The test isn't 100% complete. But it's a good initial test. It's true that brass is not magnetic. But if the tested material is not magnetic that doesn't mean that it's solid brass. It still could be brass plated on a non-magnetic metal. So just because it's not magnetic does not mean that it's solid brass. Though it probably is, in most cases. Most non-magnetic base materials, like stainless steel, are typically expensive and therefore not typically used as a base material.
I tried them all and the only one that worked for me was the fresh squeezed lemon and salt. Worked instantly and I tried them all. Used hot soapy water to wash the salt off looks great!
I have a large collection of silver rings. One of my favourites is a big chunky silver ring with the centerpiece being a face of brass. I use Dawn dish soap on it and the results are stunning! The entire ring comes out shiny and bright looking! Just thought I'd mention it, I also occasionally use a silver anti tarnish cloth and between the 2 techniques, the rings look awesome. I'd also add that storing the jewelry in plastic cases or some kind of sealed storage prevents the tarnish from occurring as rapidly as when it's exposed to the air.
Just use lemon rub salt on the Lemon and use that lemon instead of brush so practically you use lemon as a brush in the entire article keep rubbing it and viola you will see magic try that method its used in India since ages. Just Lemon and Salt rub pinch of salt on Lemon and give it a try you will see magic.😊
I've also heard that baking soda (instead of salt) with lemon is great. I haven't compared the two. But yes, using the lemon itself to scrub is what I've heard of from my Mom.
Wow, thank you very much. I have a lot of brass and now I know how to give it new life. I'm glad I found your channel and I subscribed. I love the ketchup idea, so easy and not much mess. God Bless.
Goog question. I haven't tested it so I can't be sure, but it would depend on whether it's already been finished. A lot of new products might be coated with a clear lacquer or other finish layer to protect the brass. These methods won't work if that's the case. Sorry I can't be of more help!
...which is why the ketchup (containing vinegar, which is acetic acid), vinegar and lemon all work to varying degrees. All are essentially acid-etching to remove tarnish.
The salt is just an abrasive, add it to the ketchup to give it a little extra scrubbing power (if you're scrubbing with the ketchup. Like ketchup, soak, then salt and scrub to get the grime, then the cleaning step; either rinse and dry or rinse and basso, whichevs), use kosher salt for some large jagged granular scrubbing power as mortons is little smooth squares. Not a bad thing, just different. The acidity of the solution (whether you use ketchup, vinegar, whatevs) is just there to break down the organic matter (people oils 😁) portion of the grime or reverse any oxidative tarnish. So really, you have a whole plethora of substances one could use. JUST DO YOUR CHEMISTRY FIRST!!!! And you wont copper your brass like that white vinegar did.... (which was crazy! I didnt think itd be THAT strong! I wonder if there was some kind of galvanic/ionic reaction for some reason....I mean, beyond the zinc/acid reaction. still....weird....)
The salt is not just an abrasive (and when dissolved loses that abrasive quality). Salt, when dissolved, becomes a polar solvent, like water, but stronger (with the ionic properties of salt providing + and - charged ions at the molecular level). And the acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, ketchup, etc.) do more than just break down organic matter like grime and oils. They also provide acid etching to the tarnish/oxidation.
I have not found a way to reverse it, and haven't read that you can either. So I use a little brass colored Rub N Buff to blend it. Not ideal but it works
@@RefreshLivingIs there any chance that you've found a fix for this since then? I'm pretty sure I did this exact thing to an antique candelabra and I have no idea how to fix it😅😢
you are supposed to use half vinegar and half water. it's also supposed to be hot. Not salt. that is maybe why you had a poor result. you time it also, about 20 minutes.
Good to know. I'm guessing all of these methods would be hard on the brass (and know all of these can ruin the brass if left on too long). Is there any safe cleaner?
