How to Clean Brass, According to Experts

Brass jewelry, cookware, or home décor requires special care to keep it clean from tarnish and maintain its shine or patina. Brass becomes tarnished when exposed to air and moisture, and over time, the oxygen combines with the metal to form dull oxides on its surface. Experts typically clean brass using simple soapy water or vinegar solutions. Learn how to clean brass using tips and techniques from cleaning experts, plus their effective homemade cleaning solutions that keep your pieces looking new.

How Often to Clean Brass

How often you clean brass depends on the piece you are tending to. Clean infrequently used brass items once a year. For brass pieces used often, like jewelry or flatware, clean as needed.

Materials Needed

Brass can be cleaned using natural ingredients you likely already have on hand. Depending on the method you use, these are some of the supplies you will need when tackling this project.

• Bowl
• Microfiber towel(s)
• Old toothbrush
• Distilled white vinegar
• Salt 
• Flour
• Ketchup
• Lemon
• Mild dish soap
• Water

How to Clean Brass With Vinegar, Salt, and Flour

One of the most effective DIY brass cleaning solutions you can make is a paste with three ingredients: vinegar, salt, and flour, says Sean Parry, a cleaning expert at Neat Services, a house cleaning company. “The acid in the paste dissolves the metal oxides that make the brass tarnish, leaving only shiny metal behind,” he says.

1. In a bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of vinegar. Add flour until the mixture becomes a paste.
2. Rub this paste onto the brass and let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse the paste off with warm water.
4. Dry the piece with a microfiber cloth.

How to Clean Brass With Ketchup

The acidity in ketchup can remove tarnish from brass. Here’s how to use this DIY cleaner, according to Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

1. Apply a small amount of ketchup directly to the brass surface, making sure you cover all of the tarnished areas.
2. Let the ketchup sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Using an old toothbrush or soft cloth, scrub the area gently.
4. Rinse the brass with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. 

How to Clean Brass With Lemon and Salt

Another natural way to remove tarnish from brass is with lemon and salt. It’s best to avoid using this technique with delicate pieces, as scrubbing may cause unintended damage.

1. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt over the flesh.
2. Gently, rub the lemon on the tarnished brass surface.
3. Rinse the surface with clean water and dry completely. 

How to Clean Brass With Soap and Water

Using soap and water to clean brass is the least effective method, but it’s a good option for pieces you want to clean more regularly, like jewelry. “The soap-to-water ratio depends on the size of the item you’re about to clean,” says Sokolowski. “However, general advice would be to mix approximately 1 tablespoon of soap with 1 liter [4 cups] of water. You can always adjust the ratio as needed.”

1. In a bowl, make a solution by mixing mild dish soap and warm water.
2. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and gently wipe the brass surface.
3. Rinse the surface with clean water and dry thoroughly with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

How to Prevent Brass From Tarnishing

Here are ways to prevent or slow down the tarnishing process on brass:

• Lacquer it: The most effective way to prevent tarnish is by lacquering your brass after cleaning. “Un-lacquered brass oxidizes causing it to darken however if there is a lacquered finish it will take much longer to oxidize,” says Gordon.
• Dry thoroughly: Make sure you dry the brass thoroughly after cleaning it.
• Store properly: Store clean brass in a dry, cool environment, as moisture accelerates the formation of tarnish, says Sokolowski.
• Avoid harsh cleaners: You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on brass, as they can severely damage the surface.