Brass develops a dull, brownish layer over time when exposed to air and moisture. This tarnish makes beautiful brass fixtures, door handles, and decorative pieces look neglected and dirty. The good news is that brass cleans up brilliantly with simple household ingredients, and most tarnished brass can be restored to its original golden shine in under an hour.
Quick Fix: Clean brass by making a paste with equal parts white vinegar, salt, and flour, applying it to the tarnished surface, letting it sit for 30 minutes, then scrubbing gently with a soft cloth before rinsing and drying thoroughly. This method removes tarnish and restores shine without damaging solid brass or brass-plated items.
How to Identify Your Brass Type
Before cleaning, you need to know what type of brass you’re working with. Different brass finishes require different approaches. According to brass care instructions from Royal Design, which explain long‑term maintenance and surface considerations.
Solid Brass
According to Royal Design, one way to identify solid brass is by testing it with a magnet, if it doesn’t stick, you’re likely dealing with solid brass, which is the most durable type for cleaning. Most antique brass items, quality door hardware, and expensive decorative pieces are solid brass.
Solid brass weighs more than plated items. Pick up the piece – solid brass feels heavy for its size.
Brass-Plated
If a magnet sticks to your item, it’s brass-plated (a thin brass layer over steel or another metal). Brass plating is delicate. Aggressive cleaning can wear through the plating and expose the base metal underneath.
Clean brass-plated items gently. Avoid abrasive scrubbing and harsh chemicals. If you see silver or darker metal showing through in worn areas, the plating is already damaged.
Lacquered Brass
Some brass items have a clear protective coating applied at manufacture. This lacquer prevents tarnishing but can wear off over time, creating patchy discolouration.
To test for lacquer, dab a hidden spot with acetone (nail polish remover). If the cloth picks up a clear or yellowish residue, the brass is lacquered.
Lacquered brass should only be cleaned with mild soap and water. Polishing methods remove the lacquer, and the brass will tarnish quickly once exposed.
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What You Need to Clean Brass
Gather these supplies before starting:
Basic cleaning:
- White vinegar
- Table salt
- Plain flour
- Soft cloths or microfibre towels
- Warm water
- Washing-up liquid
- Soft toothbrush (for detailed areas)
For tougher jobs:
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Commercial brass polish (Brasso or similar)
- Fine steel wool (only for solid brass)
Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners, bleach, and ammonia-based products. These damage brass permanently.
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Best Methods to Clean Brass
These methods work on solid brass. For brass-plated items, use only the mildest option (soap and water) or test carefully on a hidden spot first.
Method 1: Vinegar, Salt, and Flour Paste (Best Overall)
Time: 35-40 minutes | Effort: Low | Effectiveness: Excellent
This is the most reliable method. It removes heavy tarnish without turning brass pink or leaving streaks.
Mix equal parts white vinegar, table salt, and plain flour in a bowl. Start with 2 tablespoons of each. The mixture should form a thick paste. Add more flour if it’s too runny.
Apply the paste to the brass using a soft cloth. Cover the entire tarnished surface with a generous layer. Make sure you get paste into crevices and detailed areas.
Let the paste sit for 30 minutes. For extremely tarnished brass, leave it for up to an hour. The acid in the vinegar breaks down the tarnish while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive.
Scrub the paste into the brass using circular motions with a soft cloth. You’ll see the tarnish come away in the paste, which will turn dark green or brown.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Make sure you remove all paste residue, especially from detailed areas. Dry immediately with a clean cloth.
This method works on door handles, candlesticks, decorative items, and large brass pieces. It doesn’t leave the pink discolouration that some other acidic methods can cause.
Method 2: Lemon and Salt
Time: 15-20 minutes | Effort: Medium | Effectiveness: Very Good
Cut a lemon in half. Pour coarse salt onto a plate or directly onto the lemon cut surface.
Dip the lemon into the salt and scrub the brass directly with the salted lemon. The citric acid dissolves tarnish while the salt provides gentle abrasion.
Apply moderate pressure and work in circular motions. For flat surfaces, you can sprinkle salt directly onto the brass and scrub with the lemon half.
The brass should brighten immediately. Continue scrubbing until you see the golden colour return. Dip the lemon in more salt as needed.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
This method works brilliantly on lightly tarnished brass and provides a pleasant fresh scent while cleaning. It’s less effective on heavily tarnished pieces or items with intricate details where salt can get stuck.
Method 3: Baking Soda Paste
Time: 20-25 minutes | Effort: Medium | Effectiveness: Good
Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. You want the consistency of toothpaste.
Apply the paste to tarnished areas using a soft cloth or your fingers. Cover the brass completely.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The baking soda is mildly abrasive and will lift tarnish without scratching.
