Keep your brass jewelry looking shiny and new for longer with these simple cleaning tips.
If you are allergic to sterling silver jewelry, one alternative metal is the lead-free alloy or brass jewelry. Its unique quality is its moderate sheen and is lightweight, making it one of the popular types of metal of fashion rings. As with any kind of jewelry piece, however, brass needs some special care and cleaning to keep them looking new and last for longer. Doing so will also prevent discoloration and tarnishing. That said, here are five easy ways to clean your lead-free alloy fashion jewelry.
1. Soap and Water Solution
One way to clean brass jewelry is by soaking the piece in a soap-water solution. However, note that the water should be hot. Mix a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap in a small bowl of hot water. Soak the piece for about five minutes. Check for the dirty particles and if they don't seem to loosen from the piece, continue soaking for five minutes more. Afterward, gently brush it with an old soft-bristle toothbrush to remove dirt and grime, paying more attention to the crannies. Rinse with clean tap water and dry with a clean lint-free cloth.
2. Lemon Juice
All you need are a cup of water and a lemon. Squeeze the lemon into the water and stir. Add a teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve. Place your brass jewelry in the cup and leave for a few minutes. Rinse off with clean tap water and dry with a lint-free cloth. Another way to utilize lemon juice is by squeezing the lemon into a small cup and dip a soft bristle toothbrush into the juice. Rub the piece with the brush in gentle circular motions. Once done, wipe clean with a damp lint-free cloth. Make sure to remove the lemon juice from the jewelry as its acidity may damage the brass.
3. Ketchup
Another way to clean lead-free alloy jewelry is by using ketchup. Yes, you read that right! Ketchup is a very effective cleaner when it comes to removing grime. The tomatoes' acidity can clean the dirt but is weak enough not to damage the jewelry. All you have to do is dab a small amount of the condiment onto a clean lint-free towel or soft-bristle toothbrush. Completely cover the piece with it and leave for a couple of minutes. Rinse with clean tap water. Repeat the process if needed.
4. Worcestershire Sauce
As with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce can also remove tarnish and grime for your jewelry. Its acidity can also dissolve the tarnish but won't be harmful to the brass. Apply a few drops of the sauce on the piece, cover it completely and leave for a few minutes. Rinse afterward and repeat the process if some tarnish still remains.
5. Vinegar Paste
To make a vinegar paste, all you need is to mix one teaspoon of salt into a half cup of vinegar. Add some flour and mix until it becomes paste-like. Rub the paste into the piece using a soft-bristle toothbrush and leave for a few minutes. Rinse the piece with warm, clean water afterward and allow it to air dry. Alternatively, you can also use a vinegar rinse. Just mix a tablespoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt into a cup of hot water. Dip a toothbrush into the solution and gently brush the piece. Allow it to air dry.
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Hope these cleaning tips helped! Always care for your lead-free alloy fashion rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets for them to have that beautiful moderate shine for longer.