How to clean old brass

Copper

Copper is one of the elements characterized by its high ability to conduct heat, its malleability and formability, in addition to its luster, which makes it an ideal element for the manufacture of various household utensils and kitchen utensils. Despite this, copper loses its luster over time and changes. Its color becomes dark due to oxidation processes, which negatively affects its external appearance, and therefore some people resort to cleaning it and restoring its shine using chemicals, but it can be easily cleaned using many household materials.

Copper cleaning

Before starting to clean a piece of copper, you must determine whether or not it has a protective layer of paint. Care should be taken to clean plated copper gently to prevent damage to the outer layer, while unpainted copper can be cleaned vigorously when needed. One of the methods that helps distinguish between painted pieces is Other than that, the color of the piece of copper changes. If it is shiny and has a clear luster, it is plated, but if its luster is less than before, or its color has changed, then it is otherwise.

Uncoated copper

Uncoated copper can be cleaned easily and without using any chemicals. There are some home methods that contribute to cleaning copper, which are:

• Lemon and salt method: Lemon can be used to clean copper through the following:
  • Dip half a lemon in coarse salt, then gently rub the copper piece while squeezing the lemon to extract the juice.
  • Continue rubbing the copper in circular motions, adding salt when necessary until the dirt is removed. It is worth noting the necessity of using table salt instead of coarse salt for engraved or delicate pieces.
  • Wash copper well with warm water.
  • Dry the copper completely using a clean, dry towel.
  • After ensuring that the piece is completely dry, polish the copper using a clean, dry cloth by rubbing it in circular motions until the copper piece regains its luster and shine.
• Vinegar and salt method: Both salt and vinegar are used to clean copper as follows:
  • Form a mixture of vinegar and salt by mixing fine salt with an appropriate amount of vinegar.
  • Rub the copper piece with the resulting mixture, and leave it on the piece for several minutes.
  • Clean and polish the piece using a clean, dry towel.
• Toothpaste method: Toothpaste is one of the methods that can be used to clean copper, and this is done by:
  • Mix an amount of warm water with dishwashing liquid.
  • Soak the piece of copper in soapy water to remove easy dirt. Large pieces of copper can be wiped with a cloth moistened with water and cleaning liquid because they cannot be soaked in a bowl.
  • Wash the copper piece with clean water.
  • Put an amount of toothpaste on a toothbrush, and rub the copper piece with it.
  • Wash the piece with water, and you can reapply toothpaste if the piece needs more cleaning.
  • Dry the piece using a dry towel.
• Boiling method: The boiling method is used to clean stubborn stains by using vinegar and salt, in specific proportions as follows:
  • Mix a cup of vinegar with a tablespoon of salt, and three cups of water, and stir them well, making sure they are homogeneous. The quantity can be doubled if needed.
  • Immerse the copper pieces in the solution, making sure that the area of ​​the piece to be cleaned is completely immersed in the solution.
  • Start by heating the solution at a high temperature, and when it reaches the boiling point, reduce the heat and adjust it to the boiling point. When the stains gradually disappear, the color of the water will change due to contamination from the decomposed stains.
  • Turn off the fire after approximately fifteen minutes, and leave the copper pieces in the solution for 30-60 minutes without trying to touch them because their temperature increases.
  • Gently rub the copper pieces and apply pressure with a dry towel on the stains until they disappear.
• Use of ketchup: Ketchup contains acids that help remove stains on copper, and it can be used in the following method:
  • Put an appropriate amount of ketchup on a clean cloth.
  • Sprinkle a small amount of salt on the ketchup and mix them together to increase its effectiveness in cleaning dirt, which is an optional step.
  • Rub the copper piece with ketchup, and rub vigorously on the stains. If the stains do not disappear immediately, the copper piece can be soaked in ketchup and left for thirty minutes, which will help them disappear more easily.
  • Wash the piece with warm water, clean it of ketchup, and use a toothbrush for corners and engravings.
  • Dry the item using a clean, dry towel, and rub the stains vigorously until they are completely removed.
• baking soda: Baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean copper, as they react together to produce what is called acetic acid, which plays an important role in dissolving dirt and stains on copper. Baking soda granules also help in cleaning without causing scratches, and copper can be cleaned. By following the following method:
  • Form a paste by mixing baking soda with vinegar.
  • Rub the copper piece with the paste, use a toothbrush for the corners, and leave it on the piece for approximately thirty minutes.
  • Wash the item with warm water, then dry it with a clean, dry towel.

