You want your brass to look as marvelous as it did when you first got it. The thing with brass, though; is after time, it needs some tender loving care. Many people are unaware of the upkeep that brass needs. It’s because of this that it starts not looking good after time and people find themselves disliking the brass they bought. But, with some work, you can keep your favorite brass items beautiful for longer. In this article, we will teach you how to beautifully shine your brass and how to clean off all of the grime and buildup that can happen over time.
Why Does Brass Lose Its Shine Over Time?
There are a variety of different factors that could cause brass to either corrode or tarnish over time. Oxygen and water could all be factors as to why this could happen. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can bring your brass back to life. Brass is everywhere. Your hardware, doorknobs, decorative objects, and more can be made of brass. And it really makes a home look great – so, let’s learn how to clean your brass so when you invite people over, they are marveling how beautiful your home is.
Disclaimer: You should know that not everything that looks like brass is brass. A lot of items are brass-plated. The cleaning methods we’re talking about in this article could potentially harm brass-plated items. If you aren’t sure if your items are brass-plated or pure brass, you can use a magnet. Something as simple as a magnet is perfect in testing this theory out. Simply put, if the magnet sticks, then you have real brass. If it doesn’t stick, then you are dealing with something brass-plated.
Also, make sure to check whether or not your brass is lacquered. What is lacquer? Lacquer is a thin and shiny layer that helps prevent tarnish. If your items are lacquered, then the cleaning methods in this article will damage it. In this case, we suggest taking what needs to be cleaned to a professional.
Be sure to test the cleaning method in a small area to test out the cleaning method. There are several different method and products we’re going to cover in this article that you probably never considered would work.
Use Ketchup to Clean Your Brass
That’s right – you read that correctly. Ketchup is probably one of the most popular condiments for burgers, fries, and hot dogs. And it is also a tool you can use when wanting to clean your brass. The reason why ketchup is a good option is because of what it is made out of. Ketchup is made up of tomatoes, spices, and vinegar. This makes it a cheap solution to revive your brass to its better years. All you need is some ketchup and some clean clothes. You are going to start by squirting a little bit of the ketchup onto the brass. Let this sit for just a couple of seconds – then you will wipe the ketchup away with a damp cloth. Make sure you rinse thoroughly before drying the spot with a dry clean cloth.
Clean Your Brass With Vinegar
We are going to go over a mixture that includes vinegar that you can use to clean your brass. Combine salt, vinegar, and all-purpose flour in a bowl. You want to add one tsp. Of salt, ½ cup of vinegar, and about two tbsp of flour to make a paste. This works due to salt being abrasive, vinegar’s tough acid, and the flour acting as thickener. You will want to rub the paste onto the brass and let it dry for ten minutes. Then rinse, wipe clean, and dry the brass thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Use Lemon and Baking Soda to Clean Your Brass
Here’s more home remedies that you can use that you probably have in your kitchen right now. In a bowl, squeeze half of a lemon into a bowl. Then add around 1 tsp. of baking soda and mix it. Use a clean cloth to dip into the bowl and then use this to rub the mixture onto the brass. This will allow you to polish and buff away any grime – reapply the mixture if you need to. If there is any leftover residue, wipe it away with a wet rag and then dry the brass with a clean cloth.
Clean You Brass With Soap and Water
It’s that simple. Some soap and water can do the trick when you are looking to clean brass. You do this by making a warm bath for your brass items in a clean container. Mix in some tablespoons of soap and soak the brass for a few seconds. You then can use a cloth or a toothbrush to scrub out any of the stains on your brass. This is a tried and true way to clean your brass.
Use Toothpaste to Clean Your Brass
Speaking about toothbrushes, you can use toothpaste when you don’t have anything else in your home. The trick is to have a nice, plain toothpaste – nothing fancy. Apply a thin layer of the toothpaste onto the object you want to clean. After a few minutes, use a clean cloth to rub it off. Whenever you’re in a jam, there are always solutions for cleaning brass surfaces.
Cleaning Brass Is Easier Than Ever
There’s no need to stress out if you see your brass looking a little funky. There are plenty of different ways to clean your brass and polish it. By cleaning it and rubbing the surface dry with a clean cloth, you will see the difference immediately. Use these methods to have your brass go from looking old and worn to fresh and recently installed. Do you have ketchup in your home? Lemons? Toothpaste? Then you already have the tools you need to clean and polish your brass. Do keep in mind that if you have lacquered brass, you should take it to a professional. And check that your items aren’t simply brass-plated. If you have pure brass, then you are good to go with these DIY tips!
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