Household items covered in brass or made solely from brass are worth looking after as they make special gifts to pass down the family tree. The tarnish on such an item is very easily noticeable due to the colour difference from the original state. If you haven’t paid much attention to your brass household items, now is the time to gather some cleaning supplies and bring the shine back.
As is the case when cleaning silver at home, there are many ways to clean brass, some even making use of the same cleaning agents. Before beginning the cleaning process, it’s best to determine whether the item is pure brass or just brass-plated.
Brass Or Brass-Plated
There’s a simple way to determine if your object is made only of brass or if it’s only brass-plated – place a magnet on it. If it sticks, the object is brass-plated. If it doesn’t stick, you have yourself a fully brass item. It’s important to make this classification so that you know what method of cleaning to use.
How To Clean A Brass-Plated Item
Once you’ve figured out that you’re dealing with a brass-plated item, there’s an easy cleaning method to turn to – warm, soapy water. Simply soak it in soapy water for a short time before wiping it with a microfiber cloth and rinsing it off with water.
Tip: Do not polish brass-plated items as you could end up scratching the plating off.
5 Ways To Clean Brass Items
If you have a household item that’s made purely of brass, there are various cleaning methods you can use to restore the shine to your prized heirloom. Here are the 5 best ways to clean brass items:
Toothpaste
The wonder paste we became accustomed to from the early years of our lives can also be used to clean brass. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to your brass item before letting it sit for 30 minutes. Once the time has passed, wash it with warm soapy water and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth.
Lemon And Baking Soda
These two powerful cleaning agents can be combined to make a cleaning paste that works extremely well. Squeeze out the juice of half a lemon and combine it with a teaspoon of baking soda. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste. Apply the paste to the brass and let it sit for 30 minutes. Once the time has passed, rinse the item under warm water and wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth.
Salt And Vinegar
This popular flavour of crisps is a great combination for cleaning brass. Dip a dry microfiber cloth in vinegar before sprinkling some salt on it. Use the cloth to clean your brass item, making sure to pay special attention to areas that are dirtier than others. Finish off by rinsing it under warm water before wiping it down with a dry microfiber cloth.
Alternatively
Create a paste by mixing half a cup of vinegar, a teaspoon of salt, and a small amount of flour. Spread the paste on the brass item and let it sit for 30 minutes. Once the time has passed, rinse the brass piece under warm water and wipe it off with a dry microfiber cloth.
Lemon And Salt
Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle some salt onto the exposed side (non-skin side). Rub the surface of lemon and salt onto the brass item. Squeeze the lemon while you’re rubbing it on the brass to release lemon juice as you go along. Finish off by rinsing the brass item under warm water and wiping it with a dry microfiber cloth.
After cleaning the brass, polishing it is a great way to add that extra shine and protection to save you from having to clean it more regularly. Use a polish that’s been made specifically for brass for the best results, and apply it to the brass with a soft cleaning cloth. You’re now ready to store your brass item away until it’s needed for that special occasion, or have it on display for all guests to admire. If you want a home as clean as the methods above will leave your brass, book a SweepStar and choose from our many convenient and professional cleaning services.
