How to Clean Green Stains on Leather From Brass

Leather is a natural material that must be cleaned on a regular basis.

Brass and leather make a nice combination, but brass can tarnish and leave green tarnish stains on your leather. Tend to tarnish stains as soon as possible so they don't have time to work their way down into the pores of the leather. Using supplies from home, you can remove brass tarnish stains without damaging the leather.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Old toothbrush
• Cotton cloths
• Water
• Leather conditioner

Instructions

1. Mix white vinegar and baking soda in a bowl to create a thin paste. The mixture will foam a little. The vinegar and baking soda mixture creates a mild acetic acid which helps remove the brass tarnish.

2. 

   An old toothbrush makes a great cleaning tool.

   Scrub the paste into the brass stain using an old but clean toothbrush. Use a gentle scrubbing motion, working the paste into the pores of the fabric. Allow the vinegar paste to sit on the tarnish stain for a couple minutes.

3. 

   Brass makes a beautiful accent but can get tarnished with age.

   Dampen a cotton cloth with water. Wipe away the vinegar paste and the green tarnish stains from the brass. If any tarnish stain remains, repeat step 2.

4. Dry the leather thoroughly, then apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a clean cotton cloth and rub it into the leather.

Tips & Warnings

• Polish brass at least once a year using a brass polish from your hardware store. This will prevent the brass from tarnishing.

• Wipe leather and brass immediately if either have gotten wet. This will help to prevent tarnish from forming on the brass and transferring to the leather.

References

• Natural Handyman: Removing Mineral Deposits