Keep your brass jewelry pieces looking new with these simple cleaning tips.
Brass is one of the metals used by jewelry designers because as with sterling silver, it has a beautiful sheen and is not as expensive as gold or platinum. However, with time and wear, brass pieces may look dull and old; definitely not something worth wearing with your stunning outfits. That said, regular cleaning should be done, and the materials can be found right in the comfort of your home. If your brass fashion rings, earrings, and other pieces are tarnished, don't you worry, as here are some cleaning techniques to help you keep your collection looking new.
Mild soap and water solution
This is the basic way of cleaning brass jewelry, and also the easiest. All you need is a small amount of mild liquid soap and a bowl of warm water. You can use either your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the surface of the piece. Once done, rinse with clean, warm water and dry it with a lint-free towel or allow to air dry.
Tomato ketchup or Worcestershire sauce
If your ring developed some tarnish on the surface, you could use tomato ketchup or Worcestershire sauce to remove it. Apply some on a piece of clean, soft towel or directly on the piece. Gently rub the condiment into it until the tarnish is removed. You may also opt to leave the ketchup or Worcestershire on the jewelry for about fifteen minutes before rubbing. Next, wash with clean tap water to remove the sauce using your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Vinegar paste
For stubborn grime, the vinegar paste is a great solution. All you need is a half cup of vinegar, a teaspoon of salt, and some flour. Mix the three ingredients until smooth paste is formed. Add more flour as needed. Apply the paste on your brass jewelry piece, making sure you don't forget the nooks and crannies and leave for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub the paste off with a soft-bristled toothbrush under warm running water.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice can also effectively remove stubborn tarnish and grime. Pour a cup of water into a bowl and squeeze half a lemon into it. Stir in a teaspoon of salt until dissolved. Soak your brass jewelry piece and watch as all the grime has been removed. Rinse off with clean, warm water and allow to air dry or pat dry with a clean lint-free towel. An alternative way to use the lemon cleaning technique is to sprinkle the salt on the lemon half, on the cut side and not the skin. Gently rub the lemon on the surface of the piece until the grime is removed.
Toothpaste
Use a non-gel toothpaste when cleaning your brass jewelry piece. All you have to do is put some toothpaste onto a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush your jewelry. Make sure to apply the paste all over the piece, including the nooks and crannies. Rinse under warm running water. It is important to remember though that this method should not be done regularly, as it can scratch the surface of your jewelry. Only go with this cleaning technique if the grime is so stubborn that it cannot be removed by the other methods above.