Your brass hardware is one of the easiest pieces around the house to clean.
Most brass hardware has a lacquer finish that can be cleaned with plain old liquid dish soap and water. Dry it thoroughly, preferably with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
The Powder Finishes on Allied Brass Hardware Won't Rub Away
If you're smart and got your brass hardware from us, you don't have to worry about the finishes rubbing off. We use a tough powdered coating that is guaranteed not to peel, fade, bubble, etc. under normal use. It is, after all, hardware.
How often do you have to clean hardware? Certain items get touched a lot and might show fingerprints over time, unless you've selected one of our matte finishes (black, white, or gray) that won't show fingerprints.
Countertop pieces like vanity top towel stands and soap dispensers and soap dishes get touched the most and need for frequent wipe-downs.
Brass accessories with bright finishes, like this vanity top soap dispensers from our Waverly Place collection, are most likely to retain fingerprints.
All they need is a gentle wipe with mild soap and water, and they're clean!
Kitchens can be messy places, right? We can easily understand how various ingredients can get smeared on a counter top paper stand holder like this one from our Carolina collection, shown in a lovely polished nickel finish.
Plus, the heavy base prevents tipping to allow one-handed tears.
Accessories from our Pipeline collection, which are constructed from brass pipe fittings, won't show fingerprints but can still collect dirt and dust over time. You probably won't need to clean them all that often - maybe once a year - using the same easy mix of soap and water.
No fingerprints on this countertop six-mug holder from our Pipeline collection. Finish: Matte Black.
Is something stuck on your brass? Warmer or even hot soapy water will remove it. Don't use scouring pads or steel wool - those might scratch the finish and even the brass.
How to Clean Unfinished or Unlacquered Brass
We know a lot of people like their brass to naturally age into that antique look. That's why we include an unlaquered, or unfinished, option with our selection of finishes.
After you've let your brass age into the desired look, it might get still darker. You can polish back to its original shine with warm soapy water if it isn't too tarnished, or use a brass cleaner like Brasso.
If you're feeling a bit adventurous, natural cleaning methods with mildly acidic content will gently removes tarnish. Here are a few:
- Vinegar
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Toothpaste
- Colas
- Paste made with flour and vinegar
Stuff we found to clean tarnished brass.
Be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry your brass after cleaning.
"Aging" Your Unlacquered Brass
Are you in a hurry to age your brass hardware? We found this article that lists five relatively easy ways to quickly get that Olde Style look.
Pixabay/Picdream
We haven't tried any of these methods ourselves, so proceed with care.