Cleaning, maintaining and things to avoid with brass jewelry
How do I maintain brass jewelry?
Brass jewelry can tarnish over time due to exposure to air, moisture, and oils from your skin. To keep your brass jewelry looking its best, here are some maintenance tips:
Clean it regularly: Use a soft cloth to wipe your brass jewelry clean after each wear. You can also use a jewelry cleaning solution that is specifically formulated for brass.
Avoid exposing it to water: Remove your brass jewelry before swimming or showering, as exposure to water can accelerate tarnishing.
Store it properly: Keep your brass jewelry in a dry, airtight container or jewelry box when you're not wearing it. This will help to prevent tarnishing.
Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals: Avoid exposing your brass jewelry to harsh chemicals, such as bleach, ammonia, or sulfur, as they can cause discoloration or damage.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your brass jewelry looking beautiful and prevent tarnishing.
How do I clean brass jewelry?
Over time, brass jewelry can develop a patina or tarnish, which can dull its shine and make it look less attractive. Here are some steps you can follow to clean your brass jewelry and restore its shine:
Create a cleaning solution: Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl. You can also add a pinch of salt to the solution to help remove any stubborn tarnish.
Soak the jewelry: Place the brass jewelry in the solution and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
Scrub the jewelry: Remove the jewelry from the solution and use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a microfiber cloth to gently scrub away any remaining tarnish or dirt.
Rinse and dry: Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Polish (optional): If you want to restore the shine of your brass jewelry, you can polish it with a brass-specific polish or a specialized polishing cloth. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully.
It's important to note that brass is a soft metal, so be careful not to scrub too hard or use any abrasive materials, as this can scratch the surface. Additionally, avoid using harsh chemicals or commercial cleaners, as these can damage the metal.
What should I avoid when cleaning brass jewelry?
When cleaning brass jewelry, you should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the metal or any gemstones that may be present. Here are some specific things to avoid:
Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals, as they can discolor or damage the brass.
Do not use abrasive materials such as steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads, as they can scratch the surface of the brass and remove its protective coating.
Avoid using vinegar or lemon juice, as they can cause the brass to corrode and lose its shine.
Do not use hot water, as it can cause the brass to expand and warp.