Which is the best homemade remedy to clean brass? I’m starting a business where I buy things from estate sales, refurbish them, and then resell them online.
Ashley Franklin, Byron, Georgia
It’s tough to say which is the best homemade remedy to clean brass. You have various options that will help you remove tarnish.
However, there may be times when an item you purchase needs to look a little older than it actually does. How to antique brass involves similar steps for how to get rid of tarnish. The best recipes involve using vinegar or warm water and salt to make brass or silver look more “antique.”
The first recipe of a simple brass cleaner calls for a teaspoon of salt, a half a cup of white vinegar, and some flour. Dissolve the salt in the vinegar, then add flour slowly until you’re satisfied with the consistency. Use an old toothbrush to rub the paste onto the brass. Allow it to work for ten minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry the piece thoroughly. If you buff with a clean, dry cloth, the brass should shine.
The second brass cleaner combines the power of a cup of white vinegar and a half cup of baking soda with two tablespoons of salt. The initial reaction will calm down, leaving you with a paste. Use circular motions to coat the brass with the paste, then let it stand for about ten minutes. Rinse off with cool water, then buff dry.
Third, try this recipe for both silver and brass. You’ll need two cups of white flour, one teaspoon of salt, one cup of white vinegar, one fresh lemon, and baking soda. The first step is to combine the flour, salt, and vinegar into a paste. Cover the brass with that, then let it dry until it starts to flake. Don’t rinse it. Instead, use a dry rag to wipe away residue.
Now slice up the lemon and dip it into baking soda. Rub it over any tarnished spots you can still see. Then rinse with hot water and polish with a dry cloth.