Plated copper

Plated copper can be cleaned easily by following these steps:

• Wash the copper piece with a mixture of warm water and soap.
• Clean the piece of copper and rub it gently, calmly and slowly, taking care not to use strong cleaning materials, to keep the piece safe from abrasion.
• Dry the entire piece using a clean, dry, soft towel.

Note: If the plating has begun to fade, it is best to remove it completely, and clean the piece of copper using uncoated copper cleaning methods.

Cleaning antique brass

Some commercial chemicals can be used to clean antique copper, but these materials contribute to changing the original color of the copper, which causes the piece to lose its value. Therefore, there are some appropriate and safe ways to clean copper and preserve its value, such as diluted soap, because it has properties that help in removing From stains, it can be used by following the following steps:

• Wash your hands well, then clean the dirty parts using a soft brush.
• Melt the soap with water in a suitable container.
• Gently scrub the copper piece with soapy water using a soft cloth.
• Wash the item with distilled water, then dry it immediately using a clean, dry towel.

Tips for cleaning copper

The most important tips that should be followed to clean copper are the following:

• Avoid using any hard or rough material for cleaning to protect the copper from being scratched.
• Do not expose copper to high heat and humidity.
• Avoid boiling acidic foods such as tomatoes in copper pots due to their reaction together.
• Regularly clean plated copper with lukewarm water and soap to maintain its shine.
• Avoid using coated cookware to cook food unless the coating has been removed.
• Clean painted pieces with great care, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Use beeswax to give shine to copper.
• Dry the pieces completely using a clean, dry towel, as any drop of water will leave unwanted traces.
• Repeat the cleaning process when the piece is heavily contaminated.
• Do not put copper pieces in the dishwasher so that they do not get scratched.
• Clean copper from dust regularly to avoid its accumulation.

Note: It is preferable to wear gloves before cleaning to avoid contaminating the pieces with natural skin oils.

Cleaning brass

Brass is known as an alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc, sometimes mixed with other metals. It has been used since ancient times because of its multiple properties, such as: its strong structure, distinctive shape, and ability to endure.^[XNUMX] It is still used to this day in the manufacture of many tools, household items, jewelry, and coins. However, over time, dirt and stains may accumulate on it if the factors that preserve it are not followed. To clean brass, there are many home methods, which must be followed. To use it, adhere to the cleaning method instructions, and take into account several matters, including:

Preparing brass for cleaning

Before starting to clean brass, you must first prepare the piece for cleaning by following the following steps:

• Verify that the piece is made of brass and not of another metal, by bringing it close to the magnet. If it is attracted, it will be made of another metal such as iron and plated with a layer of copper. Otherwise, it will be made of brass.
• Check if the part needs cleaning; Some pieces are originally made in a dark, matte color, and cleaning them leads to reducing their value, and sometimes the turquoise rust color formed on the brass may increase the beauty of the piece.
• Determine whether the piece is painted or uncoated.

Cleaning brass

Brass should be kept clean by constantly removing dust from it. Cleaning plated brass should be as follows:

• Soak a cloth in a mixture of lukewarm water and dish soap.
• Gently wipe the copper piece with a cloth.
• Clean the copper from soap using a towel moistened with water.
• Dry the piece with a clean, dry towel.

