Cleaning and Polishing Brass
It’s always so satisfying to check off time-consuming cleaning chores.
This week, as part of a Winter house project that involved replacing a carpet, moving furniture, and redecorating several rooms, my housekeepers took on the task of cleaning and polishing the brass. Brass is a strong, corrosion-resistant alloy made from a combination of zinc and copper. With its bright golden color, brass has long been used for home furnishings and decorative accents. Cleaning brass takes time and thoughtful effort, but now these pieces are shimmering once again.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
-
- Whenever I clean anything in my sink, I always line it with a soft towel to protect the sink as well as the piece being cleaned.
-
- I have long used Wright’s Copper and Brass Cleaning Cream. It comes in small and large sizes – both with application sponges.
-
- Wright’s all-purpose cleaning creams come in a paste like form and is easy to apply with a sponge or soft rag.
-
- After removing any dust, Carlos starts by gently rubbing small amounts of cream along the tarnished surface. Carlos wears rubber gloves to protect his hands from becoming black from the dirt and tarnish.
-
- Carlos also applies cream in the crevices. Tarnish ranges in color from a light yellowy gold to almost black, depending on how long it has been allowed to develop. In addition to using soft sponges and rags, one can use cotton swabs or soft bristled toothbrushes to apply the cream to tight areas.
-
- Once it is completely cleaned, all the cream is removed with tepid water. Carlos rinses it thoroughly to ensure no cream is left on the brass shell.
-
- Then the piece is wiped thoroughly right away with a soft absorbent cloth to avoid any water marks. Enma and Carlos work as a very efficient team.
-
- Droplets of water can get stuck in between the cracks, so always take time to dry every edge and corner.
-
- Enma wipes it down several times until there is no trace of moisture.
-
- Meanwhile, Carlos take on this large brass tray. First it is cleaned of any dust, and then Carlos applies a generous amount of the polishing cream.
-
- Carlos rubs it over and over – notice how the dirt and tarnish come off. Whenever polishing metals, be sure you use a product that is specifically made for the type of metal being cleaned.
-
- It’s looking much brighter and much shinier. Always avoid using highly abrasive scrubbing cloths, metal-bristled brushes, or steel wool; these will scratch the surface of the brass.
-
- And then he wipes it clean and dry. Carlos makes sure to also rest the piece on a towel, so it is always stable and protected.
-
- Here are two more brass shells getting cleaned. All my silver, copper and brass pieces are maintained regularly, so they are never too tarnished when cleaned.
-
- Regular cleaning also helps to maintain a piece’s durability and preserves its natural patina.
-
- Enma dries a weaved basket. This has a lot of crevices where water can linger. The key is to take the time to do it carefully and properly.
-
- And here it shines so brightly after a good cleaning.
-
- And then all the pieces are gathered on a table on my porch before they are once again displayed around my home. Cleaning and redecorating with pieces one already has can easily refresh a space and a room.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
