What makes brass tarnish

Apply it according to the instructions on the bottle using a soft cleaning cloth Sorenson prefers a knit-cotton material, like that of an undershirt. And before you get started on polishing, always wash the brass before polishing it.

All you need is warm water and mild dish soap. Use a soft, damp cloth to apply the soapy water, and clean it until all debris, dust, and dirt are gone. There are plenty of store-bought brass cleaners that you can use.

Here's a list of what Sorenson and Hartman consider the best brass cleaners. You probably have everything you need to make your own brass polish in your kitchen. Combine the juice of half a lemon with a teaspoon of baking soda and stir until it becomes a paste. Apply the paste with a soft cloth. If the tarnish is heavy, let the piece sit with the paste on it for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry. Toothpaste helps whiten your teeth, and you can use that same cleaning magic on brass.

To clean brass with toothpaste, first pick a plain, white toothpaste you don't need any gels or fancy flavors.

Then, apply a thin layer of the paste to your brass object. Let rest for a few minutes, then polish with a clean cloth. For tough spots, you'll likely need to use a bit more effort. Feel free to apply extra dabs of toothpaste to particularly stubborn areas. Once the brass is polished to your liking, rinse with cool water and dry with a microfiber cloth. If you prefer to use a commercial brass cleaner, be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for brass. Always wash the item with mild soap and water to remove dust or other debris before polishing.

Then follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to clean and polish your brass item. Brass polishes typically leave a protective coating on the surface, which helps prevent future tarnish and discoloration.

To keep your brass looking shiny and clean, avoid touching the piece too often the oils on your skin can accelerate tarnishing and use a soft cloth when cleaning or polishing to prevent scratches on the surface.

With regular upkeep, your brass will maintain its beautiful shine for years to come. By Jessica Bennett Updated August 27, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Save Pin FB More. Credit: Kim Cornelison. Credit: Adam Albright Photography, Inc. Credit: Brie Williams.

Comments Add Comment. Back to story Comment on this project. Tell us what you think Once all the tarnish is gone, apply a light coating of mineral oil to the brass and then buff it with a clean micro-fiber cloth until it shines.

And to deter the brass from tarnishing again, repeat the oil and buffing process every six months. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Sonia Tapia Getty Images. Mineral Oil. Plastic Putty Knife. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths. Joseph Truini Joe is a former carpenter and cabinetmaker who writes extensively about remodeling, woodworking, and tool techniques. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.

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