Sparkle & Shine: How to Clean Brass

Step aside, dullness; begone, tarnish! Restore your brass fixtures to their full shiny glory using our collection of tried-and-true cleaning, polishing, and maintenance tips.

With brass firmly back in style, it’s high time for a cleaning guide to get your fixtures in top-brass shape.

When you’re ready to get your brass shiny, an Internet search on “how to clean brass” or “what will clean brass” may leave you more befuddled than before you started (does cleaning brass with Coke really work? Will peroxide clean brass or destroy it?).

We’ve rounded up the most effective methods with step-by-step instructions so that you can stop Googling and start shining.

First things first…

Before you clean, make sure that your brass is really brass and not brass-plated or some other material masquerading as brass – if it’s not actually brass, these cleaning methods may do more damage than good.

You can easily determine if your brass is genuine by holding a small magnet to it. If it sticks, it’s not brass; real brass is not magnetic.

Once you’ve verified your metal, pick a method and get started!

Method #1: Cleaning brass with lemon and baking soda

Will lemon clean brass? The answer to that is a resounding yes! Just mix it with some other stuff first.

Mix the juice of half of a lemon with a teaspoon of baking soda
Apply the paste with a soft cloth, gently working it into the brass (you may need to use your fingers)
Rinse thoroughly with warm water
Repeat if necessary
Pat dry

Method #2: Cleaning brass with lemon and salt

No baking soda? No problem. Slightly abrasive salt will do the trick, too.

Cut a lemon in half
Sprinkle one cut half with a teaspoon of salt (not coarse salt)
Use the lemon to gently scrub the brass, squeezing slightly to release the juice
Rinse with warm water
Pat dry

Method #3: Cleaning brass with vinegar

Not sure how to clean a brass faucet? You may have figured out how to clean brass hardware, but a non-removable faucet can be more challenging.

Soak a paper towel in vinegar
Wrap the paper towel around the faucet, tucking it in to cover all surfaces
Allow to sit for an hour or more
Scrub gently with a toothbrush to remove hard water deposits
Rinse with hot water and pat dry

(For a brass drain plug, simply stop up the sink and pour in vinegar to cover, then allow it to sit for at least an hour before rinsing.)

Method #4: Cleaning brass with ketchup

Yes, this is one of those unconventional methods that actually work. (Cola or peroxide? Not proven or recommended for household brass; those methods are sometimes suggested for firearm cleaning.) The citric acid in ketchup quickly removes tarnish.

Apply a small amount of ketchup with a soft cloth
Wipe off with a fresh cloth
Rinse thoroughly
Pat dry

Method #5: Cleaning brass with toothpaste

It doesn’t just keep your teeth shiny – it can shine up your brass, too.

Apply a thin layer of white paste toothpaste (not gel)
Allow to sit for a few minutes
Wipe off with a clean cloth
Rinse with warm water
Pat dry

Method #6: Make your own cleaner

You can make this paste with ingredients you have on hand and use it to clean brass handles or brass drawer pulls without taking them off.

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in ½ cup vinegar
Add 2-3 tablespoons of flour to make a paste
Apply to brass with your fingers or a soft cloth or sponge
Allow to sit for ten minutes
Wipe off with a clean, soft cloth

How to polish brass: Make it shine with oil

If your brass is clean and untarnished but a little lackluster, you can shine it up in seconds with a household staple.

Rub a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil onto brass with a soft cloth
Wipe away excess oil
Admire the shine!

Everyday brass maintenance

Prevention and maintenance is the first step to keeping your brass clean and shiny. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and check it carefully before attempting any cleaning methods.

Wipe brass regularly with a clean, soft cloth
Clean with water and mild detergent on a regular basis and dry thoroughly
Use brass cleaners or polish when necessary
Avoid abrasive cleaners and materials such as steel wool and metal-bristled brushes
Lacquered and living finishes may require special care; avoid rubbing or soaking, and check manufacturer’s instructions