Oh shit. Just began a project of love and I started with Brasso. It was the preferred polish and cleaner for the Marines back in the 60s-70s. The project is a brass and leather scabbard from my Dad’s sword. Want to restore it and give it back to Dad for his birthday. Any assistance would be appreciated!
just think what ketchup does to your stomach if it does this to metal ,cost wise the ketchup is the cheapest especially if you buy it at the dollar store
Ketchup destroyed my brass chandelier and another brass ceiling lamp. They both got oxidized. Now I have to pay a lot of money, it is very expensive to repair them. Only for the chandelier it costs 140€. I suppose you knew about it, since you suggest it. It is a shame of you.
Any of these (even storebought cleaners) can and will ruin brass if it's left on too long!! It probably didn't oxidize (that's what happens when exposed to elements over time - it gets darker, but instead underwent dezinctification which is when the zinc gets removed and essentially changes to copper.) I warned about this in the video!!
@@RefreshLiving i cleaned them immediately with a soft cloth and then they got ruined, with dark stains like dirty The experts told me that the next that is going to be is the oxidation. And that i should had never put ketschup on them. Neither lemon is safe nor vinegar
Ketchup is a method that's been tried for years on various different metals with mixed results. You can look it up, there are tons of articles that compare the best methods and most of them support the use of ketchup. However it does not work for everything. ALWAYS do a patch test with any cleaner you use with every item you use it on. Any cleaner that says "all purpose" will always come with an asterisk and list a number of materials and surfaces it does not work for. I just tested the ketchup on one of my dresser knobs and it definitely made it a lot worse. Does not work for me. So I won't continue to use it. Refrain from going all in on projects without knowledge unless you're prepared to accidentally ruin it. Sometimes acid is the thing that will fix it, sometimes it'll ruin it. It takes a bit of trial and error. Also, if your tap water is too "hard" it can cause metal to corrode. Update*** okay so I did a bunch of research and came across a video where this guy uses a very fine sanding block instead of brasso. I tested it on the knob I ruined and it TOOK AWAY all the extra spots the ketchup bath added and made the metal look new. Now fair warning, if you like the distressed look, this will not help you. It'll turn it to more of a bright gold colour instead of an orangier bronze colour. (Assuming it's entirely brass and not coated brass, this could kill coated brass if you go too hard so be careful) I think the baseplate of the handles on mine had at one point been coated with something to match the wood of the dresser, and I believe that's what the ketchup reacted with to cause the problem. The sanding block took it all off so it's just a shiny goldish metal now. I think a better abrasive would be to use a very fine steel wool as it can get into smaller crevices. Do not use kitchen steel wool, that stuff is waaay to rough. If you go to a hardware store you can ask for the finest steel wool available and they should be able to give you that. (I believe it's grade 0000 but that's American standard idk what European standard is). Or a very fine grit sanding block to try that out. There are also articles about coating the brass in linseed oil afterwards to protect it, I recommend looking for those as well. Definitely 100% read up on respirators, dust masks, and potential combustion of steel wool and solvents before trying anything. Health and safety first ya know.
THANK YOU FOR LETTING US KNOW HOW TO TELL if it’s brass or brass plated with the magnet that really was key information
The test isn't 100% complete. But it's a good initial test. It's true that brass is not magnetic. But if the tested material is not magnetic that doesn't mean that it's solid brass. It still could be brass plated on a non-magnetic metal. So just because it's not magnetic does not mean that it's solid brass. Though it probably is, in most cases. Most non-magnetic base materials, like stainless steel, are typically expensive and therefore not typically used as a base material.
Loved your helping little hands 😍🥰
I love that you noticed that!
I tried them all and the only one that worked for me was the fresh squeezed lemon and salt. Worked instantly and I tried them all. Used hot soapy water to wash the salt off looks great!
I'm glad that one worked so well! Thanks for sharing - good for others to see!
