How to Rejuvenate Tarnished Brass

Chances are your kitchen pantry holds the solution to your tarnished brass. Send blemished brass items for an antioxidizing bath in Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce or ketchup. If you don't have these ingredients, try vinegar or lemon juice, both of which have the acidity to remove oxidation (tarnish) on brass items with a simple soak or good rub. It's an inexpensive recipe for success.

Things You'll Need

• Soft Cloth
• Mild Dishwashing Liquid
• Olive Oil
• Soft Fingernail Brush
• Paste Car Wax
• Tabasco sauce, Tabasco sauce, or ketchup
• Pot, pan or plastic container

Instructions

1. Place the brass item in a pot, pan or plastic container.

2. Cover the item with Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce or ketchup.

3. Let it sit for at least 2 hours.

4. Scrub with mild dishwashing liquid and a soft fingernail brush under cool running water.

5. Dry with a smooth cloth to prevent scratching.

6. To retard future tarnish, rub with a cloth moistened with olive oil.

7. To keep brass house numbers shining longer, apply several coats of paste car wax to protect the finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Very old brass items, especially if cracking or peeling, should be professionally cleaned and repaired.