Caring for Your Investment & The Environment: Natural Brass and Copper Cleaning Methods
A common question is will the pieces Tarnish? The answer is yes. All natural metals do tarnish over time. The pieces can be sprayed with a clear protective coating to delay tarnish but not prevent it. These coatings wear off over time and will need to be reapplied. The metals can also be plated but plating also wears off over time. We prefer to leave the metal in its natural state. There are polishing clothes that work exceptionally well with natural metals as well as non chemical/natural cleaning methods that will be discussed below.
What is Tarnish?
Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms over copper, brass, and other similar metals as their outermost layer undergoes a chemical reaction. Tarnish does not always result from the sole effects of oxygen in the air. For example, silver needs hydrogen sulfide to tarnish, although it may tarnish with oxygen over time. While pure gold does not tarnish, almost gold jewelry is an alloy which means the gold is mixed with other metals. Depending on the percentage of other metals mixed with the gold, there is a chance for tarnish. Tarnish often appears as a dull, gray or black film or coating over metal. Tarnish is a surface phenomenon that is self-limiting, unlike rust. Only the top few layers of the metal react, and the layer of tarnish seals protects the underlying layers from reacting.
Chemistry
Tarnish is a product of a chemical reaction between a metal and a nonmetal compound, especially oxygen and sulfur dioxide. It is usually a metal oxide, the product of oxidation. Sometimes it is a metal sulfide. The metal oxide sometimes reacts with water to make the hydroxide; and carbon dioxide to make the carbonate. It is a chemical change. There are various methods to prevent metals from tarnishing.
How to Make Natural/Home-Made Copper and Brass Cleaners
There are natural alternatives to buying expensive copper and brass polishes. Instead of using commercial polishes, you can polish copper or brass using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Home-made Natural Copper and Brass Cleaning Recipes Environmentally Friendly - No Harsh Chemicals - Save Money Too!
There are many recipes for home-made copper cleaners. These can be not only less expensive than name brand cleaners but for those who do not want chemicals in their home, these can be a good alternative. Many recipes are variations of vinegar and salt. The acid in the vinegar will clean copper, some have flour or other ingredients to make a paste to keep the acid on the copper. Ketchup and Lemon juice are also acids and will clean copper and brass.
SALT VINEGAR
Other Recipes
1-1 pint vinegar - 3 tablespoons salt - Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and add salt. Spray solution liberally on copper or brass. Let set for a while, then simply rub clean.
KETCHUP
2-One secret is ketchup. Ketchup is great for cleaning copper, even spaghetti sauce will clean copper effectively.
LEMON JUICE SALT
3-Sprinkle the surface with lemon juice, shake salt all over it, then rub with a soft sponge.
TOMATO JUICE
4-To clean copper: Place item in a pan of tomato juice and wait until it shines. Or use a lemon wedge dipped in salt to gently scour the metal.
LEMON JUICE CREAM OF TARTAR
5-Lemon juice - Cream of tartar - Make a paste about the consistency of toothpaste. Rub onto brass or copper with a soft cloth. Rinse with water and dry.
CORN MEAL SALT VINEGAR
6-Cleaner for Copper or Brass: Make a paste of vinegar (or lemon juice), salt and corn meal. The corn meal helps make it easier to spread on an item and the vinegar /lemon juice and salt do the work.
FLOUR VINEGAR
7-Mix one teaspoon salt, one tablespoon flour and enough vinegar to make a thick paste. Rub paste on surface and let dry completely. Rinse in warm soapy water, buff with clean soft cloth.