How To Clean Brass Hardware 3 Ways
If you’re like most people, you probably have a few brass fixtures or furniture pieces in your home. While brass is a gorgeous material, it can also be challenging to keep clean. There are a few ways to ensure your brass looks shiny and new. In this post, we’ll share the three best ways to clean brass hardware.
No matter if your brass has become dull and scuffed, or you’re just looking for a way to keep it looking shiny, we’ve got you covered. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each method and provide you with a few tips on cleaning and caring for your brass.
Overview of Brass Hardware
Brass hardware is a popular choice for door and cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, hinges, door handles, and many other objects that require an attractive, long-lasting finish. Several types of brass hardware exist, including polished brass, brushed brass, and lacquered brass.
No matter what type you have in your home, you should clean your brass regularly to keep it looking its best. Regular cleaning can also help protect the finish from being tarnished or dulled due to everyday wear and tear. Below are three methods that can help you keep your brass hardware clean and shiny.
Salt and Vinegar
This method is popular for cleaning unpolished or brushed brass hardware. The ingredients are simple and environmentally friendly, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more natural approach to cleaning brass. All you need is salt, white vinegar, and a soft cloth.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Mix equal parts of salt and white vinegar in a bowl or container until the salt completely dissolves.
- Dip the soft cloth into the mixture and use it to rub onto the brass hardware.
- Once the surface is clean, rinse it with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Ketchup
Using ketchup may sound strange, but it is an effective way to clean lacquered brass hardware. The acidic acid in ketchup helps remove tarnish from the surface without damaging or discoloring the lacquer coating on the surface. You’ll need some ketchup, a cloth, and a bucket of water to try this method.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Apply a generous amount of ketchup onto the brass hardware using a soft cloth.
- Rub gently in circular motions until the tarnish starts to come off.
- Rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
Commercial Products
If you prefer to use commercial products, there are several options to help you clean your brass hardware quickly and safely. A brass cleaner is one of the most common options used by professional cleaners, as it safely removes tarnishes without damaging the surface of the metal. It is also easy to use and comes in various forms, such as sprays, gels, creams, and wipes, making it convenient to use on different brass items in your home or office space.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Read manufacturer instructions before use, if available, and follow all safety precautions. This step also helps ensure you’re using the most effective product for your needs based on the type of item you are cleaning.
- Apply a small amount of brass cleaner directly onto the surface of the item you’re attempting to clean. Don’t use too much, as this can damage or discolor the metal.
- Use a soft cloth or brush to scrub away any grime build-up on the surface. Follow the product’s directions to determine if you need to wipe the surface afterward with a cold cloth.
- Dry your item thoroughly after cleaning it. Wipe it one more time with a cloth to ensure all of the product is gone.
Considerations
Try to prioritize cleaning products that are eco-friendly to minimize your environmental impact when cleaning your metal surfaces. Using these products helps reduce your carbon footprint and decreases the potential hazards of inhaling chemical fumes in confined areas with limited ventilation, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
When dealing with chemical cleaners, especially abrasive ones, pay attention to any warnings listed on the labels. After completing the cleaning process, store the products out of reach of children to prevent accidental exposure or ingestion. Prioritizing health and safety measures while cleaning is essential for a well-protected environment.
Conclusion
Cleaning brass hardware can be a time-consuming job, but it doesn’t have to be. With these three easy methods, you can keep your brass hardware looking good as new. Whether you choose natural methods like salt and vinegar or ketchup or one of the many commercial products available, with a bit of effort and a gentle hand, your brass will shine like it did when it was brand new. With the right approach and the right products, you can be sure that your brass hardware will stay looking beautiful for a long time.