I have a large collection of silver rings. One of my favourites is a big chunky silver ring with the centerpiece being a face of brass. I use Dawn dish soap on it and the results are stunning! The entire ring comes out shiny and bright looking! Just thought I'd mention it, I also occasionally use a silver anti tarnish cloth and between the 2 techniques, the rings look awesome. I'd also add that storing the jewelry in plastic cases or some kind of sealed storage prevents the tarnish from occurring as rapidly as when it's exposed to the air.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing your experience as it's helpful for others!
Thank you! I want to clean my antique brass trivet but don't want to clean too much or damage. Def I will try your method!
Thanks! I'll be trying the ketchup & Brasso method on a brass planter I pickedu p off the curb.
Just use lemon rub salt on the Lemon and use that lemon instead of brush so practically you use lemon as a brush in the entire article keep rubbing it and viola you will see magic try that method its used in India since ages. Just Lemon and Salt rub pinch of salt on Lemon and give it a try you will see magic.😊
How does that solution impact leather?
I've also heard that baking soda (instead of salt) with lemon is great. I haven't compared the two. But yes, using the lemon itself to scrub is what I've heard of from my Mom.
Wow, thank you very much. I have a lot of brass and now I know how to give it new life. I'm glad I found your channel and I subscribed. I love the ketchup idea, so easy and not much mess. God Bless.
Hi. I'm wondering about new brass that the manufacturer has treated to make it look old? Same cleaning ideas? Thanks.
Goog question. I haven't tested it so I can't be sure, but it would depend on whether it's already been finished. A lot of new products might be coated with a clear lacquer or other finish layer to protect the brass. These methods won't work if that's the case. Sorry I can't be of more help!
Acidic Toilet bowl cleaner is great for very detailed items
...which is why the ketchup (containing vinegar, which is acetic acid), vinegar and lemon all work to varying degrees. All are essentially acid-etching to remove tarnish.
Gotta be careful with toilet bowl cleaner. I accidentally got it on some non-brass hardware. It tood the finish off.
The salt is just an abrasive, add it to the ketchup to give it a little extra scrubbing power (if you're scrubbing with the ketchup. Like ketchup, soak, then salt and scrub to get the grime, then the cleaning step; either rinse and dry or rinse and basso, whichevs), use kosher salt for some large jagged granular scrubbing power as mortons is little smooth squares. Not a bad thing, just different. The acidity of the solution (whether you use ketchup, vinegar, whatevs) is just there to break down the organic matter (people oils 😁) portion of the grime or reverse any oxidative tarnish. So really, you have a whole plethora of substances one could use. JUST DO YOUR CHEMISTRY FIRST!!!! And you wont copper your brass like that white vinegar did.... (which was crazy! I didnt think itd be THAT strong! I wonder if there was some kind of galvanic/ionic reaction for some reason....I mean, beyond the zinc/acid reaction. still....weird....)
The salt is not just an abrasive (and when dissolved loses that abrasive quality). Salt, when dissolved, becomes a polar solvent, like water, but stronger (with the ionic properties of salt providing + and - charged ions at the molecular level). And the acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, ketchup, etc.) do more than just break down organic matter like grime and oils. They also provide acid etching to the tarnish/oxidation.
Try auto paint compound clear, it works wonders on brass because it's very easy on paint surfaces.
Thanks for this tip. Will definitely try it!
@@RefreshLiving Oh for best results use a dry clean terry cloth towel to buff it a bit when you're finish.
how long did you leave it in the ketchup?
Thanks for posting.
What about bicarb soda and vinegar?
What to do with the brass that turned coppery?
I have not found a way to reverse it, and haven't read that you can either. So I use a little brass colored Rub N Buff to blend it. Not ideal but it works
@@RefreshLivingIs there any chance that you've found a fix for this since then? I'm pretty sure I did this exact thing to an antique candelabra and I have no idea how to fix it😅😢
Did you clean the fan ?
Not yet... it's still sitting in the same place I took the video and definitely not shiny yet!
Barkeepers Friend works great.
