How to Clean Verdiaris on Leather From Brass

As brass tarnishes, the green tarnish can transfer to leather.

Verdiaris is the green substance that develops when brass becomes tarnished. While verdiaris adds to the character and beauty of some surfaces, such as homes or buildings, it creates an unsightly stain when it ends up on your leather. Remove verdigris stains from leather when they're first noticed, as leather is a porous material and has a tendency to absorb stains into the pores. Supplies found in the home will allow you to successfully remove verdigris stains without damaging your leather.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Clean cloths
• Leather cleaner and conditioner

Instructions

1. Create a thin, foamy paste with equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. The mild acid in this combination will break down and help remove the verdiaris on your leather without causing damage.

2. Apply a small amount of the baking soda and vinegar paste to your leather using a clean cloth. Gently rub the paste into the stain to loosen. Leave the vinegar paste on the verdigris stain on your leather for a couple minutes.

3. 

   Old towels come in handy for stain removal.

   Wipe up the vinegar and baking soda paste from your leather using a clean cloth dampened with plain water. If there's any trace of verdiaris stain left on your leather, repeat step 2 to further break down and loosen the green tarnish.

4. Dry your leather with a clean cloth. Remove any traces of the vinegar paste solution and restore moisture to your leather by rubbing a leather cleaner/conditioner combination into the leather surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a brass polish once or twice a year to prevent verdiaris from developing in the first place.

• Wet brass tarnishes faster. Dry the brass attachments or decorations on your leather, immediately, when they become wet.

References

• Earth Easy: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning Solutions
• Natural Handyman: Mineral Deposit Removal