Most metals need to be cleaned regularly so they do not tarnish. Before you begin, determine the type of item you have – brass, copper, sterling silver, silver plate, etc. – and its age. Antique metals and newer items usually require different care.
In addition to last week’s lesson on silver and stainless steel, here is information on caring for brass, copper, pewter and other metals.
BRASS: Before you clean brass, determine whether it has been lacquered. Antique brass usually is not lacquered, but most new pieces are. The lacquer prevents tarnish. General care: Keep decorative items dusted and clean. Wash in sudsy, lukewarm water, rinse and dry. Never use hot water on lacquered items as it may loosen the finish. Do not polish or soak lacquered items.
Preventing tarnish: Unlacquered brass tarnishes when exposed to air. A weekly wiping with a little liquid ammonia on a soft cloth will keep it shiny. Use a commercial brass polish (available at grocery and hardware stores) to remove tarnish. To polish antique brass, wash in hot, soapy water, rinse and dry. Moisten a soft cloth with boiled linseed oil and rub on the brass until all the dirt and grease have been removed. Polish with a soft cloth.
COPPER: Most modern copper is protected by a factory-applied, baked-on lacquer to prevent tarnishing. General care: Dust weekly and wash in lukewarm, soapy water. Never polish lacquered copper.
Preventing tarnish: Unlacquered copper may be polished with a commercial cleaner. On copper cooking utensils where the lacquer has been removed, the copper bottoms should be cleaned after each use. Do not use an abrasive cleaner or steel wool to clean bottoms.
PEWTER: Antique pewter is an alloy of lead and tin. The lead makes it darken to its characteristic shade. Modern pewter, made of mostly tin alloys, is tarnish-resistant.
General care: Modern pewter may be washed by hand in hot, sudsy water, rinsed and dried thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Preventing tarnish: For older pewter, clean with a commercial pewter polish, wash in hot, soapy water and rinse with hot water. Dry by rubbing in one direction until no black comes off on the cloth. Continue buffing. Fingerprints are hazardous to old pewter pieces if touched before completely dry. Do not overclean antique pewter. It is not meant to look like silver.
OTHER METALS: Bronze: Dust with a soft cloth. For a thorough cleaning, remove all dust and rub with a soft flannel cloth. Wash with a solution of 1 tablespoon salt and 3 1/2 quarts water. Rinse well. Polish with copper polish.
Chrome: Wash with sudsy water, rinse and wipe dry to bring up luster. Do not use abrasives. To remove sticky items, wipe with vinegar, rinse and wipe dry.
Tin: Keep decorative items dusted. Wash in warm, sudsy water.
Sources: Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association, Electronic Industries Association, “All-New Hints from Heloise” (Perigee Books, $13)
