Cleaning Tips to Make All Your Brass & Copper Sales Purchases Last Longer

Whether they are for an art collection or for structural application, copper alloys such as bronze and brass are an excellent choice of material. Their elegant sheen that exude a nostalgic vibe sets them far apart from other materials. Unfortunately, this sheen doesn’t last long, as brass and copper tend to tarnish when exposed to oxygen and other common substances. The corrosion, which naturally happens over time, can turn even the most beautiful pieces into an eyesore.

Collectors and homeowners who want to keep their brass & copper sales collection in the best shape should follow these cleaning and maintenance tips:

Tip 1: Check If It Is Solid or Just a Plate

Before cleaning a brass or copper piece, check if it is solid or simply a plate. This is crucial, as too much cleaning will eventually wear out a plate’s coating, leaving you with an ugly plain surface. Try using a magnet to confirm which pieces need minimal cleaning and polishing and which ones can take on more pressure. If the magnet sticks, it is a plate. If it does not, it is solid metal.

Tip 2: Make Your Own Tarnish Remover

If you can’t find the right tarnish remover at your local store, consider making one yourself. The procedure is easy and the ingredients are accessible. In fact, you might find all of the ingredients at your home. Specifically, you only need baking soda, white vinegar, and a clean cloth. Mix the baking soda with the vinegar to create a paste. Rub the paste on the tarnished area and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, rinse and buff with a clean, dry cloth and watch as it sparkles back to life.

Tip 3: Avoid Scratches

During the cleaning process, it can be tempting to scrub down the pipes harder to get rid of the stains. If you’re not careful, you might accidentally scratch the surface. To avoid damaging your copper or brass items, scrub only with a soft cloth and not too hard. Don’t use a scrubbing pad or a hard toothbrush.

Tip 4: Buy Brass and Copper Polish

DIY polish and tarnish removers work well and are the cheapest options available. However, some people would prefer commercial products to homemade ones, and for good reasons. Besides avoiding the hard work of preparing the mixture, commercial tarnish removers work so much better. Choose products that experts recommend for guaranteed quality. They may cost a little bit more but the results will surely be worth it.

DIY polish and tarnish removers are usually preferred over store-bought because they are food-safe, fast-acting, cheaper, and environmentally-friendly. This goes in line with Rotax Metals’ beliefs of providing only the best and hard-to-find brass and copper pieces for those in need of eco-friendliest solutions. Since the company focuses on sustainability and caring for the environment, it only makes sense to care for their pieces in this manner.

Sources:

Copper and Brass Tarnish Remover

How To Make Copper and Brass Cleaner