Scrub gently with a damp soft cloth using circular motions. The tarnish should come away easily.
Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.
This method is gentler than the vinegar paste and works well for light to moderate tarnish. It’s safe for brass-plated items if you use very light pressure.
While baking soda works well for brass, it’s also fantastic for cleaning stubborn grease in the kitchen. For more advanced kitchen cleaning, check out our comprehensive oven cleaning guide.
Method 4: Commercial Brass Polish
Time: 10-15 minutes | Effort: High | Effectiveness: Excellent
Commercial polishes like Brasso contain chemical cleaners specifically formulated for brass. They work faster than natural methods and leave a brilliant shine.
Apply a small amount of polish to a soft cloth. Rub it onto the brass using firm, circular motions. The polish will turn black or dark brown as it picks up tarnish.
Continue buffing until you’ve covered the entire piece. For heavy tarnish, you may need to reapply polish and repeat the process.
Use a clean cloth to buff away all polish residue. Keep buffing until the brass shines and no dark residue remains.
Commercial polish requires significant elbow grease, especially on heavily tarnished brass. The chemical smell can be strong, so work in a well-ventilated area.
This method produces the best shine and works fastest on solid brass. It’s the professional choice for maintaining brass fixtures and hardware.
For those looking for an even stronger clean, commercial brass polish can work wonders. For other tough kitchen cleaning tasks, like burnt pans, our guide on cleaning burnt pans offers great tips.
What NOT to Use: The Ketchup Problem
You’ll find ketchup recommended in many brass cleaning guides. Some people swear by it, others report it turns their brass pink.
The pink discolouration happens because ketchup contains vinegar and salt – both acids that can strip the zinc from brass alloy, exposing the copper underneath. Copper appears pink or reddish.
Whether ketchup works or causes problems depends on the brass composition, how long you leave it on, and the ketchup’s acidity. The results are unpredictable.
The vinegar, salt, and flour paste gives you controlled acid exposure with better results and no pink risk. Skip the ketchup.
Just like brass, other metals like stainless steel require careful cleaning to avoid damage. If you’re working with stainless steel appliances or fixtures, check out our guide on how to clean stainless steel to avoid damaging finishes.
How to Clean Different Brass Items
Door Handles and Hardware
Door handles collect oils from hands, making them tarnish faster than decorative brass. Clean them every 3-6 months to prevent heavy buildup.
If you can remove the handles, do so. This makes cleaning easier and protects your doors from cleaning solutions. Most door handles have a small screw under one side that releases them from the door mechanism.
For fixed handles that can’t be removed, protect the surrounding door surface with masking tape or a cloth. Apply your chosen cleaning paste carefully, avoiding excess that could drip onto painted or varnished surfaces.
Use a soft toothbrush to clean around screw holes and in decorative grooves. These areas collect the most tarnish and dirt.
After cleaning, consider applying a thin coat of furniture wax or clear lacquer to slow future tarnishing. This works particularly well in rental properties where regular maintenance might be difficult.
Period door handles in Victorian and Edwardian London homes often feature intricate art nouveau designs. These detailed pieces need careful cleaning with a soft toothbrush to reach all the crevices without damaging the features.
Taps and Bathroom Fixtures
Brass taps in bathrooms tarnish quickly due to constant water exposure and humidity. London’s hard water accelerates this process, leaving mineral deposits alongside tarnish.
Clean taps monthly to prevent heavy tarnish buildup. Use the baking soda paste method for regular maintenance – it’s gentle enough for frequent use.
For mineral deposits around the base and aerator, soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected area. Leave it for 30 minutes, then scrub gently. The vinegar dissolves both tarnish and mineral deposits.
Dry taps thoroughly after each use to slow tarnishing. Keep a small cloth near the sink for quick wipes.
Decorative Items
Candlesticks, picture frames, ornaments, and decorative plates all develop tarnish when displayed. Dust them regularly to slow the process – dust holds moisture against brass and accelerates tarnishing.
For items you can fully submerge, fill a basin with warm water and washing-up liquid. Soak the brass for 10 minutes to soften surface dirt, then clean with your chosen method.
Items with mixed materials (brass combined with wood, glass, or fabric) need careful cleaning. Apply paste only to brass areas using a small brush or cotton bud. Avoid getting cleaning solutions on other materials.
Brass Beds
Large brass beds represent a significant cleaning challenge. You’ll need more cleaning paste and more time.
Work in sections. Clean one bedpost or rail at a time, completing it fully before moving to the next section. This prevents paste from drying on the brass before you can rinse it off.
