How to Clean Rust From Brass-Coated Jewelry

Remove rust from your brass-coated jewelry with household items.

Brass-coated jewelry needs to be kept free of rust so that it can retain its color and overall look. Once the brass coating rusts away, you will be able to see the plain metal underneath it, which you probably don't want. Save your jewelry before it loses its beauty by cleaning it at the first signs of rust. You don't need to buy any special rust remover if you already have some of the necessary ingredients in your kitchen. What you need is also inexpensive and easy to find.

Things You'll Need

• Microfiber cloth
• Clean rags
• Ketchup
• Baking soda or salt
• Running water

Instructions

1. Rub your mildly rusty brass-coated piece with a microfiber cloth. If there is only a little bit of rust, you may be able to remove it without much hassle. This is also necessary to remove dirt from any cracks or crevices before you remove the rust.

2. Dab some ketchup on a clean rag and scrub gently until the rust disappears. The acid in the ketchup will break down the rust. If the rust is more stubborn, sprinkle some baking soda or salt on the rag for more abrasion.

3. Rinse the brass-coated jewelry under running water to get rid of all the ketchup, baking soda and salt. Dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry rag.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent rust by buffing your brass-coated jewelry with car wax.

References

• Mrs. Clean: Tips for Cleaning Brass