Instructions for Cleaning Old Brass
Before modern technology made steel and other metal alloys so economical to produce, brass was the favored material for making ornamental and utilitarian hardware. Even after decades of use or neglect, old brass items can be polished up to make them gleam like gold once again. However, in some cases the natural patina of old brass is considered to be part of its value. When cleaning old brass, begin with the most gentle method first and avoid vigorous scrubbing. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife
- Dish soap
- Soft brush
- Soft cloths
- Flour
- Salt
- Powdered detergent
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Commercial brass cleaner
- Scouring pad
- Denatured alcohol
- Lacquering compound
Instructions
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Determine if your old brass is solid or brass-plated. Scratch the item lightly in an inconspicuous place with a sharp knife. If your object is solid brass, the scratch will show a bright yellow color. Any other color revealed by the scratch indicates the item is brass-plated.
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Place a few drops of dish washing soap in a gallon of extremely hot water and mix together. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the soap solution and use it to gently scrub away dirt and built up residue from your solid brass or brass-plated items. Rinse with clear water and dry the piece thoroughly with a soft cloth.
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For solid brass items, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup powdered detergent, such as laundry or dish washing soap. In a separate container, mix 3/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup very warm water. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and keep the mixture in a jar with a lid.
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Apply a small amount of homemade cleaner with a soft cleaning cloth and gently rub it on your solid brass item. Rinse with clear water and dry thoroughly.
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Clean your brass or brass-plated items with a commercial cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
Lacquered brass may need to be de-lacquered before it can be thoroughly cleaned. Remove lacquer by placing the brass item in extremely hot water and scrubbing with an abrasive pad or by rubbing it with a cloth soaked in denatured alcohol. Re-lacquer after cleaning by applying a commercial lacquering compound.
ArchitecturalClassics.com cautions against using harsh or abrasive cleaners on plated brass. These types of cleaners can completely remove a thin layer of plating and ruin the brass finish.
