By the Kinycraft workshop team, makers of handcrafted brass and copper fixtures in Marrakech. Updated October 2026.
Quick answer
For cleaning brass and copper, wipe with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap, then dry with a soft cloth. To restore shine on unlacquered pieces, rub on a paste of lemon juice and baking soda (for brass), or lemon and salt (for copper), then rinse and dry. Never use bleach, ammonia or abrasive pads. On lacquered brass, use only soap and water, because polish strips the coating.
Key takeaways
- Find out whether the piece is lacquered before you polish.
- Soap, water and drying cover 90% of everyday care.
- Lemon, vinegar, salt and baking soda are effective, gentle polishes.
- Patina is not dirt. Keeping or removing it is your choice.
In this guide
Before you start: lacquered or unlacquered?
Lacquered brass has a clear coat and stays shiny. It needs only gentle washing, because polish or acids eat through the lacquer and leave patchy spots. Unlacquered brass and raw copper have no coating, so you can polish them as often as you like. Not sure which you have? If a piece has darkened unevenly over the years, it is probably unlacquered. All Kinycraft brass is unlacquered unless stated otherwise. See lacquered vs unlacquered brass.
Everyday cleaning for brass and copper
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Wipe with a soft microfiber cloth. Use an old soft toothbrush around handles and joints.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Dry thoroughly. Standing water causes most spots on brass and copper.
How to polish brass naturally
| Method | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon + baking soda | Mix into a paste, rub on with a soft cloth, leave 5 minutes, rinse and dry | Light tarnish on faucets, hooks and rails |
| Vinegar + salt + flour | Equal parts into a paste, apply, leave 10-30 minutes, rinse well | Heavier tarnish |
| Ketchup | Apply a thin layer, leave 10 minutes, rinse | Small items and detail work |
| Commercial brass polish | Follow the label and buff off | Fast, even, high shine |
Always rinse off acids completely and dry the piece. Left on, they can etch or spot the metal. Test any method on a hidden spot first.
How to clean copper naturally
Copper responds best to acid plus a mild abrasive. Sprinkle salt on half a lemon and rub it over the surface, or use a paste of vinegar and salt. Rinse and dry straight away. For hammered copper, work with the texture using a soft brush so paste does not collect in the dimples.
What to avoid
- Bleach, ammonia and chlorine-based bathroom sprays
- Steel wool, scouring pads and abrasive powders
- Polish of any kind on lacquered brass
- Leaving acidic pastes on for hours
- Dishwashers, for brass or copper kitchenware
Keep the patina or keep the shine?
Many owners polish the parts they touch (handles, hooks) and let the rest patina for a two-tone, lived-in look. Others let everything age naturally. Both are correct. Patina is a thin layer on the surface and does not weaken solid brass or copper. For product-by-product advice, see our brass and copper care guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best homemade cleaner for brass?
A paste of lemon juice and baking soda is gentle and effective for light tarnish. For heavier tarnish, use equal parts white vinegar, salt and flour. Rinse and dry afterwards.
How do you clean copper without damaging it?
Use lemon and salt, or vinegar and salt, with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry immediately. Avoid steel wool and harsh chemicals.
Does vinegar damage brass?
Vinegar is safe on unlacquered brass if you rinse it off and do not leave it on for long. Do not use vinegar on lacquered brass, because it can damage the coating.
How often should I polish unlacquered brass?
Only as often as you want a bright finish. Many people polish every 2 to 3 months, and some never polish at all and let the patina develop.
Is patina on brass or copper harmful?
No. Patina is a natural surface layer that forms when the metal reacts with air and moisture. It does not affect how fixtures work.
