How to Clean Brass and Make It Shine Like New
How to Clean Brass
Brass is one of those materials that can look incredibly luxe—or incredibly grimy, depending on how much love it’s been given lately. I’m all for a good patina, but sometimes you just want your brass to shine. So let’s talk brass cleaning: the easy, no-fuss kind.
I recently gave one of my brass pieces a little spa day, and wow, the before and after is satisfying. Here’s how I did it:
The Process:
Give it a gentle wash. Start by mixing a little dish soap with warm water and wiping down your brass piece to get rid of any surface dust or grime. This helps prep it for a deeper clean.
Get scrubbing. This is where Bar Keepers Friend comes in. Squirt a little directly onto the brass, and gently rub in circles with your fingers (wear gloves!) or the cook top pad. For tight spots, a toothbrush works like magic.
Rinse and wipe dry. Once you’re happy with the shine, rinse off any residue and dry it completely with a soft towel. Don't leave it wet because moisture is brass’s enemy.
Optional: Buff it. If you’re feeling extra, go in with a dry microfiber cloth for a final buff. It makes everything glow.
A Few Tips:
Always test a small hidden spot first, just in case your piece is brass-plated instead of solid brass.
Don’t go too hard with abrasives—brass is tough, but not invincible.
Regular touch-ups are easier than deep cleans, so try wiping things down every so often.
Brass doesn’t have to be high maintenance. With just a few minutes and some elbow grease, you can bring that gorgeous golden glow back to life. And trust me, it’s weirdly satisfying.