So helpful. Thank you for saving me £8.00! 😘
@@RefreshLiving 😇
Thank you! This was super helpful
you are supposed to use half vinegar and half water. it's also supposed to be hot. Not salt. that is maybe why you had a poor result. you time it also, about 20 minutes.
As a restoration specialist you never want to use brasso the chemicals in the brasso is to hard on the surface of the brass
What is your preferred method for cleaning brass?
Good to know. I'm guessing all of these methods would be hard on the brass (and know all of these can ruin the brass if left on too long). Is there any safe cleaner?
Oh shit. Just began a project of love and I started with Brasso. It was the preferred polish and cleaner for the Marines back in the 60s-70s. The project is a brass and leather scabbard from my Dad’s sword. Want to restore it and give it back to Dad for his birthday. Any assistance would be appreciated!
just think what ketchup does to your stomach if it does this to metal ,cost wise the ketchup is the cheapest especially if you buy it at the dollar store
Just look at what clean drinking water will do to cotton candy. Imagine what that water would do to your stomach 🥴
"kind of" put salt in bowl first; "kind of" make a paste.....
It is too lengthy procedure . Use lele brand BRASS and Copper Cleaner instead of this .
Acid is the key.
organic ketchup are you outta your mind..
This is an Aldi brand. It costs less than typical national brands.
Ketchup destroyed my brass chandelier and another brass ceiling lamp. They both got oxidized. Now I have to pay a lot of money, it is very expensive to repair them. Only for the chandelier it costs 140€.
I suppose you knew about it, since you suggest it.
It is a shame of you.
Any of these (even storebought cleaners) can and will ruin brass if it's left on too long!! It probably didn't oxidize (that's what happens when exposed to elements over time - it gets darker, but instead underwent dezinctification which is when the zinc gets removed and essentially changes to copper.) I warned about this in the video!!
@@RefreshLiving i cleaned them immediately with a soft cloth and then they got ruined, with dark stains like dirty The experts told me that the next that is going to be is the oxidation. And that i should had never put ketschup on them. Neither lemon is safe nor vinegar
Ketchup is a method that's been tried for years on various different metals with mixed results. You can look it up, there are tons of articles that compare the best methods and most of them support the use of ketchup. However it does not work for everything. ALWAYS do a patch test with any cleaner you use with every item you use it on. Any cleaner that says "all purpose" will always come with an asterisk and list a number of materials and surfaces it does not work for. I just tested the ketchup on one of my dresser knobs and it definitely made it a lot worse. Does not work for me. So I won't continue to use it. Refrain from going all in on projects without knowledge unless you're prepared to accidentally ruin it. Sometimes acid is the thing that will fix it, sometimes it'll ruin it. It takes a bit of trial and error.
Also, if your tap water is too "hard" it can cause metal to corrode.
Update*** okay so I did a bunch of research and came across a video where this guy uses a very fine sanding block instead of brasso. I tested it on the knob I ruined and it TOOK AWAY all the extra spots the ketchup bath added and made the metal look new. Now fair warning, if you like the distressed look, this will not help you. It'll turn it to more of a bright gold colour instead of an orangier bronze colour. (Assuming it's entirely brass and not coated brass, this could kill coated brass if you go too hard so be careful) I think the baseplate of the handles on mine had at one point been coated with something to match the wood of the dresser, and I believe that's what the ketchup reacted with to cause the problem. The sanding block took it all off so it's just a shiny goldish metal now. I think a better abrasive would be to use a very fine steel wool as it can get into smaller crevices. Do not use kitchen steel wool, that stuff is waaay to rough. If you go to a hardware store you can ask for the finest steel wool available and they should be able to give you that. (I believe it's grade 0000 but that's American standard idk what European standard is). Or a very fine grit sanding block to try that out. There are also articles about coating the brass in linseed oil afterwards to protect it, I recommend looking for those as well.
Definitely 100% read up on respirators, dust masks, and potential combustion of steel wool and solvents before trying anything. Health and safety first ya know.