For beds you can’t dismantle, protect your bedding and floor with old sheets or plastic sheeting. Cleaning paste will drip, and some methods can stain fabric.
A spray bottle filled with warm water helps rinse large brass surfaces. Spray thoroughly, then wipe with clean cloths until all residue is gone.
Intricate and Engraved Pieces
Detailed brass items with engravings, filigree, or complex patterns need extra attention. Tarnish builds up in grooves and is difficult to reach.
Apply cleaning paste generously, making sure it fills all the detailed areas. Use a soft toothbrush to work paste into crevices.
After the sitting time, use the toothbrush again to scrub details before rinsing. An old toothbrush works perfectly – the bristles reach into patterns without damaging brass.
For extremely intricate items, rinse under running warm water while brushing gently. This flushes paste from details more effectively than wiping.
Cotton buds work well for tiny crevices. Dip a cotton bud in cleaning paste or vinegar and scrub small detailed areas.
What Damages Brass Permanently
Understanding what harms brass prevents you from ruining valuable items while cleaning.
Harsh abrasives: Steel wool, sandpaper, and abrasive powders scratch brass surfaces. These scratches trap dirt and make brass tarnish faster. Only use abrasives on heavily damaged solid brass as a last resort.
Bleach and ammonia: These chemicals corrode brass, causing pitting and discolouration. Once pitted, brass can’t be restored without professional refinishing.
Dishwashers: The harsh detergents and high heat in dishwashers damage brass. Always hand wash brass items, even if they’re marked dishwasher safe.
Prolonged acid exposure: Leaving acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon) on brass for hours or days dissolves the zinc in brass alloy. This changes the metal composition and can’t be reversed.
Excessive heat: Extreme heat can discolour brass permanently. Don’t use heat guns or torches to clean brass.
When NOT to Clean Brass
Sometimes tarnish adds value rather than detracting from it. Know when to leave brass alone.
Antiques with patina: Genuine antique brass often has a dark patina that collectors value. This aged appearance proves authenticity. Cleaning antique brass to bright gold can reduce its value significantly.
If you’re unsure whether to clean an antique brass item, consult an antiques dealer or appraiser first. Once removed, patina can’t be recreated convincingly.
Listed buildings: Buildings with listed status in the UK have legal protections. Original brass features in listed properties shouldn’t be altered without permission. Check with your local conservation officer before cleaning or changing brass fixtures in listed buildings.
Intentionally darkened brass: Some brass items are deliberately darkened or antiqued during manufacture. This finish creates contrast in detailed pieces. Cleaning removes the intentional darkening.
Check for even, consistent dark colouring in recesses and details. If the dark areas look deliberate rather than random, they’re probably an original finish.
Lacquered brass: As mentioned earlier, lacquered brass should only be dusted or wiped with soapy water. Polishing removes the protective coating.
Cleaning Brass You Can’t Remove
Many brass fixtures are permanently installed – stair rails, wall plates, fireplace surrounds, door knockers on external doors. Clean these carefully to protect surrounding surfaces.
Use masking tape to protect painted walls, varnished wood, and wallpaper around brass fixtures. Apply the tape carefully, pressing edges down firmly to prevent cleaning solutions seeping underneath.
Apply cleaning paste with a small brush or cotton bud rather than a cloth. This gives you better control and reduces mess.
For vertical surfaces, make your paste slightly thicker so it doesn’t drip. Add extra flour to the vinegar paste recipe.
Keep a damp cloth handy to immediately wipe any drips or splashes on surrounding surfaces.
Work from top to bottom on large fixtures like stair rails. This prevents drips from landing on already-cleaned brass.
Prevention and Maintenance
Regular care prevents heavy tarnish buildup and makes cleaning easier.
Dust weekly: Dust attracts moisture and accelerates tarnishing. Wipe brass items with a dry microfibre cloth weekly.
Dry after water exposure: Water causes tarnishing. Dry brass taps, door handles near entryways, and outdoor brass immediately after they get wet.
Apply protective coating: After deep cleaning, apply a thin layer of furniture wax or clear lacquer to create a barrier against air and moisture. This protection lasts several months.
Reapply wax every 3-4 months for indoor brass, monthly for outdoor fixtures.
Control humidity: Brass tarnishes faster in humid environments. Use dehumidifiers in damp rooms (bathrooms, basements) to slow tarnishing.
Handle with clean, dry hands: Oils from skin accelerate tarnishing. Wash and dry your hands before handling brass, or wear clean cotton gloves when moving brass items.
Regular light cleaning: Clean brass every 3-6 months before tarnish becomes heavy. Light tarnish removes quickly with minimal effort. Heavy tarnish requires aggressive cleaning that’s harder on brass.