Copper pieces can also be cleaned using some household materials, including:

• ketchup: Ketchup can be used to clean brass by placing an amount of ketchup on the piece of brass, leaving it for ten minutes, then cleaning the brass using a clean, damp cloth, and drying it immediately.
• Yogurt: Yogurt contains lactic acid, which in turn is a contributing factor in cleaning brass. It is used by applying yogurt to the brass piece, leaving it to dry, then washing and drying it.
• White vinegar and salt: This method is used by applying vinegar to the piece of copper, then sprinkling it with salt, wiping it with a cloth dampened with a little vinegar, then drying it with a clean piece of cloth.

Note: As for antique brass, it can be cleaned and polished using white vinegar or ammonia, by soaking the brass for an hour in one of the two substances and then drying it.

Polishing brass

The process of polishing brass begins after ensuring that the copper is cleaned, whether using commercial polishes, or using some household materials that contribute to obtaining the desired results, such as lemon. This is done by squeezing a lemon into a bowl, adding a spoon or more of salt or baking soda to form a paste, then gently rubbing the piece with the resulting paste using a soft cloth, and using a brush for the corners and engravings. After completely cleaning and polishing the piece, a thin layer of paint can be applied to protect it. He left it until it dried, then wiped it to increase its shine.

Preserving brass

Old brass pieces should be cleaned constantly to preserve them, using mild acids, such as acetic acid found in both ketchup sauce and 5% white vinegar. They can be used to clean old brass, but it is necessary to avoid using industrial polishes. It is possible It may have bad effects on brass.

How to clean bronze

Bronze is defined as an alloy composed of 88% copper and 12% tin. It is one of the metals that is preferred for use in the manufacture of jewelry and home decoration due to its luster. This is in addition to the fact that it is characterized by its resistance to corrosion. However, it may form It will rust, leaving a turquoise-like color over time. Household materials can be used to clean bronze, including:

• Lemon and baking soda: Bronze can be cleaned using lemon and baking soda by:
  • Wash the bronze piece with warm water and dry it.
  • Form a dough by gradually adding several drops of lemon to two tablespoons of soda.
  • Apply an amount of the resulting paste to the bronze piece, start rubbing in circular motions with a clean piece of cloth, clean the corners using a brush, and leave the piece immersed in the paste for 30-60 minutes.
  • Wash the bronze with warm water, and dry it gently with a clean cloth.
  • Put a little olive oil on the cloth, and wipe the piece to increase its shine.
• the salt: Bronze can be cleaned using salt by following these steps:
  • Wash the item with warm water and dry it.
  • Make a cohesive dough consisting of two tablespoons of table salt, two tablespoons of white flour, and a few drops of vinegar.
  • Rub the bronze piece with the paste in small circular motions with a clean piece of cloth, making sure that the paste reaches the entire piece, and leave it for at least sixty minutes.
  • Wash the piece with warm water, and dry it completely.
  • Put a little olive oil on a cloth, and wipe the piece to increase its shine.
• ketchup: Bronze is cleaned with ketchup through the following:
  • Apply a layer of ketchup on the bronze, and leave it for fifteen minutes.
  • Wash them with warm water and dry them.
• lemon: Lemon is used to clean bronze by:
  • Soak the bronzer in lemon juice for 15-20 minutes.
  • Wash them with warm water and dry them.
• White vinegar: White vinegar is used to clean bronze through the following:
  • Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar together.
  • Soak the piece in the solution overnight, then wash it with warm water and dry it.

Tips for maintaining bronze

Bronze metal can be preserved by following the following tips:

• Clean bronze pieces regularly with warm water and dry them immediately.
• Isolate jewelry and other bronze pieces from oxygen by keeping them in plastic envelopes.
• Apply skin care products such as moisturizers before wearing bronze jewelry, and clean it after removing it to remove oils stuck on it.
• Avoid wearing bronze pieces in ponds and swimming pools, as their water contains chlorine, which negatively affects them.