Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Brass

Brass is an important alloy because it provides our society with a wide range of advantages, conveniences, and luxuries. From exotic jewelry and fine art, to furniture, musical instruments, plumbing fixtures, building components, and more, brass is a special metal that we want to keep around for as long as possible. One way to achieve this feat is to regularly clean and polish your brass assets using the proper methods and materials.

Continue reading to learn the most important tips for cleaning and maintaining brass, as well as, where to sell your old brass metal for cash on the spot.

Brass Metal Buyers 317-244-0700
Brass Metal Buyers 317-244-0700

Solid Brass or Brass-Plated?

Before getting started, you will first need to confirm if your brass is solid brass or brass-plated. The difference is significant when it comes to cleaning because separate methods are used for each type of brass item. For instance, brass-plated items are more prone to surface damage and scraping, so it is necessary to be gentler with scrubbing and polishing as to not remove the plating. To figure out whether or not your item is solid or plated, use a magnet. If the magnet sticks, you have a brass-plated item. If it does not stick, you can be sure it is solid brass.

If you have plated-brass items that require a cleaning, all you need is hot, soapy water and a cloth. Simply wipe it down and let it dry thoroughly. As for solid brass, the method will involve a few more steps. Look below to learn how to get started.

Cleaning Solid Brass

☛ What You Need

If you want your brass to shine brilliantly as it once did before, you will need a few supplies. Gather up some clean white rags, as well as a few microfiber cloths. It is important to have plenty of clean rags and cloths, so be sure you have more than enough for larger-scale projects. In addition to rags, you will also need a quality commercial cleaner that is safe to use on brass.

If you prefer a chemical-free approach, just go for the ketchup or tomato juice. Ketchup contains tomatoes, which is acidic and works well to clean brass naturally. You can also use lemons, lemon juice, and even cream of tartar! The method you choose will depend on how dirty your brass is.

☛ Getting Started

If your brass is only mildly dirty, you can simply use the same approach as you would for plated-brass; use hot, soapy water and a clean cloth to scrub away the surface blemishes, and then let it dry completely.

If your brass is moderately tarnished or dirty, you will need a more aggressive approach. In this case, you have a few options. Your first option is to use a commercial cleaner, such as Flitz Instant Brass & Copper Tarnish Remover, which is available online for around $13. Simply follow the manufacturer instructions for application.

Your next option is a more natural approach using household ingredients or foods, such as ketchup, tomato juice, lemons, or even cream of tartar. For ketchup, apply it onto the brass using a clean cloth and rub it in, then rinse and dry. For tomato juice, soak the brass item in a bowl for 5 minutes, rinse clean, and then let dry completely.

For lemons, you can either use a lemon half covered in table salt, or lemon juice. For mild blemishes, cut a lemon in half, cover it in salt, gently scrub away the dirt, and then buff the surface with a clean cloth. For more tarnished items, mix two parts cream of tartar with one part lemon juice, then apply the paste and let it sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, rinse clean with warm water and let dry.

🎺 Special Tip: To further protect your brass after cleaning it, polish it with a thin coat of mineral or linseed oil.

Sell Scrap Brass for Cash on the Spot

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700
Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to sell brass metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay top dollar for all metals, regardless of age or condition. We buy vehicles, equipment, sheet metal, electrical wiring, computers, auto parts, power tools, appliances, and much more. And we guarantee to pay you cash on the spot!