Brass jewelry has risen in prominence mainly due to its accessibility and affordability. But like any type of jewelry, it’s crucial to retain the shine and visual appeal of these brass beauties. So, how do you do it?
I’m going to explain to you exactly how to clean brass jewelry in a safe and effective manner. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Jewelry
There are several indicators that your brass jewelry might just need a bit of polishing. Let’s talk about them before we delve into some excellent brass cleaning methods.
Tarnish
Like all jewelry, brass items can tarnish. This is a thin layer of corrosive metal that forms on the surfaces of your brass jewelry caused by a reaction to moisture or any other chemical compound in the air.
This is noticeable through a dark discoloration that forms on your jewelry.
Loss of Its Shine
Jewelry is meant to sparkle and gleam, but when they look a little dull, it’s likely that they need a bit of cleaning. Brass items can lose their shine due the accumulation of dirt, grime, or tarnish.
Discoloration
Speaking of which, another thing you must look out for is any other sign of discoloration. Over time, your jewelry can take on a greenish hue when exposed to perspiration, skin oils, or any chemical.
Spectacular Ways to Clean Brass Jewelry at Home
You might look at your jewelry and despair at the notion of having to throw it out. But don’t worry, they might just be salvageable.
There are a few things you can do to restore the shine and color of your brass jewelry. Let’s talk about them in this section, shall we?
Soap and Water
Yes, you heard that correctly! A simple solution of soap and water can do the trick.
Simply select a mild dishwashing liquid and add some drops of it to a bowl or bucket of warm water.
Then, dip a soft-bristled toothbrush, into soapy water and scrub your jewelry with it. Repeat the process until you notice the jewelry’s shine and color coming back.
Vinegar: The Natural Polisher
If the aforementioned method didn’t work, a vinegar solution just might. Renowned for its acidic taste, vinegar is a kitchen ingredient that can also be used to clean many surfaces by cutting through grease and loosening up dirt.
Combine equal parts white vinegar and water and soak your jewelry in the solution for a brief moment. After letting it rest for a while, grab a toothbrush and scrub away any tarnish as gently as possible. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly once you’re done.
Ketchup: The Surprising Cleaner
Using ketchup as a cleaning agent might seem absolutely absurd and unusual, but I assure you it works. This is attributable to its acidity that can break down the dirt and gunk on your jewelry and bring back it’s long lost shine.
Simply smear some of it on your jewelry and let it sit for a while. After you’ve given the ketchup adequate time to work its magic, scrub it off with a toothbrush and hold the jewelry under running water. Use a soft cloth to dab up all the moisture, and watch it add some sparkle to your attire.
Special Care for Gemstones
If your brass pieces are encrusted with gemstones, it’s necessary to take some precautionary measures. The astringent qualities of baking soda and vinegar can be detrimental to your gemstones and do your jewelry more harm than good.
That’s why it’s crucial to avoid scrubbing it at all costs. Prepare a bath for your jewelry by mixing a few drops of non-abrasive mild detergent with some warm water. Let it rest in the solution for a while.
After five to ten minutes, take the pieces out of the water and dry them with a microfiber towel to prevent scratches. And that’s about it!
Here’s How You Should Store Brass Jewelry The Right Way
It’s a good idea to keep your jewelry looking it’s best and prevent tarnish at all costs. That’s one of the reasons why storage is such an essential factor to consider.
Store your brass jewelry in a dry place, like a jewelry box or a pouch. Make sure the inner portion of your container is padded to avoid getting your jewelry scratched in case it’s knocked over or jolted around.
As a preliminary measure, store each piece separately to prevent them from jostling together.
Bonus Tip!
Always keep the pieces away from lotions, perfumes, and most importantly water. All of these can do significant damage to your jewelry and cause them to lose their shine.
Use These Cleaning Methods to Remove Tarnish From Brass Jewelry & Make Them Shine!
To sum it up, cleaning your brass jewelry pieces is of utmost significance if you want to bring back the shine of your accessories and enjoy the sparkle they add to your style. As we’ve already established, it’s crucial to store your jewelry in a cool dry place. This will spare you a great deal of trouble, keep it shiny, and extend it’s useful life.
Don’t forget to dry the jewelry after following any of the methods I mentioned in this article. This extra step will help you keep it from tarnishing and retain its irrefutable shine. Soon enough, you’ll be wearing your brass jewelry at a family event and stunning everyone with a flashy look that never fails to turn heads!
