Cleaning Brass Using Vinegar

Cleaning brass can be easy or it can be a challenge, depending on what you know about brass, how brass tarnishes, how to remove tarnish, and how to reduce tarnishing. Brass tarnishing is a natural process of oxidation that will happen when a brass surface is exposed to air. You can keep your brass shiny and untarnished by covering its surface with lacquer, by removing the tarnish with a commercial brass cleaner, or by cleaning it with a household brass cleaner such as vinegar. Here are a few ideas about how to make and use a vinegar brass cleaner:

Tip 1 – Identify Lacquered Brass

If you brass finish is lacquered, most likely you will not see tarnish on it. In order for oxidation to tarnish brass the brass surface will need to be exposed to air. If your brass is lacquered, it will not be exposed to air and will not likely become tarnished. To clean fingerprints and other marks off lacquered brass you need only to wipe it with a clean damp cloth. Then, dry the brass, and buff it. You can usually tell if its lacquered, because a lacquer finish will usually scratch. If you see scratches or mark on your brass surface that you can widen with your fingernail, your brass surface is likely lacquered.

Tip 2 – Clean  with a Vinegar-Water Solution

Make a vinegar-water solution by adding 1 part water to 2 parts vinegar. Fill a container with this solution. Be sure your container is large enough to allow your brass item to fit in the container and be completely submerged. Place your brass item in the container, submerged so all its surface is covered with the solution, and allow it to soak for 2 to 3 hours. Then, remove the brass item from the vinegar solution, rinse it with clean water, and dry and buff it with a soft cloth such as flannel.

Tip 3 – Clean with a Vinegar Paste

With equal parts vinegar, salt, and white flour, make a paste. Use a soft brush (a toothbrush will work), apply the paste to the non-lacquered brass surface, and work the paste into the brass surface. If you don't have a brush, you can use your fingers. Allow the brass item to sit with this paste on it for up to 1 hour. If it sits longer, the paste will likely dry, will lose its effectiveness, and will be more difficult to remove. To remove the paste, rinse it off the brass with clean water. Dry with a soft, dry cloth, and polish.

Tip 4 – Buff your Brass

Once your brass object has been cleaned and dried, use a soft cloth such as flannel, to buff. Rub the cloth against the brass finish in fast circular motions to produce a brilliant shine.

Tip 5 – Prevent Tarnish

Avoid unnecessary cleaning of your brass items by protecting their surfaces from exposure to air. You can do this by lacquering these surfaces, or by applying several thin coats of olive oil with a soft cloth.