How to Clean Brass Handles

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It’s tough to beat the shiny, majestic look of brass handles. The only problem is they can tarnish and get dirty over time. Eventually, they can even oxidize and form a green powder on the surface. Fortunately, it’s actually really easy to clean and polish brass so you can keep your handles looking beautiful for a long, long time. To make the job even easier, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions that folks have about what it takes to clean brass handles.

Question 1 of 6:

What is the easiest way to clean brass?

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    If you’re looking for a simple way to clean your brass handles, fill a container with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Then scrub the surface with a microfiber cloth or a clean toothbrush dipped into the cleaning solution. Once the brass is clean, dry it off with a clean cloth. [1]
    • If the handles are super dirty or tarnished, you can remove them and soak them in the soapy water before you scrub them clean.
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Question 2 of 6:

How do you clean badly tarnished brass?

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    It might seem weird, but the natural acids in ketchup will actually remove tarnish without damaging or staining the brass. In fact, tomato sauce or paste will also work! [2] Rub a thin coat over the surface of the tarnished brass and let it sit for at least an hour. Then, scrub the brass clean with hot, soapy water and a microfiber cloth or a clean toothbrush. [3]
    • The natural acids in the ketchup or tomato paste will remove tarnish without damaging or staining the brass.
Question 3 of 6:

What is the best homemade brass cleaner?

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    Take a clean mixing bowl and add equal parts salt, flour, and white vinegar. Mix the solution together really well so it’s fully combined. Spread the paste over the surface of the brass and let it sit for up to an hour. Then, rinse the paste away with warm water and buff the brass dry with a microfiber cloth. [4]
    • For example, you can combine ½ cup of salt (144 grams), ½ cup of flour (68 grams), and 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of white vinegar to form a paste that will clean your brass without damaging the surface or altering the color.
    • You could also use baking soda instead of flour. Using various combinations of water, vinegar, baking soda, and salt, you can get your brass handles shining again. [5]
    • Another option is to cut a lemon in half, then dip the flat face of it in salt. Rub the salted lemon across the surface of your brass handles. Wipe the handles down with a damp rag, then dry them with a clean dishcloth. [6]
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Question 4 of 6:

How do you remove green oxidation from brass?

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    When brass oxidizes and corrodes, it can form a green powder on the surface. Take some mineral spirits, also known as white spirit, and apply it to a clean cloth or swab. Wipe down the surface of the brass to remove any grime that may be covering the oxidation so it’s easier to remove. [7]
    • Mineral spirits put off noxious fumes, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
  2. 2
    Push off the green corrosion with a wooden skewer. Take a wooden skewer, bamboo kebab stick, or even a bamboo chopstick and trim the end to form a chisel shape. Gently scrape and push the powdery green oxidation off of the surface of the brass. Then, wipe the surface clean with more mineral spirits. [8]
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Question 5 of 6:

Does WD-40 clean brass?

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    Detach the plastic straw from the can and attach it to the nozzle. Spray a small amount into a soft, clean cloth and rub the tarnished brass handle in a circular motion. Continue polishing the surface of the brass until it’s clean and shiny. [9]
Question 6 of 6:

How do you restore the shine to brass handles?

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    Choose a commercial brass cleaner that’s designed specifically for brass. Wash the handles with soap and water to remove any dust or grime from the surface. Then, polish the handles with the brass cleaner and a soft cloth to prevent scratches on the surface. [10]
    • By cleaning and polishing your handles regularly, you can keep them shiny and beautiful for years.
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      Tips

      • The oils on your skin can lead to tarnishing, so try to touch the brass as rarely as you can. [11]
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      Warnings

      • Make sure you work in a well-ventilated space if you’re using noxious chemicals such as mineral spirits.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/how-to-clean-brass/
      2. ↑ Susan Stocker. Green Cleaning Expert. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-brass/
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-brass/
      5. ↑ Susan Stocker. Green Cleaning Expert. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      6. ↑ Susan Stocker. Green Cleaning Expert. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      7. ↑ http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/c/caring-for-your-copper-brass-bronze-and-other-alloys/
      8. ↑ http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/c/caring-for-your-copper-brass-bronze-and-other-alloys/
      9. ↑ https://wd40.ca/product-uses/five-steps-for-cleaning-household-metals/
      1. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/how-to-clean-brass/
      2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/how-to-clean-brass/

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