Brass hardware, lamps, candlesticks and trays bring warmth to a room, but brass tarnishes over time, turning dull, brown or spotted. Some people love that aged patina; others want the bright shine back. Either way, cleaning brass the right way starts with one question: is it solid brass, plated, or lacquered? This guide explains how to clean brass safely, with natural and commercial methods, and how to keep it shining.
Step 1: Find Out What You Have
| Type | How to tell | How to clean |
|---|---|---|
| Solid brass | A magnet doesn't stick; heavy for its size | Soap and water, then polish if you want shine |
| Brass-plated | A magnet sticks (steel underneath), or it's light; worn spots show another metal | Soap and water only; gentle polish rarely |
| Lacquered brass | Even, glossy shine that doesn't tarnish; may be peeling where worn | Soap and water only; no polish |
| Gold-painted or gold-tone finish | Looks like brass, but it's paint or coating | Soft dry cloth; no metal polish |
Gold-tone finishes on furniture are often paint or a coating. The Nacre Mother-of-Pearl Inspired Dresser & Mirror Set, for example, lists gold-painted accents, and its care instructions say to wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals. Brass polish would damage a painted finish like this.
What You'll Need
- Mild dish soap and warm water
- Soft cloths and a soft toothbrush
- White vinegar, salt and flour (for a homemade paste)
- Lemon and baking soda (an alternative paste)
- A commercial brass polish (optional)
- Gloves
Step 2: Wash It
Start every brass cleaning with warm, soapy water. Wipe or soak small pieces, use a soft toothbrush for crevices, rinse and dry thoroughly. For lacquered, plated and lightly tarnished pieces, this may be all you need.
Step 3: Remove Tarnish (Solid Brass)
Vinegar, salt and flour paste
- Mix equal parts white vinegar, salt and flour into a paste.
- Rub it onto the brass with a soft cloth.
- Leave it for 10 minutes to an hour, depending on how heavy the tarnish is.
- Rinse with warm water and dry completely.
Lemon and baking soda
Mix lemon juice with baking soda into a paste, rub it on gently, rinse and dry. Or rub half a lemon dipped in salt over the surface for light tarnish.
Ketchup or tomato paste
The mild acid in tomatoes loosens tarnish. Apply a thin layer, leave for up to an hour, then rinse and dry.
Commercial brass polish
For heavy tarnish, a brass polish works fastest. Follow the label, use gloves, and buff off all residue.
Step 4: Rinse, Dry and Buff
Acid left on brass keeps working and can cause new spots, so rinse thoroughly. Dry with a soft cloth and buff to a shine.
Step 5: Protect It (Optional)
A thin coat of paste wax or a few drops of mineral oil buffed in slows tarnishing. You can also have pieces lacquered, which keeps the shine for years but means you'll clean them with soap only.
Cleaning Brass Hardware on Furniture
- Remove knobs and pulls if you can, so cleaners don't touch the wood.
- Clean them in a bowl, rinse, dry and reattach.
- If you can't remove them, protect the surrounding finish with painter's tape and use a cloth, not a soaking method.
Cleaners that drip onto wood, paint or lacquer can mark the finish. See our guides on how to clean wood furniture and how to clean lacquer furniture.
Brass Items Around the Home
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Cabinet and drawer pulls | Remove and clean in a bowl |
| Lamps | Unplug; never soak; wipe with soapy cloth, then polish |
| Candlesticks | Remove wax first with warm water; then clean |
| Faucets and bath fixtures | Usually lacquered or plated; soap and water only |
| Door knockers and outdoor brass | Clean more often; wax to protect |
| Mirror and picture frames | Protect the glass; clean with a cloth, not paste |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Polishing lacquered or plated brass, which strips the coating.
- Using steel wool or scouring pads.
- Leaving acidic cleaners on too long.
- Letting cleaners drip onto wood or painted surfaces.
- Putting brass in the dishwasher.
Patina or Polish?
Tarnished brass has a soft, aged look that suits traditional and vintage rooms. Bright brass suits glam and modern spaces. You can keep some pieces polished and let others age; mixing finishes looks collected. See our glam decor ideas.
Related: see our guide to mixing metals and furniture care guide (by material).
FAQ
What is the best homemade brass cleaner?
A paste of equal parts white vinegar, salt and flour, left on for 10 to 60 minutes and then rinsed and dried, works well on solid brass.
How do you know if brass is solid or plated?
A magnet doesn't stick to solid brass. If it sticks, the piece is plated over steel or iron.
Can you clean lacquered brass with vinegar?
No. Use mild soap and water only. Vinegar and polish can damage the lacquer.
How do you keep brass from tarnishing?
Keep it clean and dry, and apply a thin coat of paste wax, or have it lacquered.