No cost, no registration, no passwords -- just aloha, fun & authoritative answers
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Home remedy for cleaning brass

Does anyone know home recipe I could use to clean the base of a brass lamp?

June Laubach
- Nazareth, Pennsylvania, USA
2001

An inherent characteristic of brass is that it tarnishes. So, if this lamp was polished brass, it would have had a lacquer finish at some time, which you may have to remove and restore.

But what I would probably do if it was mine is to attempt to polish it with Brasso [on eBay or Amazon]. If it didn't work, I would assume I wasn't reaching the brass due to the lacquer, and I would use a lacquer thinner [on eBay or Amazon], then try again. But, as mentioned, after restoration it will quickly tarnish again if you do not lacquer it.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2001

This may sound crazy but you have to try it in order to polish and remove the tarnish you rub ketchup... yes try it and see

Sonia
- Los Angeles, California, USA
2004

To clean brass or copper:mix vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon] and table salt together and rub with a piece of cloth.Works great! And it's easy!After cleaning if you like to give it a better finish,apply Nevr-Dull [affil links]. WOW!

Marie Harding
- Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
2005

Q. I have followed the instructions to the letter but when I try to clean brass it comes out darker and tarnished can anyone help.

Alan Beech
- Hull, England
September 3, 2013

A. Hi Alan. As you see, we appended your question to a similar thread. We have about 100 threads about cleaning brass just on this site, and there are obviously countless other sites. So, unfortunately, telling us that you followed the instructions doesn't actually tell us what you did, or whether you're talking about a solid brass bell, or a brass plated bed, or an aluminum shower door or fiberglass garden figure that just looks like brass.

Please tell us what you are trying to clean, how you know it's brass, and what you tried. Thanks!

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
September 5, 2013

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: