Brass vs Brass Plating vs Lacquered?
Before you start cleaning any brass pieces you will need to know whether they are solid brass or brass plated, and if the piece is lacquered or not. If there is already tarnish on the brass, it probably has not been lacquered. If there is a shiny thin coating (which may be coming off in places) then the item has been lacquered and the only real option is to get it refinished.
To tell whether the item is brass plated or not is very simple, place a magnet on it! If it doesn't stick it is brass. If it does stick then it is brass plated.
Important note: The following instructions are only for solid brass. Polishing is not necessary for brass plated items and will likely remove or damage the plating. Always test in a small inconspicuous area first.
For a General Clean (or surfaces you want to be a bit more careful with)
What you'll need:
- Bar Keepers Friend MORE Spray & Foam
- Microfibre / lint-free cloth
Instructions:
Step 1: Spray MORE Spray & Foam onto a microfibre or lint-free cloth, or directly onto the surface being cleaned.
Step 2: With your cloth, clean the surface using small circles.
Step 3: Using a damp cloth, wipe down the surface, making sure to remove all product.
Step 4: Lastly, buff with a dry cloth or soft towel. Sorted!
For a Tougher Clean
What you'll need:
Instructions:
Step 1: Apply the Soft Cleanser onto your light-grade pad or Scrub Daddy, or directly onto the surface.
Step 2: Scrub using small circles. Use a soft bristle toothbrush for those hard to reach areas.
Step 3: Using a damp cloth wipe down the surface, making sure to remove all product.
Step 4: Lastly, buff with a dry cloth or soft towel. All clean!
Also, check out this amazing restoration using BKF sent in by Paul, of this brass tuba some 70+ years old!
Denise Cooper from Bemyguestwithdenise used Bar Keepers Friend to clean some brass items back in 2017. Check out the video here:
Still not cutting it?
If the surface has super tough staining, AND you have already tried the Soft Cleanser, you may want to step up to the powdered Cleanser. As always though, test in a small area first and rinse thoroughly.
Thanks to:
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-brass
Bar Keepers Friend Double Trio
$43.36
Bar Keepers Friend, the incredible world-famous cleaning product that has taken New Zealand by storm, and Scrub Daddy, the #1 Selling product EVER on the USA's Shark Tank, have teamed up to bring you the Double Trio.
The Double Trio includes:
- 1 x Bar Keepers Friend Original Cleanser & Polish 340g
- 1 x Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser 369g
- 1 x Bar Keepers Friend MORE Spray & Foam 750ml
- 1 x Scrub Daddy Original - Yellow
- 1 x Scrub Daddy Colours - Random
- 1 x Scrub Mommy (Dual Sided) - Pink
Original Cleanser – Best for use on tough stains like showers glass, tiles, toilets, brass, copper tubs and more to get rid of rust, hard water stains, mineral deposits and built-up grease and grime. Can be used in a paste-like formula for the toughest stains or dilute for lighter ones, very versatile and great for almost any hard surface.
Soft Cleanser – In a pre-diluted, liquid form. Has the same active ingredients as the original cleanser though in an easier-to-use form. Use for stainless steel benches and sinks, solid chrome tapware, porcelain, acrylic, rust stains, tarnish or aluminium.
MORE Spray & Foam – The gentlest formula, great for chromes, benches, cleaning oily residues, vertical areas such as backsplashes, great for faucets, tapware and sinks. Also tackles everyday grime, but with a massive kick and shine.
Scrub Daddy Original - Yellow - The original revolutionary sponge. His FlexTexture changes depending on water temperature. In cold water, he's firm and in warm water, he's soft for general scrubbing applications. He's been lab tested on over 20 surfaces to be scratch free. Scrub Daddy rinses free of debris, is dishwasher safe, and resists odours for up to 8 weeks.
Scrub Daddy Colours - Random - Colours code your cleaning with Scrub Daddy colours. He's made of the original FlexTexture that made Scrub Daddy famous.
Scrub Mommy Pink - Scrub Mommy is extremely versatile with her softer side. She's a dual sided sponge with one half, the original FlexTexture that made Scrub Daddy products famous, as well as the super soft, suds generating ResoFoam side. Scrub, Flip and Wipe.
