How to Clean Bronze Lamps

A bronze lamp will gain patina naturally over time. The patina improves the appearance of the lamp. Occasional washing will prevent a buildup of dust, dirt and other debris over time that will detract from the lamp. Although you will clean your lamp, you should not scrub or polish the lamp since this will disturb the patina on the lamp. A gentle homemade cleaning solution is all that is necessary for properly maintaining your bronze lamps.

Things You'll Need

• Stove
• 4-qt. pot
• 3 qt. water
• 1 tbsp. salt
• Soft bristle brush
• Soft cloth rag

Instructions

1. Turn the burner on the stove to high.

2. Fill a 4-qt. pot with 3 qt. of water.

3. Bring the water to a boil.

4. Add 1 tbsp. of salt to the water and remove it from the heat. Turn the stove burner off.

5. Dip the brush into the water and salt cleaning solution. Gently brush the surface of the lamp to clean the entire surface evenly. Rinse the brush as needed in the cleaning solution.

6. Dry the lamp off thoroughly with a soft clean rag.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a bronze wax to the lamp after you clean it to protect the surface.

• Use caution around boiling water to avoid burning yourself.

References

• Bronze Lamps: How Do You Clean a Bronze Lamp?
• The Polish Guy: Polish a Bronze Lamp

Resources

• Lightbearer: Cleaning Bronze Lamps