How to Polish Brass With Common Household Products

Brass has a mirror-like finish that adds an elegant touch to home décor.

The shiny, gold-like appearance of brass objects provides home interiors and exteriors with aesthetic appeal. Lighting fixtures, doorknobs, cookware and various home décor are composed of brass. Although brass objects are durable, they eventually oxidize and tarnish. Regularly polishing brass removes accumulated crud to revitalize its bright color. Polishing also protects brass objects from further oxidization and prolongs their lifespan. Fortunately, commercial polishing products are not required for polishing brass; common household products are less expensive and just as effective at restoring brass objects.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. liquid dish soap
• Clean pail
• 2 microfiber rags
• 2 terry cloth towels
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tsp. salt
• Clean bowl
• 1/2-cup all-purpose flour
• Dry nonabrasive sponge

Instructions

1. Create a soapy solution of 1 gallon warm water and 1 tsp. liquid dish soap in a clean pail.

2. Saturate a microfiber rag in the soapy water. Wipe the rag over the brass object to remove dirt, grease and film. Frequently rinse the rag with fresh warm water to prevent reapplying abrasive grime to the brass finish.

3. Rinse the brass object with fresh warm water. Thoroughly dry the object with a terry cloth towel.

4. Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 tsp. of salt in a clean bowl. Mix in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to form paste.

5. Spread the paste over the brass object using a dry nonabrasive sponge. Let the paste thoroughly dry.

6. Moisten a second microfiber rag with warm water. Wipe the cloth over the brass surface to rinse off the paste. Rinse the rag often.

7. Buff the brass finish with a second terry cloth towel. Rub the cloth in circular motions over the object to add shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute the paste for linseed oil. Buff the brass object with a microfiber rag moistened with linseed oil.

• Abrasive sponges and brushes can gouge and mar brass objects.

References

• Vinegar Book: Vinegar Tips - Clean Brass with Vinegar, Salt and Flour
• Natural Healthy Home Cleaning Tips: Natural Metal Cleaning Recipes
• Copper Development Association: Architectural Brass - Advantages