How to Clean Brass

Brass has a very attractive color, luster and finish. But it gets soiled very quickly. Any contact with acid or continuous contact with moisture will tarnish brass. That is because of the patina that is formed on the surface.

How to Care For Brass

What You Will Need:

Mild detergent
Warm water
2 Buckets
Clean soft cloths
Lacquer (optional)
Old toothbrush
Rubber gloves

The Cleaning Process:

Determine if your brass really needs to be cleaned. Sometimes the patina that forms can add character to a piece.
If you decide that you do want to clean your brass piece, begin by mixing a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in the first bucket and filling the second bucket with plain warm rinse water.
Moisten the cloth in the water and wipe away any dirt build-up from the brass.
Use the toothbrush to remove dirt from hard to reach places.
Moisten a second cloth with the plain rinse water and wipe away all soap residues. You may need to repeat this step several times.
Rub with a dry cloth to restore the original shine and luster.
Without protection, tarnish will quickly return with any moisture from the air. To prevent this, apply a lacquer finish to provide a barrier and protect the brass.
Follow the instructions on the lacquer container for proper application and buffing.

How to Remove Tarnish from Brass

What You Will Need:

Newspaper
Paint/Varnish Remover
Paint brush
Cotton balls
Lacquer
Vinegar
Stainless steel pot
Soft cloths
Brass polish
Rubber gloves

The Cleaning Process:

Wash away surface dirt and grime with a mild dish detergent and rinse away.
Before you can remove the tarnish, you may need to remove the lacquer.
Spread out newspaper to cover your work area.
Lay the brass piece on top of the newspaper. Be sure there is plenty of paper underneath to absorb any dripping remover.
Using the paintbrush, apply the paint or varnish remover evenly over the brass item.
Use caution and follow all manufacturers’ directions as these products can be dangerous. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, work in a well ventilated area and keep away from flames as these products are highly flammable.
Wipe away the paint or varnish remover with a soft cloth following the directions on the container.
Now that the lacquer is removed, you can polish the brass. Begin by applying the brass polish with a clean cloth and rub it into the brass.
Use a second clean cloth and rub off polish and buff item a brilliant shine.
If tarnish is stubborn and not easily removed, try the following steps.
Fill a pot with vinegar and bring to a boil. Do this in a well ventilated area as the fumes are very strong!
When the vinegar is boiling, place the brass item in it. The acid in the vinegar will remove the tarnish. It is normal for it to turn a reddish color, just polish this away with a clean cloth.
When all tarnish and build up is removed from the piece, it is time to reapply the lacquer.
Use a cotton ball or paintbrush to apply lacquer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You will want a thin layer. Watch for any drips that may form and wipe them away before they dry.
Allow the brass piece to dry thoroughly before touching.
When it is dry, you can shine it with a clean cloth.

Additional Tips and Advice

The oils in our skin react with the brass and turn its color in course of time. So if you want to retain the natural color of a brass surface, do not touch it with bare hands.
It is better not to use any strong chemical or abrasive for cleaning brass because they will destroy the finish and the original shine. Abrasives will leave fine scratches which will tarnish faster.
Do not use substances like Muriatic Acid. It not only leaves stains on the brass surface, it also produces dangerous fumes.
Olive oil slows the formation of tarnish. So if brass is rubbed with a cloth moistened with olive oil after each polishing, brass will look brighter for a longer period of time.
Brass polish is abrasive so be mindful not to scrub off delicate engravings.
If you’re not sure that your item is really made of brass, use the magnet test. If a magnet sticks then it is not brass.