While the tarnish isn’t usually corrosive, it dulls the beauty of brass.
To figure out if your item is solid or plated, use a magnet.
If the magnet does not stick, the item is solid brass.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
The Spruce / Emilie Dunphy
Warning
Do not use these methods to clean lacquered brass.
If the lacquer is in good shape, the metal shouldn’t be tarnished.
Warm, soapy water should be sufficient to remove dust and grime.
The Spruce / Emilie Dunphy
If the piece can be submerged, submerge it in hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
Wash the brass piece with a sponge or soft cloth before rinsing and drying it with a microfiber cloth.
It will fizz for a minute.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
When the fizzing stops, spread the paste on the brass surface with an old toothbrush or cloth.
Buff the finish with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
If the brass is heavily tarnished, you may need to repeat the process.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
you could either submerge the item completely or use a cloth to wash the brass.
Be sure to rinse the item thoroughly and dry it with a towel.
Prepare Cleaning Materials
Use lemons orlemon juiceto remove tarnish.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
Slice a lemon in half and dip the cut edges in table salt or baking soda.
Or, make a paste of 1 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
Clean the Brass
Rub the cut side of the lemon over the surface of the brass.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
As you clean, reapply salt or baking soda as needed to remove the tarnish.
If using a paste, apply it with a cloth or an old toothbrush.
Let it work for at least 30 minutes before gently scrubbing the brass with a damp sponge.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
When the tarnish is gone, rinse the piece and buff dry.
Scrub and Rinse
If the piece can be submerged, submerge it in hot, soapy water.
Buff dry with a microfiber cloth.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
How to Clean Brass with Ketchup
Ketchup contains acids that can break apart tarnish on brass.
Scrub, Wash, and Dry
Use a damp sponge to scrub away the ketchup and tarnish.
Wash the brass in hot, soapy water.
Rinse well and buff dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
Use a non-gel toothpaste that does not contain peroxide or other whiteners.
Then, use a microfiber cloth to buff the brass to shine.
How Often Should You Clean Brass?
In general, the more often brass is handled, the quicker it will tarnish.
You should dust decorative items weekly to keep them gleaming.
Let it sit for 15-30 minutes and then wipe it away with a dry cloth.
Do not use WD-40 on brass cookware or cooking utensils.
You need both the gentle abrasive action and the acid.
Caring for Metal Objects.Government of Canada.