Hard Water and Brass in London
London’s hard water creates specific brass cleaning challenges. The high mineral content leaves white, crusty deposits on brass taps and fixtures.
These mineral deposits look different from tarnish. Tarnish appears brown or greenish and dulls brass. Hard water deposits are white or cream-coloured and create crusty buildup.
To remove hard water stains along with tarnish, use straight white vinegar rather than diluted vinegar paste. Soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the brass. Leave it for 30 minutes. The acid dissolves both tarnish and mineral deposits.
Scrub gently with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
For severe mineral buildup, repeat the vinegar treatment multiple times. Stubborn deposits may need overnight soaking.
Prevent hard water stains by drying brass taps and fixtures after every use. This single habit dramatically reduces both tarnishing and mineral deposits.
When to Call Professional Cleaners
Some brass cleaning situations exceed reasonable DIY efforts.
Extensive brass installations: Homes or offices with brass throughout – multiple door sets, long stair rails, numerous fixtures – take days to clean properly yourself. Professional cleaners complete the work in hours.
Severely tarnished antiques: Valuable antique brass that’s heavily tarnished needs expert attention. Professional metal restorers have specialized equipment and knowledge to clean without damaging patina or reducing value.
Mixed metal fixtures: Items combining brass with other metals (bronze, copper, silver) need careful cleaning to avoid damaging different metals. Professionals know how to handle complex pieces.
Pre-sale property preparation: Selling a property with brass features? Professional cleaning ensures all brass looks its best for viewings and photos. Clean brass adds perceived value and shows property has been well-maintained.
End-of-tenancy requirements: Rental inspections have specific cleanliness standards. Professional end-of-tenancy services ensure brass and other fixtures meet these standards, protecting your deposit.
For properties requiring full deep cleaning including brass fixtures, Better Maid – professional cleaning service handles everything from door handles and taps to kitchen and bathroom deep cleaning in one visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should brass be cleaned?
Clean decorative brass every 3-6 months. High-touch items like door handles need cleaning every 1-2 months. Outdoor brass exposed to weather requires monthly cleaning. Regular light cleaning prevents heavy tarnish that’s harder to remove.
Can you clean brass with toothpaste?
Toothpaste contains mild abrasives and works as a light polish on brass. It’s not strong enough to remove heavy tarnish but works for light cleaning and final buffing. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub in circular motions. This method is safe for brass-plated items.
Why did my brass turn pink after cleaning?
Pink discolouration means the acid in your cleaning solution dissolved zinc from the brass alloy, exposing the copper underneath. This happens with ketchup, prolonged vinegar exposure, or very acidic lemon juice. The pink colour can sometimes be polished out with commercial brass polish, but severe cases are permanent.
How do you clean lacquered brass?
Lacquered brass should only be cleaned with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Never use polish or acidic cleaners – they remove the protective lacquer coating. Once lacquer is removed, the brass will tarnish quickly. If lacquer is already damaged and patchy, you can remove all remaining lacquer with acetone, then clean and re-lacquer the brass.
Can you clean brass with vinegar alone?
Yes, straight white vinegar works for light tarnish. Soak a cloth in vinegar and rub the brass, or for small items, submerge them in vinegar for 30 minutes. Vinegar alone is less effective than vinegar combined with salt and flour, which adds abrasive action. Always rinse thoroughly and dry after using vinegar.
What’s the fastest way to clean brass?
Commercial brass polish (Brasso) works fastest – typically 10-15 minutes including buffing time. For natural methods, lemon and salt gives fastest results at 15-20 minutes. The fastest natural method for heavily tarnished brass is the vinegar, salt, and flour paste, which works in 35-40 minutes including sitting time.
How do you remove green from brass?
Green deposits are copper oxide that forms when brass is exposed to moisture over long periods. The vinegar, salt, and flour paste method removes green tarnish effectively. Apply the paste, let it sit for 30-45 minutes, then scrub. For stubborn green deposits, repeat the treatment or use commercial brass polish.
Does brass tarnish in water?
Yes, water accelerates brass tarnishing. Moisture combines with oxygen and creates copper oxide (tarnish) on brass surfaces. This is why bathroom brass and outdoor fixtures tarnish faster than indoor decorative pieces. Always dry brass thoroughly after water exposure to slow tarnishing.
Brass cleaning transforms dull, tarnished pieces back to their original golden beauty. The vinegar, salt, and flour paste method handles most brass cleaning needs safely and effectively. For persistent tarnish, commercial polish provides extra cleaning power. Regular maintenance prevents heavy buildup and keeps brass looking brilliant for years.