How To Clean Brass Candlesticks - Our Pastimes

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How to Clean Brass Candlesticks By: Mary Cockrill Updated July 17, 2017 Mekenzie Hemstreet/Demand Media By: Mary Cockrill Updated July 17, 2017 Share It Share Tweet Post Email Print Related

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Give your brass candlesticks a fresh appearance by removing unsightly smudges, grime, dirt and tarnish. Choose a cleaning method that accommodates the type of brass -- solid, plated, lacquered or unlacquered. Steer clear of harsh cleaning tools and products, such as steel wool pads, abrasive cleansers and metal brushes to avoid possible scratching and marring of any brass candlestick style.

Simple Solutions

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Test your candlesticks with a magnet to see if they are solid brass or brass plated. Touch the magnet to the brass. If the magnet falls, your piece is solid brass; whereas, the magnet will typically cling to a brass-plated candlestick because of the magnetic metal under the thin layer of electroplated brass. Although you can safely wipe down both types of candlesticks with a lint-free cloth or a solution of warm water mixed with a mild detergent, steer clear of using other cleaning solutions on brass-plated items, as anything more abrasive might damage the thin plating.

Kitchen Helpers

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Because solid, unlacquered brass is exposed to air, it is vulnerable to oxidation, which results in unsightly tarnished areas. Look to your kitchen for food items that can help you remove the discoloration. For example, squirt a little ketchup on a clean, soft cloth and gently rub over the tarnished spots; wipe clean with a damp cloth and buff dry. Or, rub a little plain yogurt over the tarnished brass with your fingers, allow it to dry and buff it with a clean cloth. Another tarnish-cleaning option is to cut a lemon in half, sprinkle salt on the open fruit and rub the lemon over the candlestick to remove the tarnished spots. Buff the piece with a clean cloth to make it sparkle.

Lacquered and Loving It

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Even though brass-plated candlesticks are often coated with clear lacquer to protect and seal the thin brass coating from the air, which often oxidizes and results in unsightly tarnish, some solid brass items are also lacquer protected. This transparent coating eliminates the need for tarnish removal; however, you can easily get rid of dust from lacquered candlesticks by simply wiping them with a microfiber cloth or a soft cloth dampened with water. Add a mild detergent to the water to remove fingerprints or other surface smudges.

Long Live the Shine

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You can help protect your solid brass, unlacquered candlesticks from future tarnish by rubbing the pieces with a small amount of mineral oil to bring out the sparkle and break apart any stains. Mineral oil slows down the oxidation process to keep the items looking brighter longer. Alternatively, you can apply car wax to make your candlesticks shine and inhibit tarnish. Apply the wax and buff it with a clean, dry cloth. Have your solid brass candlesticks professionally lacquered to provide a more permanent, protective clear coating.

References

• PBS.org: Antiques Roadshow: Polishing Your Precious Metals
• Mrs. Clean: How to Clean Brass

Resources

• National Altar Guild Association: Caring for Your Church Metalware

Writer Bio

Mary Cockrill's education and certifications in interior design and home staging have allowed her to author numerous home-related articles. Cockrill has been a top design consultant for a renowned home store and is the owner of Starwood Home & Gifts, LLC, an interior design, decorating and home staging business. She holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with a comprehensive major in office administration.

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