Brass was once the height of sophistication and style. Its warm, golden tones added a touch of luxury to everything from door knobs to candlesticks. But over time, that luxurious sheen can fade, leaving your brass looking dingy and dull. Don’t despair! With a little time and effort, you can rejuvenate tired old brass and bring back its former glory.
Determining if the Item is Brass
Before you break out the metal polish, it’s important to confirm that the item you want to clean is made of solid brass. Many items that appear to be brass are made of other metals and then plated or coated to look like brass. Using cleaning solutions meant for brass on these items could damage the plating.
So how do you know if an item is brass? The easiest way is to see if a magnet sticks to it. Brass is not magnetic, but many other metals are. Simply hold a magnet close to the item. If it sticks, your item is not made of solid brass and you’ll need to find a cleaning method safe for its actual composition. If the magnet doesn’t stick, you can proceed with brass rejuvenation techniques.
You can also examine the item for markings indicating its metal content. Items made of solid brass often have markings such as “solid brass” or “brass.” However, be aware that some manufacturers may stamp items as brass when they are just plated. When in doubt, go with the magnet test.
Removing Attached Brass Hardware
One of the keys to properly cleaning brass is having full access to all its nooks, crannies, and details. That means if an item is attached to something else, like brass hardware on a piece of furniture, you’ll need to detach it before cleaning.
Taking hardware off doors, cabinets, and other items allows you to fully submerge the pieces, scrub them thoroughly, and rinse away all residue. It also protects the surrounding surfaces from damage. Harsh chemical cleaners and abrasives can harm wood, paint, and other sensitive materials.
Removing hardware is usually simple. Most knobs, handles, and other pieces are held in place with just a couple of screws. Use a screwdriver to detach them, placing the screws in a safe spot so they can be replaced later. For items like sconces with wiring, use care when removing them to avoid electrical hazards.
Once the hardware is detached, give the pieces a quick wipe down to remove any loose dust and grime before moving on to deeper cleaning methods. This will prevent the debris from scratching the brass during cleaning.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Method
When it comes to actually restoring the shine and luster to tired brass pieces, you have a few options. The best method depends on factors like:
- How tarnished or corroded the brass is
- Whether the brass has a clear lacquer coating or patina
- If you’re dealing with solid brass or just brass-plated items
- How much time and effort you want to invest
Here are some of the most effective DIY ways to clean brass:
Lemon Juice and Salt
This classic method uses citric acid to break down and dissolve tarnish. Here’s how to do it:
What You Need:
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup salt
- Soft toothbrush or rag
- Bowl of warm water
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl and stir in the salt until it dissolves.
- Dip the toothbrush in the solution and scrub the brass item to remove tarnish. Scrub gently so as not to scratch the surface.
- Once scrubbed, rinse the item under warm running water in the sink to wash away all lemon juice.
- Pat dry thoroughly with a clean soft cloth.
- Rub a thin coat of olive oil over the brass with a rag to seal and protect the surface.
The lemon and salt method works well for solid brass items that aren’t too tarnished. The citric acid in the lemon juice dissolves the outer oxidized layer while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive. Just be aware that this technique can damage brass plating. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste
For a more heavy duty DIY brass cleaner, try this baking soda and vinegar paste:
What You Need:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Toothbrush or soft rag
- Bowl of warm water
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix the baking soda and vinegar together in a bowl until a thick paste forms.
- Liberally apply the paste to the brass item using the toothbrush or rag. Make sure to work it into all grooves and detailing.
- Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes so the ingredients can fully react with the tarnish.
- Rinse the item under warm running water while scrubbing with the toothbrush or rag to remove the paste.
- Repeat steps 2-4 if needed for stubborn tarnish.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean soft cloth and apply a thin coat of olive oil when finished polishing.
The baking soda provides a gentle abrasive action to scrub away oxidation and grime. Meanwhile, the vinegar reacts with the tarnish to dissolve it off the surface. This method can tackle heavily tarnished items, just be cautious using it on brass-plated objects where scrubbing could damage the plating.
Removing Lacquer Coatings
Some brass finishes have a clear lacquer applied over them. This protective coating prevents tarnishing but can also yellow and peel over time. Before cleaning the brass underneath, you need to remove the damaged lacquer.
What You Need:
- Paint stripping gel
- Steel wool (super fine grade)
- Clean cloths
Instructions:
- Apply a liberal amount of paint stripping gel to the brass item using a paintbrush or rag. Make sure to cover all areas, including detailing and crevices.
- Allow the paint stripper to sit for 5-10 minutes. This gives the chemicals time to soften and dissolve the lacquer.
- Use the super fine grade steel wool to gently scrub away the softened lacquer. Take care not to scrub so hard that you damage the underlying brass.
- Wipe off any remaining residue with clean cloths. You may need to do a second application of stripper to fully remove all the lacquer.
- Once stripped, rinse the brass under warm running water and pat dry. Now you can proceed with other cleaning methods to polish and shine the bare brass.
