As a jewelry lover, chances are you have run into the inevitable tarnishing of brass and other jewelry at least once! There’s nothing worse than pulling out your favorite brass piece and finding it now dull or tarnished. But not to worry, with a little care, you can bring back your jewelry’s shine in minutes.
(Plus, these methods also work for other brass items, like sculptures and homeware.)
What Makes Brass Special
Brass is a bright alloy blend of copper and zinc that is durable, shiny, and versatile. It’s loved for its ‘golden’ look and accessible price. But like most metals, it needs a little maintenance. Air, water/moisture, and age can all dull its surface, which is why tarnish can happen with the above conditions.
Why Cleaning Often Matters (even if it’s not Brass)
Regular care keeps brass (and other metals) looking beautiful and prevents deep tarnish that’s harder to remove later (read: scrub’ later). A little consistency and prevention goes a long way. Small, consistent cleaning habits are kinder to your jewelry’s longevity than the occasional harsh scrubbing.
Here's several methods to keep your Brass tarnish free:
6 Simple Ways to Clean Brass Jewelry
1. Soap & Water
As simple as it sounds, the best way is Soap & Water. This is perfect for light, regular cleaning.
- Run your jewelry directly under hot water. Or mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm/hot water in a bowl.
- Use your fingers, the soft side of a sponge, a soft cloth, or for more obvious tarnishing, a soft-bristled toothbrush to lightly wipe away any visible dirt particles. Scrub gently, since being too abrasive can scratch the brass.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a clean, soft cloth.
This is the only method we recommend for cleaning your Brass-plated items. Other methods may result in more tarnishing, damage to the brass plating, or surface scratches. In contrast, solid brass pieces may tolerate the other cleaning methods listed below.
If Soap & Water don't cut it, this is the next best method:
2. Ketchup
Yes, that Ketchup. In your pantry. Ketchup is easily one of the best natural ways to clean brass. Mild acidity in tomatoes makes Ketchup, and/or tomato paste, a good cleaning element to remove tarnish from brass.
- Thoroughly cover the brass item with a generous layer of ketchup.
- Let it sit for about 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the tarnish level of your piece.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry well with a clean cloth.
3. Lemon & Backing Soda
For more detailed clean, use Lemon AND baking soda as sort of paste to scrub. Test it on a small hidden area first to be safe and avoid damaging it with excessive acidity of lemon.
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Mix equal parts lemon juice and baking soda into a thick paste. (For example, half a lemon and a teaspoon or so of baking soda). - Apply with a soft cloth and rub gently in circles all over the piece. Lemon juice can be harsh, so you could end up with a patchy result if you miss a spot.
- Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry well with a clean cloth.
This natural combo helps lift tougher tarnish without harsh chemicals, though it can be very potent.
4. Vinegar & Salt
Another natural method is a paste of Vinegar & Salt. The natural salt is course and make a scrub, and the natural acidity of vinegar is good for polishing (much like Lemon or Ketchup).
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and salt into a course paste.
- Smooth the paste onto your piece and let it sit for around 15 minutes, depending on size/tarnish level.
- Rinse with warm water and dry completely with a clean cloth.
This method works especially well for removing the dreaded green patina from your brass piece. Vinegar's mild acidity dissolves copper salts that create the green layer of brass (a chemical reaction), making the patina easier to wipe away.
5. Jewelry Polishing Cloth
A jewelry polishing cloth are small pieces of cloth with metal-cleaning properties-soaked in. Use a jewelry polishing cloth to quickly buff away light tarnish and revive shine. They polish beautifully.
- Gently polish your jewelry using the cloth, applying soft circular motions for optimal results.
- No water is needed, just gentle pressure.
Since 2021, all of our metal-based jewelry comes with a complimentary jewelry cleaning cloth to keep your jewelry shining! Just look for the little aqua cloth in your jewelry's packaging to keep all your treasures polished to perfection.
6. Brass Cleaner
For very stubborn tarnish (if the other methods haven’t worked as hoped), we recommend using a brass-specific cleaner. Its stronger chemicals can strip protective layers or damage delicate details if overused, so gentler methods are safer for regular care.
- Follow the instructions on the individual product carefully.
- Test it on a small hidden area first to be safe and avoid damaging or scraping.
Regardless of the cleaning remedy you end up choosing, be sure to clean in the direction of the metal’s natural grain to avoid any scratching. Brass is prone to retaining water spots, so always make sure to dry immediately and thoroughly after cleaning.
Everyday Quick Care Tips (before the tarnish)
- Avoid moisture. Take your jewelry off before showering or swimming. If it does get wet, dry thoroughly.
- Store smart. Keep it in a dry place with anti-tarnish strips or silica pouches.
- Skip chemicals. Perfume, lotion, and cleaning sprays are brass’s worst enemy. Remove jewelry before use.
- Regular Cleaning. Regular gentle cleaning can prevent tarnishing and beats deep scrubbing later.
- Protect it. A light coat of clear nail polish or jewelry sealant can help prevent tarnish.
- Handle with care. Avoid dropping or banging your brass against hard surfaces to prevent scratches.
Caring for brass jewelry is easy with consistent care. With a few thoughtful steps, your favorite pieces stay bright, wearable, and ready for every occasion.
