How to Clean and Maintain Brass Items

How to Clean and Maintain Brass Items – Why It Matters

Brass has always been a part of Indian homes—whether it’s a diya, urli, planter, pooja thali, or handcrafted décor piece. Its warm golden glow can instantly elevate any corner of your home. But brass needs a little love and care to maintain that shine. Knowing exactly how to clean and maintain brass items helps your pieces last longer, look richer, and age beautifully.

Many people worry when their brass darkens or loses its glow, but that’s completely natural. Brass reacts to air, water, and touch. The good news? With gentle and regular care, you can keep every piece shining just like the day you bought it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to clean and maintain brass items, using simple home ingredients and mindful habits that protect your décor for years to come.

How to Clean and Maintain Brass Items Using Natural Ingredients

When it comes to brass, harsh chemicals do more harm than good. They strip the natural patina, damage the finish, and reduce the life of your product. Instead, natural cleaning methods are gentle, deep-cleansing, and safe for both you and the brass.

Here’s the simplest way to clean your brass items without affecting their texture:

1. Lemon + Salt: Nature’s Perfect Brass Cleaner

This classic method works beautifully for everyday cleaning.

How to do it:

• Cut a lemon into two halves.

• Dip the slice into a little salt.

• Rub gently over the brass surface.

• Allow it to sit for 5 minutes.

• Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.

It removes dirt and restores the shine without any chemical bleaching.

How to Clean and Maintain Brass Items if They Are Lacquered

Some brass products come with a lacquer coating that prevents tarnish. For such items, the cleaning method is slightly different.

You should never use lemons or abrasives on lacquered brass.

Instead, do this:

• Use a soft damp cloth with mild soap.

• Gently wipe the surface.

• Dry immediately with a microfiber cloth.

• Avoid scrubbing or harsh rubbing.

This ensures the lacquer stays intact, and the shine lasts longer.

How to Clean and Maintain Brass Items When They Are Heavily Tarnished

Sometimes brass becomes too dark or uneven due to moisture, weather, or storage. In such cases, you can use a deeper cleaning method that still stays natural.

2. Besan + Haldi + Water Paste

A traditional Indian method that works incredibly well.

How to do it:

• Mix besan (gram flour), a pinch of turmeric, and a few drops of water.

• Make a smooth paste.

• Apply it over the brass item and rub gently.

• Rinse and pat dry.

This paste lifts stubborn dirt and revives the golden color.

3. Vinegar + Salt Soak

• Mix warm water with vinegar and a spoon of salt.

• Dip a cloth into the solution and wipe the brass.

• Rinse and dry instantly.

This works especially well for brass utensils and bowls.

Daily Care: How to Clean and Maintain Brass Items to Prevent Tarnish

The best way to maintain brass is through simple daily care habits. Tarnish happens when brass meets air, moisture, or oils from our hands. A little maintenance keeps it glowing.

Daily Brass Care Tips:

• Always wipe your brass items after use.

• Avoid touching brass with oily or sweaty hands.

• Keep brass away from bathrooms, humid corners, or direct AC air.

• Never leave water droplets on brass products—water stains quickly.

• Polish your brass items once every 7–10 days for a constant shine.

This is the simplest form of knowing how to clean and maintain brass items without spending hours on deep cleaning.

How to Clean and Maintain Brass Items Without Losing Their Natural Patina

Some people love shiny brass, while others prefer a vintage, antique finish. If you like the aged look, avoid over-cleaning. Instead:

• Wipe once a week with a dry cloth.

• Avoid lemon or vinegar.

• Use olive oil or coconut oil to polish lightly.

This protects the texture and keeps the patina intact while still looking clean.

Storage Tips: How to Clean and Maintain Brass Items by Storing Them Right

Storing brass is just as important as cleaning it. Wrong storage can cause dark patches, cracks, or moisture stains.

Proper Brass Storage Checklist:

✔ Wrap brass items in soft cotton cloth
✔ Add silica gel or neem leaves to reduce moisture
✔ Store in a cool, dry space
✔ Keep brass away from leather, rubber, or wood
✔ Avoid stacking brass items without padding

Following these steps reduces 80% of tarnish and keeps your brass looking new for years.

How Often Should You Clean Brass?

For most households:

• Light cleaning: Once a week

• Deep cleaning: Once a month

• Polishing: Every 10–12 days (non-lacquered brass)

Consistent care is the secret behind how to clean and maintain brass items effortlessly.

When to Avoid Cleaning Brass at Home

There are times when DIY cleaning isn’t the best option:

• Brass items with gemstones

• Intricate carvings that trap lemon or liquids

• Old vintage brass requiring delicate handling

• Lacquered products peeling off

In such cases, professional cleaning is safer.

Final Thoughts: Why Caring for Brass Is an Art

Brass is more than a décor piece—it's emotion, tradition, and timeless beauty. When you understand how to clean and maintain brass items, you don’t just make them shine; you help them stay a part of your home for generations.

At Soul for Earth, every brass item is handcrafted with care, and maintaining it with the right methods ensures it always reflects the beauty and warmth it was created with.

If you ever feel unsure about how to clean or maintain any specific product, feel free to ask—we’re always here to help you keep your home glowing, naturally.