How to clean copper and brass
When I visit a house, gleaming brass and copper decor like vases, pots, and jugs always catch my eye. They undoubtedly add to the home’s beauty; however, regular cleaning is essential to maintain their shine.
A copper vessel used for storing water should be cleaned every alternate day. Regular cleaning keeps the process quick and easy, while infrequent cleaning makes stain removal time-consuming.
Here are three simple ways to clean brass and copper items:
1. Cleaning with Tamarind and Lemon
If you don’t want to use chemicals for pooja items, tamarind and lemon are great natural cleaners.
- First, rinse the item with plain water.
- Take tamarind and rub it all over the surface. You can also make a paste by soaking tamarind in water.
- Let it sit for five minutes, then scrub gently to remove stains.
- Wash it well with water.
- For extra shine, rub a lemon on it before rinsing.
This method works best if you clean your copper utensils daily.
2. Cleaning with Gram Flour (Besan)
Gram flour is another natural way to clean brass and copper, especially for delicate jewelry.
- Mix gram flour with a little water to make a paste.
- Apply this paste to the item, covering all areas.
- Use a brush or scrub if needed. For delicate jewelry, apply it gently with your hands.
- Wash thoroughly under running water.
3. Cleaning with Powder or Liquid (Pitambari)
There are special cleaning powders and liquids available for brass and copper. ‘Pitambari’ is a popular choice.
- Mix a little Pitambari powder with water and apply it to the item.
- Leave it for five minutes, then scrub off the stains.
- If needed, repeat the process until the item looks shiny again.
- Wash well to remove any leftover smell.
Extra Tip:
- After washing, wipe the item with a dry cotton cloth and let it dry in the sun. This prevents water stains.
Tamba Kanta Market in Mumbai is a well-known place for buying copper and brass items. Here is the link to my blog. https://simplydipti.com/tambakantamarket/