How To Clean Brass Candlesticks

Brass is a golden yellow alloy of zinc and copper which has been made since 3000 BC.  Most common brass candlesticks consists of about 67% copper. The addition of zinc makes it more durable and stronger, but it is not as strong as steel.  Other formula use less zinc, making it more reddish in colour and even lead can be added to the alloy to make it more malleable.

Brass candlesticks make beautiful ornaments, but they do gradually develop a tarnish over time. This can happen for a number of reasons.Sea air, humidity, pollution cause oxidisation of unlacquered brass and also attack the lacquer causing ti to break down.

Techniques For Cleaning Brass Candlesticks

Choose the Right Method:

This is an important precaution.  Before cleaning brass candlesticks one needs to determine it what type of coating the original piece had as there are many cleaning agents suitable for each type. Using the wrong solution or method can damage the brass.

Indoor brass items are easy to keep in good condition as they are nor exposed to the harsh  weather outdoors.

Brass Cleaning Procedure:

Before we begin with the actual procedure of cleaning brass candlesticks, let us get acquainted with the commonly used agents that are used to clean the brass.  A soft polishing cloth can be used to dust the item first, followed by a light wash with mild soapy water. Use only cold water.   Once cleaned and dry, you can apply a coating of wax polish to keep it looking good.

Some of the cleaning agents that work well ob both indoor and outdoor items are Brasso and Colonial Metal Polish which is very effective on toughened layers of dirt as it contains some very fine abrasives.

Do not use abrasive cloths, metal polishes or aerosol sprays on lacquered pieces.  If the original lacquer is breaking down, then all the lacquer should be first removed using acetone or a paint stripper solution. For very delicate items, it may be easier to use a piece of lemon to remove the lacquer followed by a wash is soapy water and a thorough drying. A toothbrush may come handy to get into any intricate corners.

Soak a cloth in a Brasso solution or another metal polish and let it dry for about 24 hours. Use it then to polish your brass pieces. The peice can then be re-lacquered.  Unlacquered items  can be kept clean with a wipe of ammonia and olive oil applied once a week to create a good finish.

Antique brass candlesticks can be cleaned in warm mild sopay water.  Another method is to create a paste using boiled linseed oil and whiting which can be applied to clean the brass.

Alternatively the brass pieces can re lacquered by spraying a suitable acrylic lacquer.

Other solutions that have been used to clean brass include natural ingredients like

• lemon juice,
• a solution of milk and youghurt
• a solution of ketchup and worcestershire suace
• a mixture of salt and vinegar.

Test all solutions first on a small area which cannot be seen when the item is standing, before applying it all over.  Hanlde all cleaners and solutions with a gloved hands, to protect your hands and also to prevent any fingers prints from forming on the item when lacquering.