Cleaning brass is simple once you know two things: whether your piece is solid brass, and whether it has a protective lacquer on top. This guide shows you how to check, then walks through five easy methods, from a quick wash to bringing back a full shine.
Step 1: Is it solid brass or plated?
Hold a magnet to the piece. Brass is not magnetic, so if the magnet does not stick, it is most likely solid brass. If it sticks, the piece is probably steel or iron with a thin brass plating. Plated pieces need gentle cleaning only: rubbing too hard can wear the plating away.
Step 2: Is it lacquered or unlacquered?
- Lacquered brass has a clear coat. It stays shiny and even, and does not darken much. Clean it with mild soap and water only. Polishes and acidic pastes can damage the coat.
- Unlacquered brass is raw metal. It darkens into a patina over time, and you can polish it as often as you like. Learn more in What Is Unlacquered Brass?
If you see peeling or patchy spots where the shine stops suddenly, the lacquer is wearing off.
5 ways to clean brass
1. Mild soap and warm water (every kind of brass)
- Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water.
- Wipe the brass with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse with clean water and dry completely with a soft towel.
This removes dust, fingerprints and grime without changing the patina. It is the only method we recommend for lacquered or plated brass.
2. Lemon juice and baking soda (unlacquered brass)
- Mix lemon juice with baking soda into a paste.
- Rub it gently onto the brass with a soft cloth, following the grain.
- Rinse well with water and dry.
A natural way to lift light tarnish and bring back some shine.
3. Vinegar, salt and flour paste (heavier tarnish)
- Mix equal parts white vinegar, salt and flour into a paste.
- Spread it on the tarnished area and leave it for a short time, then rub gently.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry. Do not leave acidic pastes on the metal for long.
4. Ketchup or tomato paste (small items)
The mild acid in tomatoes helps with tarnish on small items like knobs and pulls. Rub a little on with a cloth, wait a few minutes, rinse and dry.
5. Commercial brass polish (fastest full shine)
For heavy tarnish or a mirror shine on unlacquered brass, use a polish made for brass. Follow the label, buff with a soft cloth, and rinse if the label says so.
What not to use on brass
- Steel wool, scouring pads and abrasive powders, which scratch the surface.
- Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners, which can stain or damage brass.
- Any acidic cleaner left on the metal for a long time.
- Polish on lacquered or plated brass.
Cleaning brass around the home
- Faucets: see our step-by-step guide on how to clean an unlacquered brass faucet.
- Showers: hard water leaves white spots. See how to clean brass shower fixtures, and for copper, how to clean a copper shower head.
- Cabinet knobs and pulls: wipe weekly, and polish the most-touched pieces now and then. See our brass cabinet hardware.
- Bathroom accessories: towel rings and toilet paper holders mostly need dusting and a wipe. See our brass bathroom accessories.
- Decor: trays, vases and candle holders can be cleaned with any of the methods above, depending on their finish.
Keep your brass clean longer
- Wipe brass dry after contact with water.
- Clean weekly with mild soap so grime does not build up.
- On unlacquered brass, a thin coat of paste wax made for metal slows down tarnish.
For a full routine, read our unlacquered brass care guide. And if you love the aged look, you do not have to clean it off: see how to patina brass quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Does brass rust?
No. Brass contains no iron, so it cannot rust. It tarnishes, which is a surface change you can clean. Read Does Brass Rust?
How often should I clean brass?
Wipe it weekly with mild soap and water. Polish unlacquered brass only when you want to bring back the shine.
Can I clean brass with vinegar alone?
Vinegar can help with tarnish, but it is acidic. Use it briefly, rinse well, and dry right away. Never use it on lacquered brass.
Will cleaning remove the patina?
Soap and water keep the patina. Lemon pastes, vinegar pastes and polish remove it and bring back the bright color.
New to raw brass? Start with our complete guide to unlacquered brass fixtures.