The best way to clean brass with 4 different methods tested - DIY brass cleaners compared 

The test isn't 100% complete. But it's a good initial test. It's true that brass is not magnetic. But if the tested material is not magnetic that doesn't mean that it's solid brass. It still could be brass plated on a non-magnetic metal. So just because it's not magnetic does not mean that it's solid brass. Though it probably is, in most cases. Most non-magnetic base materials, like stainless steel, are typically expensive and therefore not typically used as a base material.

I love that you noticed that!

I'm glad that one worked so well! Thanks for sharing - good for others to see!

...which is why the ketchup (containing vinegar, which is acetic acid), vinegar and lemon all work to varying degrees. All are essentially acid-etching to remove tarnish.

How does that solution impact leather?

I've also heard that baking soda (instead of salt) with lemon is great. I haven't compared the two. But yes, using the lemon itself to scrub is what I've heard of from my Mom.

Goog question. I haven't tested it so I can't be sure, but it would depend on whether it's already been finished. A lot of new products might be coated with a clear lacquer or other finish layer to protect the brass. These methods won't work if that's the case. Sorry I can't be of more help!

Thanks for this tip. Will definitely try it!

@@RefreshLiving Oh for best results use a dry clean terry cloth towel to buff it a bit when you're finish.

What is your preferred method for cleaning brass?

Good to know. I'm guessing all of these methods would be hard on the brass (and know all of these can ruin the brass if left on too long). Is there any safe cleaner?

Oh shit. Just began a project of love and I started with Brasso. It was the preferred polish and cleaner for the Marines back in the 60s-70s. The project is a brass and leather scabbard from my Dad’s sword. Want to restore it and give it back to Dad for his birthday. Any assistance would be appreciated!

The salt is not just an abrasive (and when dissolved loses that abrasive quality). Salt, when dissolved, becomes a polar solvent, like water, but stronger (with the ionic properties of salt providing + and - charged ions at the molecular level). And the acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, ketchup, etc.) do more than just break down organic matter like grime and oils. They also provide acid etching to the tarnish/oxidation.

@@RefreshLiving 😇

I have not found a way to reverse it, and haven't read that you can either. So I use a little brass colored Rub N Buff to blend it. Not ideal but it works

​@@RefreshLivingIs there any chance that you've found a fix for this since then? I'm pretty sure I did this exact thing to an antique candelabra and I have no idea how to fix it😅😢

Not yet... it's still sitting in the same place I took the video and definitely not shiny yet!

Just look at what clean drinking water will do to cotton candy. Imagine what that water would do to your stomach 🥴

Any of these (even storebought cleaners) can and will ruin brass if it's left on too long!! It probably didn't oxidize (that's what happens when exposed to elements over time - it gets darker, but instead underwent dezinctification which is when the zinc gets removed and essentially changes to copper.) I warned about this in the video!!

@@RefreshLiving i cleaned them immediately with a soft cloth and then they got ruined, with dark stains like dirty The experts told me that the next that is going to be is the oxidation. And that i should had never put ketschup on them. Neither lemon is safe nor vinegar

Ketchup is a method that's been tried for years on various different metals with mixed results. You can look it up, there are tons of articles that compare the best methods and most of them support the use of ketchup. However it does not work for everything. ALWAYS do a patch test with any cleaner you use with every item you use it on. Any cleaner that says "all purpose" will always come with an asterisk and list a number of materials and surfaces it does not work for. I just tested the ketchup on one of my dresser knobs and it definitely made it a lot worse. Does not work for me. So I won't continue to use it. Refrain from going all in on projects without knowledge unless you're prepared to accidentally ruin it. Sometimes acid is the thing that will fix it, sometimes it'll ruin it. It takes a bit of trial and error. Also, if your tap water is too "hard" it can cause metal to corrode. Update*** okay so I did a bunch of research and came across a video where this guy uses a very fine sanding block instead of brasso. I tested it on the knob I ruined and it TOOK AWAY all the extra spots the ketchup bath added and made the metal look new. Now fair warning, if you like the distressed look, this will not help you. It'll turn it to more of a bright gold colour instead of an orangier bronze colour. (Assuming it's entirely brass and not coated brass, this could kill coated brass if you go too hard so be careful) I think the baseplate of the handles on mine had at one point been coated with something to match the wood of the dresser, and I believe that's what the ketchup reacted with to cause the problem. The sanding block took it all off so it's just a shiny goldish metal now. I think a better abrasive would be to use a very fine steel wool as it can get into smaller crevices. Do not use kitchen steel wool, that stuff is waaay to rough. If you go to a hardware store you can ask for the finest steel wool available and they should be able to give you that. (I believe it's grade 0000 but that's American standard idk what European standard is). Or a very fine grit sanding block to try that out. There are also articles about coating the brass in linseed oil afterwards to protect it, I recommend looking for those as well. Definitely 100% read up on respirators, dust masks, and potential combustion of steel wool and solvents before trying anything. Health and safety first ya know.