How to Clean Brass Fittings
Brass is a metal alloy composed of zinc and copper. When it is clean, it has a naturally shiny, gold look. Unfortunately, like other metals, as brass is exposed to air, it can begin to tarnish. Tarnished brass tends to turn a blackish, greenish color, similar to the look of the Statue of Liberty. This process is called oxidation. Clean your brass fittings with products you likely have around your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tomato ketchup
- Clean rag
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Iodized table salt
- Lemon juice
- Water
- White, distilled vinegar
- Bucket
Instructions
-
Tomato Ketchup
-
1
Apply tomato ketchup to the brass fitting using a clean rag. Start with a small amount and apply more as needed, coating with a thin layer.
-
2
Allow the ketchup to dry on the fitting.
-
-
3
Use an old, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean away the dried ketchup.
-
4
Use a clean, dry rag to buff the fitting once all the ketchup is removed.
Lemon and Salt
-
5
Add enough iodized table salt to lemon juice to create a paste. The amount of paste needed depends on the size of the fitting you want to clean. Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice or bottled lemon juice.
-
6
Apply the paste to the brass fitting using a clean rag.
-
7
Leave the paste on the fitting for five to 10 minutes.
-
8
Wet a second, clean rag in warm water. Wipe away the salt and lemon juice paste. Rinse the rag as you go, until all the paste is removed.
-
9
Buff the fitting with a dry rag.
White Vinegar
-
10
Combine 1 part white, distilled vinegar and 10 parts water in a bucket. Stir.
-
11
Place the brass fitting in the bucket. Allow it to soak for 30 to 60 minutes. This will strip away tarnish on the fitting.
-
12
Rinse the fitting under running water.
-
13
Buff the cleaned fitting using a clean, dry cloth.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When choosing a cleaning and buffing cloth, use a white cloth, preferably made of cotton. You also can use a store-bought buffing cloth if you prefer.
References
- Photo Credit Small brass bells image by Penny McEvilly from Fotolia.com
