To clean brass effectively, start by washing the brass with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove surface dirt. Then you can use one of several cleaning methods:
- Lemon and salt: Rub a lemon half dipped in salt over the brass, then buff with a soft cloth. This lightens the brass but may not remove heavy buildup.
- Flour, vinegar, and salt paste: Mix salt with vinegar and then add flour to form a paste. Apply it on the brass for up to an hour, rinse, and buff dry. This cleans well without streaking and removes tarnish.
- Chemical cleaners like Brasso: Apply a chemical brass cleaner with a soft cloth and buff to a shine. This is great for removing heavy buildup and restoring a bright shine.
- Avoid ketchup for brass: While sometimes used, leaving ketchup too long can cause discoloration and pinkish spots.
For delicate or antique pieces, use gentle methods and test on a small area first. After cleaning, buff with a soft cloth for shine. For tough or large items, consider professional cleaning and protective coating to keep brass shiny longer. In summary, the preferred method is to start with soapy water cleaning, then try a flour/vinegar/salt paste or Brasso for best results. Lemon can be used for light cleaning, but ketchup is not recommended due to potential discoloration.
