How to Clean Brass and Remove Tacky Tarnish

For functional elements, such as locks, hinges, hardware, or light fixtures, Sorenson suggests seeking the help of a professional. “Wiring, mechanical complexity, and lubricating requirements generally turn these types of projects into more than simple DIY chores,” he says.

What is the fastest way to clean brass?

“The best way to clean a brass faucet is with a clean microfiber cloth and water,” says Abbas Imtiaz Poonawala, director of operations for Isenberg Faucets in Dallas. “This is natural and works wonderfully. For hard water scaling use a simple solution of vinegar and water.” For other pieces, always wash the brass before polishing. All you need to start is a mild dish soap, like Dawn Platinum Powerwash Free & Clear, and a warm water rinse. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away the soapy water and all the debris, dust, and dirt. 

If your brass isn’t too grimy, this might be all you need for a refresh. For a more neglected piece, store-bought brass cleaners will get your brass polished in a jiffy. Grab a soft cleaning cloth—Sorenson prefers a knit-cotton material, like an old undershirt—and buff away. To remove discoloration, use a cleaning product specifically designed for brass, like Wright’s Brass Polish. 

Our experts recommend some great store-bought cleaners to bring your brass back to its original luster in a jiffy. Brasso is great for to bring back shine to door knobs and locks. Bar Keepers Friend tackles both rust and tarnish on brass pieces. Twinkle Brass & Copper Cleaning Kit actually has an anti-tarnish ingredient that extends the treatment, making it ideal for outdoor pieces. Blue Magic is great for getting rid of tarnish and oxidation and works well on brass jewelry, the rim of a watch face, or a vintage tea set.

Though Hartman rubs in polish with very fine steel wool, she warns that you should never use anything thicker than grade 00 steel wool to avoid scratching the surface. 

What is the best homemade brass cleaner?

Of course, you don’t have to buy your brass polish. You probably have everything you need to make your own brass polish in your kitchen. Your ingredients will be all-natural, but fair warning: Hartman says, “The procedure is the same, but it takes a lot more elbow grease.” Here, four tried-and-true DIY cleaning solutions.

1. Lemon and baking soda polish

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. Repeat if necessary.

2. Lemon and salt polish

Slice a lemon in half and cover the cut section with a teaspoon of table salt. Rub the lemon on the tarnished piece, squeezing it as you go to release the lemon juice. Rinse with warm water and dry.

3. Flour, salt, and white vinegar

Combine equal parts of all three ingredients to create a paste. Apply a thin layer of that paste to the tarnished brass and leave it for an hour before rinsing with warm water and drying.

4. Ketchup, tomato sauce, or tomato paste

When you wondered how to clean brass, you probably didn’t think ketchup would be involved, but—surprise—it is! Tomatoes contain an acid that helps to remove tarnish on brass and other metals; that’s why applying a tomato-based product can work wonders on brass. Ketchup, tomato paste, and tomato sauce all work equally well. Apply a layer to your brass and leave it on for an hour. Then wash with warm water and dish soap. Let it dry.

What can I soak brass in to remove tarnish?

If you don’t have time to sit and polish brass, opt for soak, especially when it comes to larger items such as a bowl, candlestick holders, or something with a lot of detail. Combine one part white vinegar with two parts warm water, and let your brass items soak for at least four hours. Use this technique around your house in the same way as you would clean a showerhead, tying a bag filled with the solution. A bath of tomato sauce works equally well on small items like utensils and candlesticks.