How to Clean Brass Handles

Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

It’s tough to beat the shiny, majestic look of brass handles. The only problem is they can tarnish and get dirty over time. Eventually, they can even oxidize and form a green powder on the surface. Fortunately, it’s actually really easy to clean and polish brass so you can keep your handles looking beautiful for a long, long time. To make the job even easier, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions that folks have about what it takes to clean brass handles.

Question 1 of 6:

What is the easiest way to clean brass?

Using soap and water is the easiest way to clean it. If you’re looking for a simple way to clean your brass handles, fill a container with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Then scrub the surface with a microfiber cloth or a clean toothbrush dipped into the cleaning solution. Once the brass is clean, dry it off with a clean cloth.^{[1]
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- If the handles are super dirty or tarnished, you can remove them and soak them in the soapy water before you scrub them clean.

Question 2 of 6:

How do you clean badly tarnished brass?

Use ketchup for tougher brass cleaning jobs. It might seem weird, but the natural acids in ketchup will actually remove tarnish without damaging or staining the brass. In fact, tomato sauce or paste will also work!^{[2]
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Expert Source

Susan Stocker
Green Cleaning Expert
Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.} Rub a thin coat over the surface of the tarnished brass and let it sit for at least an hour. Then, scrub the brass clean with hot, soapy water and a microfiber cloth or a clean toothbrush.^{[3]
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- The natural acids in the ketchup or tomato paste will remove tarnish without damaging or staining the brass.

Question 3 of 6:

What is the best homemade brass cleaner?

Try making a solution with salt, flour, and white vinegar. Take a clean mixing bowl and add equal parts salt, flour, and white vinegar. Mix the solution together really well so it’s fully combined. Spread the paste over the surface of the brass and let it sit for up to an hour. Then, rinse the paste away with warm water and buff the brass dry with a microfiber cloth.^{[4]
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- For example, you can combine ½ cup of salt (144 grams), ½ cup of flour (68 grams), and ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) of white vinegar to form a paste that will clean your brass without damaging the surface or altering the color.
- You could also use baking soda instead of flour. Using various combinations of water, vinegar, baking soda, and salt, you can get your brass handles shining again.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Susan Stocker
  Green Cleaning Expert
  Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}
- Another option is to cut a lemon in half, then dip the flat face of it in salt. Rub the salted lemon across the surface of your brass handles. Wipe the handles down with a damp rag, then dry them with a clean dishcloth.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Susan Stocker
  Green Cleaning Expert
  Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}

Question 4 of 6:

How do you remove green oxidation from brass?

1
Wipe the surface with mineral spirits to remove grease and dirt. When brass oxidizes and corrodes, it can form a green powder on the surface. Take some mineral spirits, also known as white spirit, and apply it to a clean cloth or swab. Wipe down the surface of the brass to remove any grime that may be covering the oxidation so it’s easier to remove.^{[7]
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- Mineral spirits put off noxious fumes, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
2
Push off the green corrosion with a wooden skewer. Take a wooden skewer, bamboo kebab stick, or even a bamboo chopstick and trim the end to form a chisel shape. Gently scrape and push the powdery green oxidation off of the surface of the brass. Then, wipe the surface clean with more mineral spirits.^{[8]
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Question 5 of 6:

Does WD-40 clean brass?

Yes, you can use WD-40 to clean tarnished brass. Detach the plastic straw from the can and attach it to the nozzle. Spray a small amount into a soft, clean cloth and rub the tarnished brass handle in a circular motion. Continue polishing the surface of the brass until it’s clean and shiny.^{[9]
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Question 6 of 6:

How do you restore the shine to brass handles?

Use a commercial brass cleaner to polish the brass. Choose a commercial brass cleaner that’s designed specifically for brass. Wash the handles with soap and water to remove any dust or grime from the surface. Then, polish the handles with the brass cleaner and a soft cloth to prevent scratches on the surface.^{[10]
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- By cleaning and polishing your handles regularly, you can keep them shiny and beautiful for years.