Brass earrings, bracelets, pendants and rings look like gold for a fraction of the price. But sweat, moisture, cosmetics and air gradually make them dull and dark, and they sometimes leave a greenish mark on the skin.
You can bring back the shine with ordinary kitchen ingredients. Below are several methods, from the gentlest to the most active, plus how to protect brass so it stays bright for longer.
What you will need
- a bowl of water and a teaspoon
- a lemon and table salt
- liquid soap and a soft toothbrush
- white vinegar and flour
- a soft dry cloth
- WD-40 Multi-Use or WD-40 Smart Straw
Important: Do not soak pieces with stones, pearls, enamel, glued parts or thin gold plating in acidic solutions: clean them only with soap and a soft brush. After any WD-40 treatment, always wash the jewellery with soap and dry it before wearing.
Step 1
Soak in lemon and salt water
Fill a bowl with water, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and add a teaspoon of salt, then stir. Place the jewellery in the solution and leave it until it brightens, checking every 10-15 minutes.
Then wipe with a cloth and let it dry completely.
Step 2
Rub with a salted lemon
For local dark spots, cut a lemon in half, sprinkle salt on the cut side and rub it over the brass. The acid dissolves tarnish while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive.
As soon as the metal shines, rinse the piece, wipe it and let it dry.
Step 3
Clean with soapy water
The gentlest method is ideal for regular care and for pieces with stones. Add 5-6 drops of liquid soap to a bowl of warm water, dip a soft toothbrush in it and brush the surface and crevices of the jewellery.
Wipe away soap residue with a damp cloth, then dry.
Step 4
Apply a vinegar, salt and flour paste
For heavily tarnished brass, mix half a cup of vinegar with a teaspoon of salt, gradually adding flour until you have a thick paste. Spread it over the jewellery and leave for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water, using a soft brush to clear the patterns. Dry thoroughly.
Step 5
Protect the brass from new tarnish
To slow down new tarnish, spray a little WD-40 Multi-Use onto a soft cloth and wipe the dry jewellery with it. It lifts remaining grime and displaces moisture from the surface. For fine chains and clasps, the WD-40 Smart Straw with its thin straw is handy.
Before wearing the piece, wash it in warm soapy water and dry it so the product does not touch your skin. This treatment also suits jewellery going into long-term storage.
Tip: Take brass jewellery off before showering, swimming, cleaning and applying cream or perfume. Store each piece separately in a dry closed box or zip bag: less air and moisture means less tarnish.
What next
Do a light soap clean every few weeks and a deeper clean about once a season. The same care suits brass lamps, handles and ornaments, and there is a separate guide for copper jewellery.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».