Brass is mainly made from copper and zinc and dates back to 500 BC. It was also used throughout the middle ages and by prominent people like Shakespeare.
Today, brass jewelry is still popular worldwide, and you can buy it at a reasonable price. However, you’ll need to learn how to clean brass jewelry correctly to keep your pieces shining.
Keep reading this brass jewelry cleaning guide to learn everything you need to know!
How to Clean Brass Jewelry
Brass jewelry can quickly tarnish, and the surface is easily scratched if you use abrasive cleaning materials.
Before cleaning your brass jewelry, you’ll need to determine the problem with your jewelry before choosing a cleaning method.
For example, some brass jewelry has a patina, which is a thin greenish-brown lawyer. In this case, you can use mild soap and water for cleaning. Doing this will preserve the patina.
If you notice black or bluish-green discoloration, your brass is tarnished and needs deeper cleaning.
There are several natural ways you can clean brass jewelry, which include:
Mild Soap and Water
When you want to keep the patina on your jewelry, you’ll need to wash it gently using soap and water.
Fill a bowl with one cup of warm water and 4 to 5 drops of mild dish soap. Stir the water to ensure the soap and water mix evenly.
Use a soft cloth and wipe your jewelry off carefully. If there is a lot of dirt and grime, you can soak the jewelry in the water for 3 minutes.
Finally, you can finish up by wiping it with a clean cloth.
Mild soap and water are also effective for other types of jewelry, such as a dainty sterling silver ring.
Baking Soda
Cleaning brass jewelry with baking soda can remove any tarnished areas and make it look new. Baking soda is an excellent natural cleaning method because it keeps your brass shiny but won’t scratch the surface.
To begin, mix a pinch of salt and baking soda with a small amount of warm water. The ingredients need to dissolve and form a paste. Scrub the jewelry with the paste for at least five minutes, then rinse with warm water.
You can also use a soft toothbrush to clean stubborn, tarnished areas. Your jewelry should return to its original shiny appearance.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is also effective for brass jewelry cleaning. Be sure not to use it too much, as doing this can cause scratches.
Using toothpaste is easy. Simply coat your jewelry with plain white toothpaste and scrub it using a soft toothbrush. Be careful not to clean your jewelry too aggressively.
Keep scrubbing until your brass jewelry is free from dirt and grime. Rinse your jewelry with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Keeping Your Brass Jewelry Clean
Now that you know how to clean brass jewelry, your jewelry pieces will shine in no time.
Natural cleaning products are the safest and most cost-effective way to keep your jewelry in good condition. Other household products like lemon and vinegar are also effective, so do more research to find what works best for you.
If you enjoyed these brass jewelry cleaning tips, be sure to check out our blog for more lifestyle tips.
