How to Clean Brass Jewellery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Brass jewellery is loved for its warm, golden hue and vintage charm - like our Bella Dangles, but it does require some care to maintain its beauty over time. Over time, brass can tarnish, losing its lustre and developing a brownish patina due to exposure to air and moisture. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can easily clean and restore your brass jewellery to its original brilliance. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clean brass jewellery at home.
**Understanding Brass Jewellery**
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to understand what brass is. Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc. The copper content gives brass its distinct yellowish colour, but it also makes it susceptible to oxidation, which leads to tarnishing. The dark brownish patina that sometimes forms on brass is due to the copper reacting with oxygen, moisture, and even your skin.
**Materials You’ll Need**
To clean your brass jewellery, you’ll need a few simple materials:
- **Mild dish soap**: For gentle cleaning.
- **Soft cloth**: A microfibre cloth works well.
- **Lemon or vinegar**: These natural acids help break down tarnish.
- **Baking soda**: A mild abrasive that helps with stubborn stains.
- **Toothbrush**: A soft-bristled brush for detailed cleaning.
- **Olive oil or mineral oil**: To add a protective shine after cleaning.
**Step-by-Step Cleaning Process**
1. **Assess the Jewellery**
Before starting, take a close look at your brass jewellery. If it’s lightly tarnished, a simple cleaning with soap and water may be enough. For heavily tarnished pieces, you’ll need a more intensive cleaning method.
2. **Prepare a Soapy Solution**
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Submerge the brass jewellery in the soapy solution and let it soak for a few minutes. This helps to loosen dirt and oils.
3. **Gently Scrub the Jewellery**
After soaking, use a soft cloth or a toothbrush to gently scrub the jewellery. Pay special attention to any crevices or intricate details where dirt can accumulate. Be gentle to avoid scratching the brass.
4. **Rinse and Dry**
Rinse the jewellery thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap residues. Dry it immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and further tarnishing.
5. **Remove Tarnish with Lemon or Vinegar**
If your brass jewellery is still tarnished, you can use lemon or vinegar to remove the oxidation.
- **Lemon Method**: Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle a bit of salt on it. Rub the lemon directly onto the brass jewellery, ensuring all tarnished areas are covered. Let it sit for a minute or two, then rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.
- **Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste**: Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to form a paste. Apply this paste to the tarnished areas with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry.
6. **Polish with Olive Oil**
To restore shine and provide a protective layer, you can lightly polish your brass jewellery with a drop of olive oil or mineral oil. Apply the oil using a soft cloth, rubbing it gently into the brass. Buff the jewellery until it shines.
7. **Final Rinse and Dry**
If you used oil to polish your jewellery, give it a final rinse with warm water and dry it thoroughly to remove any excess oil. This step ensures that your jewellery won’t feel greasy when you wear it.
**Preventative Care Tips**
To keep your brass jewellery looking its best for longer:
- **Store it properly**: Keep brass jewellery in a dry, airtight container to minimise exposure to air and moisture, which can cause tarnishing.
- **Wear it often**: Surprisingly, wearing your brass jewellery can help keep it polished, as the natural oils from your skin can prevent tarnish.
- **Avoid harsh chemicals**: Keep your jewellery away from perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners, as these can accelerate tarnishing.
**Conclusion**
Cleaning brass jewellery is a straightforward process that can bring your pieces back to life with minimal effort. By following these steps and incorporating regular maintenance into your routine, you can ensure that your brass jewellery remains as stunning as the day you bought it. Whether it’s a cherished heirloom or a trendy accessory, your brass jewellery deserves the care that will allow it to shine for years to come. Brass jewellery is a sustainable choice and an excellent alternative for eco-friendly fashion styling.
Shop our brass jewellery pieces here.