By Sumit Manwal, Founder, Hospitality Vacancy
Gleaming brass handles and copper fittings say "luxury" — until they tarnish.
Here is how to clean and maintain brass and copper.
Studying hotel management or starting your first hotel job? Create your free candidate profile on Hospitality Vacancy and browse hotel jobs by department while you learn.
Brass and copper fittings and hardware can add charming accents around your home. But, if neglected, they make things look old and unloved. Here's how to keep that metallic glow at its brightest.
Difficulty: Moderately EasyInstructions
Things You'll Need: Brass Polishes, Clean Cotton Rags, Paint Strippers, Threads, Very Fine Steel Wool, White Vinegar, Mineral Spirits, Baking Soda, Aluminum Bowls, Copper Polishes, Salt
Step 1 - Paint copper plumbing if it's unsightly, but be sure to clean the pipes first with mineral spirits and a fine steel wool pad.
Step 2 - Wipe the pipe dry with a clean cotton cloth and apply a base coat, then a top coat.
Step 3 - Don't ever paint over brass. If you discover that it has been painted, remove the offending paint with a chemical paint stripper (read the label carefully for compatibility).
Step 4 - Polish copper with a commercial polish or make one at home (see Related eHows).
Step 5 - Get rid of corrosion on brass (brown stains) by mixing 1 tbsp. vinegar with 1 tbsp. table salt in a cup of hot water. Use a piece of very fine steel wool to rub the corroded areas with this solution.
Step 6 - Rinse the brass well and dry it thoroughly before using a commercial brass polish to shine and protect it.
Step 7 - Remove verdigris - that crusty green stuff. While it adds character, it also leaves unsightly pits in the metal.
Step 8 - Fill an aluminum bowl with 1/2 cup baking soda dissolved in 4 cups hot water.
Step 9 - Dip the corroded pieces in the bath and let them sit for a few minutes. Keep your hands out of the bath ' use a string or wooden skewers to manipulate the pieces.
Step 10 - Repeat until the corrosion is gone. You may have to replenish the bath if the verdigris is extensive.
Step 11 - Rinse the brass thoroughly with hot water and dry it with a clean cotton rag.
Step12 - Polish with a commercial or homemade polish.
Manwal
FAQ
Why do brass and copper tarnish?
They react with oxygen and moisture in the air, forming a dull layer.
Can lacquered brass be polished?
Lacquered brass usually only needs gentle cleaning; abrasive polishes can damage the lacquer.
Your next step
- Students and hotel professionals: Create your free candidate profile on Hospitality Vacancy and browse the latest hotel jobs.
- Planning your next career move in hospitality? Register free at https://www.hospitalityvacancy.com/register/candidate and browse the latest hotel jobs.
- Hotels hiring: Register as an employer on Hospitality Vacancy.
Related reading on this blog
About the Author
Sumit Manwal is the founder of Hospitality Vacancy (since 2017) and has 20+ years of experience in hospitality. He received the "Excellence in Hospitality Sector of Uttarakhand" award, presented by Shri Dhan Singh Rawat ji (January 2023), and the Dainik Jagran inext Uttarakhand Ratan Samman for Excellence in Hospitality & Education, presented by Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari ji (2023). He helps hotels build reliable teams and professionals grow their careers.
📧 Contact: manwal@hospitalityvacancy.com | 🔗 LinkedIn
Please do not enter any spam link in the comment box