How to Clean Brass

As the names suggest, solid brass and brass-plated pieces are different. Solid brass is made from pure, 100 percent brass, while brass-plated items are made with another base metal, typically steel or zinc, and then coated with a thin layer of brass.

For most people, the difference between solid brass and brass plated items isn’t a big deal aesthetically, especially when you’re dealing with things like door hardware. However, solid brass typically costs more than brass-plated, and it’s more likely to dent and scratch since the metal is softer.

Understanding whether you are working with solid brass or a brass-plated piece can impact how you handle cleaning tasks. The easiest way to do this is to hold a magnet to the item. If the magnet sticks, you’re dealing with another type of alloy that has been electroplated with brass. If not, you’re likely dealing with solid brass.

For day-to-day cleaning or to restore the shine in your brass, try this method before moving on to more abrasive options.

• Combine a cup of hot water with a few drops of dish soap in a small bowl. Stir the mixture to evenly distribute the dish soap.
• Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water mixture. Rub the microfiber cloth onto the brass item that you’re cleaning. Use a toothbrush to get into cracks, crevices or hard-to-reach areas.
• Use a second microfiber cleaning cloth to dry the brass immediately. Leaving any type of brass to air dry will create water spots and an uneven look.

Solid brass is extremely durable, but it’s still a bit more delicate than other common household metals like stainless steel. In many cases, the soap and water method outlined above will work very well for solid brass. But if you need a deeper clean with natural ingredients, follow this formula:

• Combine equal parts table salt, white vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl. Stir the mixture to fully combine the ingredients.
• Use a microfiber cleaning cloth to apply the mixture to the brass item you’re cleaning. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for one hour.
• Rinse the cleaning solution off with warm water. Use a second microfiber cleaning cloth to buff the brass and give it a solid shine.

Soap and water and a combination of natural ingredients like table salt, white vinegar and baking soda can take care of most basic brass cleaning jobs. Tarnished and aged brass can be more of a chore to clean. Here are a few options for cleaning more difficult brass:

• Specialty solid brass polish: Designed for your fine brass goods, metal cleaners offer more cleaning power and help remove long-standing tarnish. You can also find some commercial copper, brass and metal polish to make quick work of multiple materials.
• Pre-made polish solutions for plated brass: Look for a mixture designed to clean lacquered or unlacquered brass depending on your needs. Some solutions can work for both types of plated brass.
• Brass and mixed metal cleaning cloths: Designed to help you clean up blemished brass in a hurry, special cloths can help you restore shine without a liquid or paste solution. Try these for light housekeeping and you may find yourself reaching for the liquid mixtures less often.

Natural ingredient solutions and pre-made mixtures can help you clean every bit of brass in your home. Here are a few down and dirty tips to make the job a little easier:

• Try tomato paste: If the baking soda mixture doesn’t get the job done, apply tomato paste to the brass item. Slightly abrasive in nature, the paste can work into the metal without damaging your brass. Leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes and remove it all with warm water before thoroughly drying your brass.
• Let your lemon tree shine: A cut lemon with the seeds removed can work wonders when it comes to polishing brass. Just rub a little table salt onto the lemon before gently rubbing it on your brass pieces. Rinse and buff after 20 to 30 minutes.
• All-purpose flour: Flour from your pantry is less abrasive than baking soda, so it’s especially good for older and softer pieces of antique brass.