Bleach can tarnish copper and brass, resulting in color changes. These metals are highly susceptible to bleach's oxidizing properties, so even brief contact can cause harm.
Brass turns to a deep brown-black color in bleach liquid. But in bleach gas, it turns lighter brown and develops turquoise speckles all over it.
: Sodium hypochlorite solutions (20%) are corrosive to brass (aluminium, naval and silicon) bronze, carbon steel, cast iron, Hastelloy, Inconel, nickel, stainless steels (types 304/347, 316 and 400 series) and silicon copper.
Only use bleach on hard, nonporous surfaces
Do not use on aluminum, chipped or cracked enamel, copper, brass, silver or unsealed wood, marble, tile or granite.
Brasso and Bar Keepers Friend are two excellent brass cleaners used to polish up and clean the brass to a nice shine. I tend to prefer Bar Keepers Friend because it comes in a powder form, and I can make a thicker paste.
Avoid abrasives
Don't use wire wool in case you scratch the surface and damage your antique brass. Similarly, avoid getting any abrasive powder or liquid cleaner in fine details as it can leave a white residue that can be hard to remove.
Of course, if you happen to have a professional brass polish, then any tarnish will buff right away. If you don't? Sailors are known for their resourcefulness and, in a pinch, can whip-up a paste with lemon and salt or baking soda. The key is a bit of acid and a gentle abrasion.
We like to use WD-40. It is not only very easy to use, but is also quick and very effective. All you need to do is coat the gold and brass lamp with a layer of WD-40, which is a great to clean brass and let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. Take a clean cloth and rub the lamp in circular motions drying and buffing it up.
(Cola or peroxide? Not proven or recommended for household brass; those methods are sometimes suggested for firearm cleaning.)
You can choose to clean your brass items with vinegar alone.
Salt, in particular, tarnishes brass quickly and must be kept away from brass intended to be kept shiny. Chemicals in rainwater, tap water and air, as well as those found on our fingers and in food, are also corrosive.
Corrosion of brass are influenced by various factors, such as temperature, pH, alkalinity and free chlorine disinfectant in drinking water (Sarver et al., 2010; Chao et al., 2021).
“Bleach can oxidize and corrode metals, causing surfaces to rust,” explains Harris. The rust causes discoloration. “Bleach can corrode and damage stainless steel, leaving it discolored and potentially impacting its structural integrity,” adds Townsend.
If the salt isn't getting the job done, reach for baking soda. The nontoxic minerals in it serve as an awesome natural alternative to harsh cleaners. For really tough jobs, sprinkle only the baking soda on your cloth and rub it all over your tarnished brass or copper.
Avoid Direct Contact with Harsh Chemicals
Brass can react with certain chemicals, causing discolouration or damage. Avoid using products containing ammonia, bleach, or abrasive chemicals near your brass taps. Be cautious when using hair sprays, perfumes, or cleaning products in the vicinity.
All you need to start is a mild dish soap, like Dawn Platinum Powerwash Free & Clear, and a warm water rinse.
Bleach can tarnish copper and brass, resulting in color changes.
To make a cleaning paste, use equal parts of flour, salt, and white vinegar, combine the ingredients in a small bowl and stir together. Apply the mixtures to the tarnished brass. Leave the mixture on for an hour before scrubbing then rinsing with warm water and drying with a clean soft towel.
Cleaning brass: the basics
A number of household products can be used to help you maintain brass including everything from basic soapy water to Coca-Cola or white vinegar.
Vinegar and Salt Solution
Here's another natural cleaning method that's surprisingly effective: Mix equal parts white vinegar and salt to create a paste. Apply the paste to your brass jewelry and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry completely.
This might surprise you, but yes, you sure can clean brass using just toothpaste.
What will Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover do to brass, copper or aluminum? Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover can not only remove the finish off of brass, aluminum and copper, but can also pit certain grades of brass, copper and aluminum.
The coating is caused by the formation of copper oxide. Much like how iron rusts and develops a layer of reddish-brown, copper can develop a layer of green-blue when exposed to the elements.
Flour/Vinegar Paste: Mix one teaspoon of salt into a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Add flour until the liquid becomes a paste and spread over the brass. Let the mixture sit for up an hour then rinse and buff the piece.