Best way to clean brass?

dandy-candy

I have 3 large brass church candlesticks that are very tarnished. I clean one using duraglit wadding but it took ages and I don't think my arms are up for doing it twice more!

Is there anything else I can use that doesn't involve quite so much rubbing?!

indsty

Have you tried tomato ketchup. Smear it all over, leave for an hour or so and then clean off with hot soapy water and give it a buff.

Anne_Marie_2

Agree with trying tomato ketchup. Another method is to make a paste using vinegar or lemon juice with bicarb of soda.

rchj4

I think they can look very nice & interesting if left tarnished ! It's certainly the easiest method .

maman

Try putting the Brasso/ketchup or whatever you decide to use on with an old toothbrush. That might mean less rubbing.


I have a pair of inherited brass candlesticks and although they need regular cleaning (every 3 weeks?) once you've given them a good clean once it will be easier longer term.


I just use Brasso liquid and an old duster.

[Deleted User]

I spent a great deal of my childhood in the 1940s-50s cleaning brass as my late Mum loved the stuff, and when I got married in 1962 I said to my OH never, ever, ever think you are giving me a treat by buying me anything in brass.I won't have the blessed stuff in the house. I would wrap the candlesticks in newspaper and donate them to the nearest charity shop Life is far to interesting to waste time and effort polishing the danged stuff !!! :):)

dandy-candy

Thanks for the advice

Besides these candlesticks and the letterbox I don't have any other brass that needs polishing so I will see how I get on!

I tried the liquid brasso but it wasn't very good, so used some lemon juice which got quite a lot off but left patches. I then found some barkeepers friend and that said you can use it on brass, and it did a nice job so two down and one to go