How to Clean Brass and Restore Shine With Household Products (2024)

• Working Time:25 minutes
• Total Time:15 minutes
• Skill Level:Beginner
• Estimated Cost:$10

Test the chosen cleaning method in a small, inconspicuous area on the brass item. For stubborn stains, try several cleaning methods—one at a time—on the same spot until you find one that works.

How to Clean Brass with Lemon and Baking Soda

Lemon juice and baking soda are powerful natural cleaners on their own, but when united, this dynamic duo removes brass buildup with ease.

1. 

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   Combine Ingredients

   Start by squeezing the juice from half a lemon into a bowl. Add 1 tsp. baking soda and mix.

2. 

   Apply and Buff

   With a clean cloth, rub some of the mixture onto the brass. Polish and buff away grime, reapplying the mixture as needed.

3. 

   Wipe and Dry

   Wipe away any leftover residue with a wet rag. Then dry with a clean cloth.

   Try this method on brass items that you can't easily soak, such as doorknobs and knockers. You'll revive the shine without having to remove any hardware.

How to Clean Brass with Flour, Salt, and Vinegar

To make tough stains disappear, combine salt's abrasive power, vinegar's acid, and all-purpose flour as a thickener.

1. 

   Combine Salt and Vinegar

   In a medium-sized bowl, add 1 tsp. salt to 1/2 cup vinegar. Stir the mixture until the salt dissolves.

2. 

   Make a Paste

   Add about 2 Tbsp. of flour to the salt and vinegar mixture to make a paste.

3. 

   Apply Paste

   Rub the paste onto your brass object and let it dry for 10 minutes.

4. 

   Rinse and Dry

   Rinse, wipe clean, and thoroughly dry the brass with a clean cloth.

How to Clean Brass with Ketchup

Ketchup provides a straightforward method for reviving old brass, thanks to an acid in tomatoes that removes tarnish. This simple cleaning hack requires only the condiment and a few clean cloths.

1. 

   Test First

   Start by squirting a small amount of ketchup onto the brass in an inconspicuous spot, such as the bottom. Let it sit for a few seconds, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth. If it works well, repeat the process on the remainder of the brass piece.

2. 

   Apply Ketchup and Wipe Clean

   After a successful test, apply ketchup to the brass item and let it sit for a few seconds. Wipe the item clean using a damp cloth.

3. 

   Rinse and Dry

   Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.

How to Clean Brass with Toothpaste

The gentle abrasives in toothpaste can work their cleaning magic on brass. To clean brass with toothpaste, pick a plain, white toothpaste (you don't need any gels or fancy flavors).

1. 

   Apply Toothpaste

   Apply a thin layer of toothpaste to your brass object. Let it rest for a few minutes.

2. 

   Polish Brass

   Polish with a clean cloth. For tough spots, you'll likely need to use a bit more effort. Feel free to apply extra dabs of toothpaste to particularly stubborn areas.

3. 

   Rinse and Dry

   After the brass is polished to your liking, rinse with cool water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

How to Clean Brass with Soap and Water

Sometimes, the simplest brass cleaning methods are the most effective. If you're short on cleaning supplies, try dish soap and water to clean tarnished brass.

1. 

   Mix Soap in Water

   Make a warm bath for your brass in a clean container and mix in a few tablespoons of liquid dish soap.

2. 

   Soak and Scrub Brass

   Soak the brass for a few seconds. Use a microfiber cloth or clean toothbrush to remove any stains. The warm water and soap will do some of the work, but this method might still require a bit of elbow grease!

3. 

   Rinse and Dry

   When all the tarnish is gone, remove the brass piece from the soapy water. Rinse and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Other Methods to Clean and Polish Brass

If you prefer to use a commercial brass cleaner, be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for brass. You can easily find these tried-and-true brass cleaners on Amazon and at a variety of other retailers, including Brasso metal polish ($5), Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser ($6), and Mr. Metal liquid polish ($9). Always wash the item with mild soap and water to remove dust or other debris before polishing. Then, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to clean and polish your brass item.

Brass polishes typically leave a protective coating on the surface, which helps prevent future tarnish and discoloration. To keep your brass looking shiny and clean, avoid touching the piece often (the oils on your skin can accelerate tarnishing), and use a soft cloth when cleaning or polishing to prevent scratches on the surface. With regular upkeep, your brass will maintain its beautiful shine for years.