Brass Polishing Tips: How to Clean Brass Rings, Bracelets, or Earrings

March 18, 2025 Cera Muchiri

Ever noticed your favorite brass jewelry losing its shine over time? Maybe your brass rings, earrings, or bracelet have developed a dull patina, and you're wondering how to bring back that golden glow. The good news is that cleaning brass is easier than you think! Whether you're dealing with tarnished brass or just want to maintain its brilliance, we’ve got you covered.

Brass is a timeless, sustainable metal, but it does require a little upkeep to keep it looking new. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to clean, polish, and maintain your brass jewelry, so you can keep rocking your favorite brass accessories with confidence.

Why Does Brass Tarnish?

Before we focus on brass polishing tips, let's understand why brass loses its shine. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and over time, it reacts with air and moisture, leading to oxidation and tarnishing. While some people love the vintage, aged look, others prefer their brass jewelry to shine like new.

Luckily, polishing brass is simple, and you don’t need harsh chemicals to do it. In fact, you probably have the perfect brass cleaners in your kitchen right now!

How to Clean and Polish Brass Jewelry

Here are some brass cleaning tips:

1. The Quick and Easy Soft Cloth Method

If your brass rings, earrings, or bracelets only have light tarnishing, a quick polish with a soft microfiber cloth can do wonders. Gently rub the jewelry in circular motions to remove dirt and bring out the shine.

2. Lemon and Baking Soda – A Natural Brass Polish

Lemon juice and baking soda make an excellent natural brass cleaner. Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle some baking soda on it, and rub it directly onto your jewelry. Let it sit for a minute, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. You’ll be amazed at the results!

3. Toothpaste – An Unexpected Cleaning Hack

Yes, your everyday toothpaste can double as a brass cleaner! Use a small amount of non-gel, white toothpaste on a soft cloth and rub it onto your jewelry. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry. This method works wonders for bringing back the shine.

4. Vinegar and Salt for Deep Cleaning

If your brass jewelry has heavy tarnish, mix equal parts white vinegar and salt to create a paste. Apply it to your brass accessories and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately.

5. Commercial Brass Polish for a Professional Shine

For those who prefer a ready-made solution, a commercial brass polish like Brasso or Wright’s Brass Polish can be a great option. Follow the product instructions and always use a soft cloth to apply and buff.

How to Maintain Your Brass Jewelry

Cleaning your brass jewelry is only half the battle; keeping it from tarnishing quickly is just as important. Here’s how you can maintain the shine:

Wear It Often: Believe it or not, your skin’s natural oils help keep brass polished! The more you wear your brass rings, earrings, and bracelets, the better they’ll look.
Avoid Moisture: Water and humidity can accelerate tarnishing. Always remove your brass jewelry before swimming, showering, or washing dishes.
Store Properly: Keep your brass pieces in a dry, air-tight container or jewelry pouch when not in use. Adding anti-tarnish strips can help absorb moisture and slow oxidation.
Apply a Protective Coating: If you want to prevent tarnish for longer, consider applying a thin layer of clear nail polish or a natural wax sealant. This creates a barrier between the metal and air.

Can You Use Sandpaper to Polish Brass?

While sandpaper can technically be used to polish brass, it's not recommended for jewelry. Sandpaper is too abrasive and can scratch the surface, making your brass accessories look worn out rather than polished. Instead, stick to soft cloths and gentle cleaning methods.

Best Way to Polish Brass: What Works Best?

The best method for polishing brass depends on the level of tarnish. For light maintenance, a soft cloth or toothpaste does the trick. For moderate tarnish, lemon and baking soda work wonders. And for deep cleaning, vinegar and salt or a commercial brass polish will restore the shine.

Ecodunia’s Handmade Brass Jewelry – Ethical and Beautiful

At Ecodunia, we believe in sustainable, handcrafted fashion. Our brass rings, brass earrings, and brass bracelets are handmade by talented Kenyan artisans using locally sourced brass. Each piece tells a story, supporting small-scale metalworkers and preserving traditional craftsmanship.

By choosing Ecodunia’s handmade brass jewelry, you’re not just investing in a beautiful accessory—you’re supporting ethical craftsmanship and sustainable fashion. And with the right care, your brass jewelry will remain stunning for years to come.

So, whether you're cleaning brass for the first time or looking for the best way to polish brass, these tips will keep your jewelry shining bright. Give your brass jewelry the care it deserves, and let it reflect your style effortlessly!

Looking for high-quality, handcrafted brass jewelry? Explore Ecodunia’s collection today!