Sometimes brass can
take on a slightly blackened and tarnished appearance after being exposed to
the elements for a few years. In this article, we'll show you how you can make
them look good again. Before you get
started, you should know that some solutions for cleaning brass can be toxic,
so make sure you take the proper precautions to protect yourself.
Some handle sets are
brass and some are just brass plated, so you have to be sure you know what
you're dealing with. That's why you need
to use a more gentle solution. The easiest way to find it is to use the magnet
on the handle. That's why you need
to use a more gentle solution. The easiest way to find it is to use the magnet
on the handle.
The easiest way to
find it is to use the magnet on the handle. If it sticks to the handle then
understand that it is plated because brass does not have magnetic properties. The problem with this trick is
that even if it doesn't stick you can't be 100% sure it's brass. A more
definitive test would be to scratch an unknown spot on the lock. If the color
inside the scratch is yellow then it is solid and if not then you have a plated
handle.
The methods below
involve vinegar which can discolor brass if not used properly. After cleaning
the locks, you have to wash the brass thoroughly in water and then dry it to
avoid tarnishing. The best way to dry
the handle is to wipe it immediately with a dry cloth and then use a hair
dryer. Some brass discolors
as soon as it comes into contact with vinegar, so if this is the case you will
need to purchase some tarnish remover from the store to remove the discoloration.
Brasso will do just fine for this.
Now we also need to
know whether the handle is brass or natural. We need to know this because most
of the cleaning options you can use rely on a chemical reaction with the brass
to bring back the shine and color of the product. The lacquered product will
prevent you from coming in contact with the brass. Lacquered brass sometimes
changes color due to aging still under the lacquer. If this is the case then you will
need to remove the varnish before cleaning the handle which we are not really
going to discuss today. So now that we know what we're dealing with let's move
on.
This method will work
for both solid and plated brass products. The first things you will need to do
is use a damp cloth and wipe away any dirt or initial grime that may be on the
surface of your handle. After it is cleaned
you have to go to the kitchen and find flour, vinegar and salt. Make a paste by
mixing all the three in equal parts. Now before applying this paste, wet the
handle again with water.
Once it gets wet
apply the paste we made until it covers the entire brass. If the handle is
still on the door, make sure you put something on the floor to catch anything
that drips. Let the handle sit
with the paste for 30-45 minutes, then wipe it off and look at the brass. If it
is clean enough then you are done and if not then you have to reapply the paste
for another half an hour and check again. You can also rub it with a cloth when you are
removing the paste from your handle and the salt should work as an abrasive to
remove any excess rust.
If the above method
doesn't work properly then you can use trick avoidance trick. This method is
not recommended for plated brass as it can scratch the brass as well as cause
fizzling and loss of color. For this method you will need a clean piece
of steel wool, preferably a fine piece, and a container with vinegar (red wine
vinegar or white will work).
Make sure that no
cleaning agents have been applied to the steel wool. Pour vinegar over the
locks and gently rub the steel wool over the brass. Rub the brass until it's
where you want it. Now clean everything with water and dry as described above
and you will have a clean looking handle set again!
If
you want to add some instant style to your home choose original brass door
handles for every room. Here is a look at the different styles and designs brass
door handle on offer.
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