This is an old Native American tip: Use fine wood ash to polish either silver or brass. With your fingers or soft cloth rub on the oxidation. When shining nicely wash and dry your jewelry, etc.
Source: Ned, Navajo helper.
This page contains the following solutions.
The easiest and most frugal way to shine silver, silver plate and brass is with Tide and tinfoil! Line the bottom of a plastic tub with tinfoil, shine side up, throw in some of the powder detergent and let the silver soak for about 25 minutes. The chemical reaction oxidizes the tarnish and you can wipe it clean!
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Where do you buy Brassmate?
By Holly from Lancaster, WI
Those old candlesticks you inherited could use a good cleaning, but is it necessary to reach for the synthetic commercial cleaner that may have toxic ingredients? No it's not.
Most commonly used kitchen cupboard or refrigerator ingredients that
contain a natural acid, such as vinegar, Tabasco Sauce, ketchup, tomatoes,
milk, and lemon or lime juice, will remove tarnish.
The tarnish washes away
with an acid rub or soak. You might have to remove the lacquer cover if the
brass is new.
Do this by submerging the brass in boiling water with a few
teaspoons each baking soda and washing soda (available in the laundry section
of the supermarket). Once the lacquer has peeled off, polish dry.
good luck.
Here is where you can order Brassmate. They did not list any brick and mortar stores that have it. However, you should be able to buy a product called Brasso at most stores like Walmart, Target, grocery stores, Walgreens, etc. Look in the aisle with cleaning products.
www.silvermatecompany.com/
product_id=5&flypage=flypage.tpl&pop=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1
BrassMate can be purchased at www.silvermatecompany.com
For 60 years the SilverMate Company has primarily sold to Hotels, Resorts, Restaurants, Country Clubs & Rental companies. Now SilverMate is making its commercial grade products available to the public via their website.
I would be weary of using household chemicals on your fine brass. They can leave spotting and the harsh abrasives can scratch the brass.
Happy Cleaning!
What can I seal silver or brass ornaments with to stop them tarnishing after polishing?
Susan C from Durban
We have used plain clear lacquer (in a spray can) to put a thin coat on things like polished brass door knockers & door handles. Just spray a really thin coat, let it dry thoroughly, then spray a second really thin coat.
my friend uses clear nail polish for smaller pieces
Where can you buy Brassmate for cleaning brass and copper?
By Holly from Lancaster, WI
Try using Brasso instead, which can be easily found in Wal-Mart, grocery stores, or hardware stores.
I have a 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air that has aluminum trim on the grille and I believe stainless steel trim on the hood. Both these surfaces have stubborn corrosion issues. I have tried "Liberty brand metal polish, Brasso metal polish, and Blue Magic Wheel and automotive trim polish. They have all given some improvement, but the stubborn corrosion on the stainless steel hood trim with the word Chevrolet embedded in it, still has corrosion or a film that will not come off with the aforementioned polishes applied with a soft cloth.
I have thought about trying copper wool or fine steel wool, but have not as of yet, for fear of damaging the paint inadvertently. Any suggestions or product recommendations would be welcome.By Charles C.
