Clean and Polish Brass

Brass is a timeless metal that adds warmth and elegance to any space, making it a perfect material to thrift for unique home decor. Whether you’ve sourced brass candlesticks, trays, lamps, or hardware secondhand, chances are they’ve developed some tarnish over time. Fortunately, with the right cleaning techniques, you can bring your thrifted brass treasures back to life! Follow this simple guide to clean and polish brass for a stunning, vintage glow.

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Don’t miss our tutorial for the best cleaning methods for silver HERE!

Why Choose Secondhand Brass?

Thrifting brass items is an affordable and sustainable way to decorate your home with high-quality materials. Many modern pieces mimic brass with plated finishes, but vintage brass items are often solid and built to last. With a little TLC, your secondhand brass finds can shine beautifully for years to come.

How to Tell if Brass is Real

Before cleaning, determine whether your item is solid brass or brass-plated:

✔️ Use a magnet – Solid brass won’t attract a magnet, while brass-plated items will. 

✔️ Avoid abrasive methods – If your piece is plated, harsh scrubbing can wear down the thin brass layer.

For more tips on how to identify silver and brass, DON’T MISS THIS POST!

How to Clean Brass Naturally

What You’ll Need:

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Soft cloths or microfiber towels
• Baking soda & lemon or vinegar (for DIY cleaning)
• Commercial brass polish (optional)
• Old toothbrush or soft-bristle brush

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Step 1: Wash with Soap and Water

For lightly tarnished brass, start with a gentle wash. Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, then use a soft cloth to wipe down the surface. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Step 2: Use a Natural Polish

For deeper tarnish, create a paste using baking soda and lemon juice (or vinegar). Apply it to the brass, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft cloth or toothbrush.

Step 3: Buff for Shine

After cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the brass, bringing out its natural luster.

Step 4: Apply Brass Polish (Optional)

For extra shine, use a commercial brass polish following the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps seal the surface and slow down future tarnishing.

When To Use Commercial Grade Brass Cleaning Products

While natural products like lemon juice and baking soda are the “cleaner” way to go, sometimes commercial grade cleaning products are needed and can be more effective on heavy tarnish and very old pieces of brass. Just make sure you’re taking precautions by covering your work area and wearing gloves! We love these long rubber gloves that come in a range of sizes!

The Best Commercial Products to Clean and Polish Brass

We tested various tarnish removers and brass cleaners, and our top picks are Flitz Instant Tarnish Remover for brass and copper, followed by Hope’s Brass Polish. Flitz stands out for its instant tarnish removal without scrubbing. As soon as the spray touches the brass, the tarnish begins to vanish, making it an effortless solution for restoring shine.

How to Use Flitz and Hope’s Brass Polish for Best Results

1. Wash your brass item with mild dish soap and water to remove surface dirt. Spray Flitz Tarnish Remover evenly over the brass and let it sit for up to one minute. Do not let the spray dry. Rinse thoroughly with water and buff dry with a soft cloth.

2. Apply Hope’s Brass Polish to a clean, soft rag and gently rub it over the entire surface of your brass piece. Using Flitz first helps loosen the tarnish, making it easier to remove without excessive effort. You may notice the rag turning black from the lifted tarnish—this is a sign the polish is working effectively.

3. Once the polish has been applied thoroughly, rinse the brass well and buff with a fresh, clean rag. This final step enhances the shine and ensures all remaining tarnish is removed, leaving your brass with a brilliant, polished finish.

Maintaining Your Brass Pieces

• Keep brass dry – Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture. 
• Store in a low-humidity environment – Reduces tarnishing. 
• Polish occasionally – Maintain its brilliance and shine.

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Final Thoughts

Sourcing secondhand brass is a fantastic way to find beautiful, high-quality decor with character and history. With a little cleaning and polishing, your thrifted brass items will become cherished statement pieces in your home. Happy thrifting, Secondhand Squad!

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xoxo, L