly to form a gas, hence it is advisable to open the window and wear gloves when cleaning with it.
Homemade cleaners
- Slice half a lemon and sprinkle it with table salt. Squeeze and rub the lemon on the brass until it is clean. Wipe with a soft cloth and buff. Note that buffing is a process of rubbing the brass gently with a clean dry cloth till it shines.
- Another way is to combine the juice of half a lemon with one teaspoon baking powder to make a paste. Apply this on the brass item and let it stand for thirty minutes if it is heavily tarnished. Rinse, dry and buff.
- Squeeze a little toothpaste (not the gel type) onto a soft cloth. Polish the brass by rubbing it onto the surface followed by cleaning and drying with a piece of soft cloth.
- Make a paste with one-and-a-half cup vinegar, one teaspoon salt and flour. Apply this onto the brass. After a few minutes, rinse with warm water and buff.
Chemical-based brass cleaners
One can also go for manufactured brass cleaners; follow the manufacturers instructions to clean the brass surface.
Most of these cleaners contain solvents and detergents that can remove the tarnish, mild abrasives that polish the surface and oils that prevent oxidation of brass.
Tip: Avoid using abrasive scrubbing cloths, metal-bristle brushes or steel wool – they might scratch the brass surface.
One can also go for manufactured brass cleaners; follow the manufacturers instructions to clean the brass surface.
Most of these cleaners contain solvents and detergents that can remove the tarnish, mild abrasives that polish the surface and oils that prevent oxidation of brass.
Tip: Avoid using abrasive scrubbing cloths, metal-bristle brushes or steel wool – they might scratch the brass surface.
Footed Brass Planter Hammered Ornate 12"W x 12.5"H
Protective coatings/finishes
It is advisable to use protective coatings for brass items that are partly or fully exposed to the outdoors.
Here are some coatings or finishes that impart resistance to the elements and prevent the tarnishing of brass.
7 Ways to a Dust-Free Home
Tell us: Do you have more brass-cleaning tips? Share in the Comments section below.
It is advisable to use protective coatings for brass items that are partly or fully exposed to the outdoors.
Here are some coatings or finishes that impart resistance to the elements and prevent the tarnishing of brass.
- Spray the brass item with a clear coating of polyurethane sealer.
- A thin coating of linseed oil or mineral oil can be applied to clean brass with a soft towel to prevent tarnishing.
- Apply a coat of wax on the brass surface at least once a week. Make sure to dust the brass fixture and wipe off previous wax (if any) before applying a new coat of wax.
- Coat the brass fixtures with a lacquer finish. Once lacquered, the brass surface need not be coated with a layer of wax.
7 Ways to a Dust-Free Home
Tell us: Do you have more brass-cleaning tips? Share in the Comments section below.
Before cleaning any brass surface, it is essential to check whether the item is solid brass or brass-plated steel. To check this, take a magnet (you could use a fridge magnet) and place it on the metallic item.
- The metal is solid brass if the magnet does not stick on it and slides off the surface.
- If the magnet sticks onto the metal then it is brass-plated steel; these surfaces do not tarnish as solid brass but have a tendency to rust because of the presence of iron.
Note: Never clean brass-plated steel pieces with aggressive cleaners or harsh chemicals, because it might damage the brass plating and expose the steel.