Removing old failing lacquer allows you to take tarnished brass back to a bare surface so you can properly clean and re-protect it. Just be sure to work in a well-ventilated area since chemical strippers have strong fumes.
Polishing the Brass
Once you’ve removed tarnish and grime with cleaning methods like lemon juice or baking soda, you’ll want to follow up with polishing. This puts the final shine and luster on your freshly cleaned brass.
For polishing, avoid commercial brass polishes that contain harsh chemicals. They can damage many surfaces if used carelessly. Instead, try these simple, non-toxic approaches:
Olive Oil
Rub a thin coat of olive oil into the brass using a soft, clean rag. Olive oil helps seal the brass against new tarnish and provides a beautiful low-luster shine.
Flour and Olive Oil
Make a paste from equal parts flour and olive oil. Gently rub it onto the brass in circles using a soft cloth. Rinse and pat dry. The flour acts as a very mild abrasive to enhance the shine.
Vinegar and Flour
Mix white vinegar and flour into a paste about the consistency of toothpaste. Use a soft rag to apply it to the brass, rubbing in small circles. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Beeswax
Rub a thin coat of beeswax onto cleaned brass using a soft cloth. As it dries, buff the brass with a clean cloth to create a lovely satin glow. Beeswax seals the surface to help prevent new tarnish.
Maintaining the Brass Over Time
To keep your brass looking newly refreshed, make it part of your regular cleaning routine. Use a microfiber cloth to gently dust brass items and fixtures a couple times a week to prevent dirt buildup. Every few weeks, rub them with a soft cloth dampened with a little olive oil to maintain the protective seal.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive pads on brass, as these can actually accelerate wear and tarnishing over time. Stick to gentle cleaning methods using common household ingredients like lemon, vinegar, baking soda and olive oil.
When brass does start to lose its luster again, simply repeat one of the rejuvenating techniques above. With proper occasional cleaning and polishing, you can keep antique and vintage brass fixtures looking their best for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brass Rejuvenation
Cleaning and restoring old brass isn’t difficult, but it helps to have answers to some common questions many people have. Here are a few tips to ensure success:
How do I know if an item can be submerged for cleaning?
- Avoid submerging objects with joints that might allow water in. This includes items like door knobs or hinges.
- Don’t submerge items with internal workings or electronics that could be damaged.
- Test less valuable items first if uncertain. Look for leaks or issues after submerging for a few minutes.
What if brass still looks dull and blotchy after cleaning?
- This can happen with porous antique brass pieces. Reapply lemon juice and scrub with baking soda using a soft toothbrush. The acid and abrasive action will remove the staining.
- For stubborn spots, try a brass lacquer remover. This will strip off the top layer so you can shine the brass underneath.
How do I clean brass without removing the aged patina?
- Use mild dish soap, warm water and soft rags to gently clean brass with patina. Avoid abrasives or acids that will strip the aged finish.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and immediately apply beeswax or Renaissance wax to protect the patina.
Why does brass turn green sometimes?
- A greenish hue on brass surfaces is usually verdigris, a corrosion caused by exposure to water, acids or certain chemicals. Removing it requires stripping off the top layer of brass.
- Prevent verdigris by keeping brass dry and sealed with protective coatings like wax or lacquer.
How often should brass be polished?
- It’s best to polish brass every 2-3 months to maintain its shine and prevent tarnish buildup. Polishing more frequently than that could gradually strip away the metal over time.
- Use mild polishing methods like flour and olive oil rather than harsh chemical polishes.
Conclusion
While brass will naturally lose its luster over time, with a little patience and effort you can restore antique and vintage pieces to their former brilliance. Always start by testing if the item is solid brass and removing any attached hardware. Then select the cleaning method most suited to the amount of tarnish and your time commitment. As you work, take care not to damage any existing patina or plating. Finish up by gently polishing and sealing the brass to prevent future tarnishing. Keep your refreshed brass looking its best by regular gentle cleaning and occasional re-polishing when needed. With the right techniques, you can keep brass fixtures glowing for years to come.
References:
[1] The Care of Antique Brass. The Spruce Crafts. https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/antique-brass-care-4064368
[2] How to Clean Brass. Bob Vila. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-brass/
[3] How to Clean and Polish Brass. Martha Stewart. https://www.marthastewart.com/7963820/how-to-clean-and-polish-brass
[4] How to Clean Brass and Remove Tarnish. Tips Bulletin. https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-clean-brass-and-remove-tarnish/
[5] How to Clean and Restore Brass. This Old House. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/cleaning-organizing/21015970/how-to-clean-and-restore-brass
[6] How to Clean and Restore Tarnished Brass and Copper. Hunker. https://www.hunker.com/13417606/how-to-clean-and-restore-tarnished-brass-and-copper
[7] How to Clean Brass Without Removing Patina. Home Repair Tutor. https://www.homerepairtutor.com/how-to-clean-brass-without-removing-patina/
