How Can I Clean Antique Brass Pieces?

Brass antiques have a way of fitting in with just about any decor.

An antique brass piece can be a nice addition to your home's décor. Like any decorative piece within your home, dust and debris that travel through the air can easily find its way onto your brass antique, causing it to become dirty over time. If you want to clean your antique brass pieces, you may be quite pleased at how simple and rewarding this process is. With a few materials you may already have at home and small amount of time invested, your brass antiques can look good as new.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic tub
• Mild grease cutting dish soap
• Clean cloth
• Small brush
• Absorbent dry towel
• Flour
• Table salt
• White vinegar
• Bowl

Instructions

Cleaning Brass Pieces

1. Fill the sink or a plastic tub with warm water.

2. Add enough of a mild grease-cutting dish soap to make the water sudsy.

3. Submerge the brass piece in the water to get it wet.

4. Gently wash the brass piece with a soft cloth. Use a small brush to help get into hard to reach places and remove dirt and debris.

5. Rinse the piece under warm running water.

6. Dry the brass with an absorbent dry towel.

Removing Tarnish from Brass Pieces

1. Mix together one tablespoon of flour, table salt, and white vinegar in a bowl until it becomes a thick paste.

2. Apply the past to the tarnished brass with a clean cloth.

3. Allow the paste to sit on the brass for at least five minutes.

4. Wash away the paste with warm soapy water and rinse the area well under running water.

5. Dry the brass with a clean dry towel and buff to restore the shine.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to use commercial brass cleaners and tarnish removers, read and follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully.

References

• Natural Healthy Home Cleaning Tips: Natural Metal Cleaning Recipes
• OneofaKindAntiques.com: Helpful Hints: Antique Tips
• Handles 4 Doors: Cleaning Tarnished Metal