Brass, a copper alloy made by combining copper with other metals (usually zinc), makes beautiful jewelry known for its rich, warm yellow-gold color. Since brass has been used to make jewelry for thousands of years, plenty of recommended methods exist for keeping that yellow-hued jewelry glowing year-round. Not every cleaning method is appropriate for every metal type, so the cleaning techniques you’ve used in the past for other jewelry types may or may not work for your brass jewelry. Let’s get down to brass tacks with some gentle and easy cleaning methods that can help prevent tarnish.
Three easy ways to clean brass jewelry
Below are a few cleaning methods recommended specifically for cleaning brass jewelry, followed by some general care tips to keep your brass jewelry in tip-top shape.
PLEASE NOTE: For any cleaning method you decide to use, it's always wise to test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your jewelry before cleaning to ensure it's safe to use and to avoid damaging your entire piece of jewelry.
1. Soapy water method (best for light dirt)
Things you’ll need: Small bowl, warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Optional: cotton swab.
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water to create a soapy solution. Next, dip a soft cloth into the sudsy water for a quick cleaning process and gently clean your brass jewelry, removing any dirt or built-up grime. If your jewelry piece has intricate designs or textures, consider using a small, soft object, such as a cotton swab, to clean hard-to-reach areas. If you have a few extra minutes, you can soak your brass jewelry in soapy water for five to 10 minutes before rubbing it clean with a cloth. When done cleaning, rinse the jewelry with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
2. Lemon juice & salt (best for moderate tarnish)
Things you’ll need: table salt, lemons or lemon juice, water, a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small bowl.
Special note: Ensure you only lightly scrub your brass jewelry to avoid scratching. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.
Mix one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of lemon juice with water to remove stubborn tarnish. The lemon's acidity, combined with the abrasive quality of the salt, creates a powerful cleaning solution. Immerse your brass jewelry in this solution for a few minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the tarnish. Use a toothbrush to scrub away any remaining dirt or sludge.
3. Vinegar & baking soda (best for deep cleaning)
Things you’ll need: Baking soda, vinegar, small bowl or cup for mixing, soft cloth of soft-bristled toothbrush for applying to jewelry, and warm water.
To clean brass jewelry with vinegar and baking soda, create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar until it forms a thick consistency. Apply the paste to the tarnished areas of the jewelry using a soft cloth or toothbrush, gently rubbing in a circular motion. Let the paste sit for a few minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Dry the jewelry gently with a soft cloth to reveal its restored shine.
Special note: If you leave vinegar on your brass jewelry too long, it can make the brass look dull. You can mix vinegar with water to protect against this. As with other methods, avoid scrubbing too hard, or you might damage your brass piece.
Why brass tarnishes
Some metals (and, therefore, some jewelry) are prone to tarnishing. Brass is one of those metals. A chemical reaction between the brass and the elements in the air causes brass to tarnish. When brass is exposed to oxygen, sulfur, or other elements, it can undergo oxidation, which causes the surface of the brass to change color.
The exact composition of the tarnish can vary depending on the specific elements present in the air and the conditions to which the brass is exposed. For example, tarnishes caused by exposure to sulfur often have a greenish hue, while tarnishes caused by exposure to chlorine can be more brownish. This green-brown layer is referred to as a patina.
How to help prevent brass jewelry from tarnishing
Some jewelry enthusiasts are okay with a little patina on their jewelry. It often gives it an interesting look and makes it a one-of-a-kind piece since no two patinas are identical! But for those of you who prefer your brass jewelry to be tarnish-free, here are some tips for properly caring for brass jewelry to hold off tarnishing:
Use a brass polish
Speaking of tarnish, the simple soapy solution recommended above may not do the trick for removing tarnish and restoring your brass jewelry to its former glory. For your tarnished brass jewelry, a commercial brass polish (make sure it’s formulated specifically for polishing brass jewelry) will give you the extra oomph you need. To use a commercial brass polish, first, rinse your jewelry with lukewarm water to remove any debris that could cause scratches during polishing. Once your jewelry is thoroughly dried, apply a small amount of brass polish to a soft, lint-free cloth and gently rub it in a circular motion over the tarnished areas of the brass jewelry. Continue polishing until the tarnish is removed and the brass has regained its shine. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with clean water and dry it gently to remove any residue.
Protect against tarnishing with proper storage
Properly storing your jewelry is important regardless of the metal type. Avoid storing brass jewelry in humid or damp environments, as water molecules can facilitate the chemical reaction between the brass and the elements in the air, causing the brass to tarnish more quickly. Store your brass jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent it from getting scratched by other jewelry. Scratches on brass jewelry can contribute to tarnishing by providing a larger surface area for the brass to interact with the elements in the air. When brass is scratched, it exposes fresh metal to the environment. This increased surface area increases the likelihood of chemical reactions that lead to tarnish. Additionally, scratches can trap dirt and moisture, further accelerating the tarnishing process.
Remove brass jewelry before showering or swimming
Chlorine and other chemicals in water can damage brass jewelry, accelerating the tarnishing process. Keep your brass jewelry in a dry, secure place when taking a dip in the pool or hot tub, hand-washing dishes, or hopping in the shower or bathtub.
Protect your brass jewelry with insurance
Proper handling, storage, and cleaning of your brass jewelry is one way to keep it protected. Another is purchasing a personal jewelry insurance policy with Jewelers Mutual to protect against damage, loss, and theft. This can be a better option than Homeowner's Insurance for your jewelry. You can check your rate by clicking the button below.
