How to Make Your Own Brass Cleaner

Clean brass with a homemade cleaner.

Brass -- an alloy of zinc and copper -- has a yellow color similar to gold. Whether you have brass fixtures, brass doorknobs, or any other type of brass in your home, it will get dirty and need to be cleaned. Although commercial brass cleaners are available, these products can be costly. Make your own brass cleaner at home with common household products.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Soft cloths
• Lemon
• 1 tsp. table salt
• 1 tsp. flour

Instructions

1. Pour three parts baking soda and one part vinegar into a bowl. Stir it until a thick paste forms. Use it with a soft cloth to clean your brass item. Rinse and dry the item well.

2. Cut a lemon into quarters. Sprinkle the flesh of one of the lemon quarters with baking soda. Rub the lemon over brass to clean it.

3. Combine 1/2 cup vinegar, 1 tsp. table salt, and 1 tsp. flour in a bowl. Stir to make a paste. Rub the paste over your brass item with a soft cloth. After 10 minutes, rinse the brass, and buff it dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Baking soda and salt are both slightly abrasive. Avoid scrubbing the brass too hard with these cleaners, as they may cause scratches or damage.

References

• Exports Unlimited: What is Brass?
• Good Housekeeping; Metal Protector; Heloise