Use equal amounts of Coca-Cola (Pepsi and sugarfree don't work) and ammonia mixed together and wipe brass with a cloth or cotton ball.
Source: Mom
By IQD2 from Midwest
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Does anyone know a DIY way to clean brass?
Thanks.
Brasso is what many people use but it is stinky. Make the brass really shine though. A more natural and inexpensive cleaner is regular ketchup or even spagetti sauce, if you have a lot of left over. The acid works great to brighten it up. This is also a good tip for copper bottom pans. Just let it sit for about 10 minutes and then rub it in with a soft cloth. It should be bright and shiny after a quick rinse.
A friend and I have been trying to find the easiest way to clean brass with no results. It is not copper, but brass. Thank you.
By Bill
Brass is about 70% copper and 36% zinc and a bit of lead. Go to google.com and type in how to clean brass. There are several methods. All say wash in warm soapy water.
I am looking for a homemade cleaner for brass.
By Holly from Lancaster, WI
Try regular ketchup.
You can use some vinegar mixed with salt (ingredients found in the ketchup suggestion below) :)
Can anyone tell me about using potash as a cleaner for tarnished brass?
By Wayne
Your better off using Rottenstone instead. Potash might be a little too coarse. That is once you have removed the clear sealer most have on them after final factory polishing. If the clear coat isn't removed, you can polish and clean till blue in the face with little accomplishment.
I remove it fairly easy using Easy-Off Oven Cleaner. The fume free in the blue can only (not harsh on my hands). I spray it all over the brass item, then place the item in a plastic bag . Let it sit for about an hour, depending on how tarnished they are. Afterward I just rub off,rinse well, then polish using Wright's Brass Polish. Use the rottonstone on items where a high gloss polished finish is wanted.
I have 100 pieces of brass to clean. I'm looking for a solution I can make so this project won't take forever. I would like to be able to soak the smaller pieces and then polish.
By Regina M.
You can mix one part vinegar with 10 parts water. Soak the brass about 30 minutes. Remove from the solution and rinse.
What is a simple recipe for a brass cleaner for trays, candlesticks, boxes, etc.? Thanks.
By Holly
If you want to take built up residue off, catsup works great. Another thing that works very well is a product called "Brasso".
This is a page about using tomato ketchup as brass polish. Ketchup can be used effectively to clean your brass items.
In a bowl, mix baking soda and enough lemon juice to make a paste. Apply to copper or brass objects. Wipe off and it will shine them like new. By Gladys Hill
