Brass tarnishes over time and there isn’t much to do about it. Fortunately, it also doesn’t take much to restore its shine. If you are wondering how to clean brass quickly and easily than you are on the right spot. Here is a very effective method to make brass looking as good as new using baking soda and lemon juice only.
What You Need
- baking soda
- ½ a lemon
- a small bowl
- cleaning cloths
- a dry towel
To Clean or Not to Clean?
If you want your brass to have a more weathered look then cleaning it may not be required at all unless you are looking at really dirty brass. Also, regular cleaning and using abrasive cleaners can do more harm than good, especially if the item you are cleaning is antique. Remember always to consult an expert when dealing with antiques, so you can be sure you will use the right cleaning materials and methods.
Is It Actually Brass?
Before you start cleaning your brass make sure it is actually brass. You don’t have to be an expert on brass to tell whether an object is brass or simply brass plated. Just press a magnet to the item and if it sticks, it is only brass plated. When cleaning such object be careful not to wear through the brass to the base metal.
How to Clean Brass
- Cut a lemon into half and squeeze one of its halves into your bowl. If you are not sure what to do with the other half, simply throw it into your trash can (it will remove any unpleasant odours).
- Pour 1 teaspoon of baking soda and stir well to mix with the lemon juice. The final result should be a nice smelling paste.
- Dip one of the edges of a soft cloth into the paste and gently smear the paste over the brass. For best results, rub in one direction only as advised by Fantastic Cleaners.
- Using a damp cloth rinse off the paste then dry the brass with a clean dry towel. Repeat the entire process if needed.
- When you are done give the brass shine by buffing it with a clean dry cloth.
An alternative solution is provided in this short video on how to clean brass. The video provides an eight-step approach to improving the look of your brass.