--- title: "Sådan pudser du messing skinnende igen\n – dims studio" description: "Bland citronsaft og bagepulver til en pasta, gnid blidt på og skyl. Se metoden der får messing til at skinne uden at skade patinaen." url: "https://dimsstudio.dk/blogs/inspiration/how-do-you-polish-brass" source: "https://dimsstudio.dk/en/blogs/inspiration/how-do-you-polish-brass" --- # How do you polish brass? ![Palme-skabsknopper i messing fra Doing Goods på en hørdug med pudseklud](//dimsstudio.dk/cdn/shop/articles/hf_20260609_095850_3a95e1f1-76ef-4193-b8d0-da97c4f14ac5.png?crop=center&height=195&v=1780999668&width=375) In short Brass is easily polished with a household trick: a paste of **lemon juice and baking powder** or **vinegar and salt**. Rub on gently with a soft cloth, rinse with water, and dry completely straight away. Avoid abrasive cleaners that scratch. Lacquered brass should only be wiped with a damp cloth – acid removes the lacquer. Brass is beautiful, warm and classic – but over time it becomes dark and dull. The good news is that you rarely need expensive products to bring back the shine. A few household tricks from the kitchen cupboard do most of the work. Here are the methods that work – and the mistakes to avoid. ## Why does brass tarnish? Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. When the surface meets the oxygen and moisture in the air, a dark layer forms – tarnish. This is completely natural and doesn't damage the metal; it's just a cosmetic layer that you can easily remove. Many people actually think the natural patina is beautiful and let their brass age on purpose. ## Lemon and baking powder The gentlest method – perfect for light tarnish. 1. Mix lemon juice with a little baking powder into a loose paste. 2. Rub the paste gently onto the brass with a soft cloth. 3. Let it sit for a moment, and keep rubbing gently. 4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry completely straight away. ## Vinegar and salt A little stronger – good for more stubborn tarnish. 1. Mix household vinegar with a pinch of salt. 2. Dip a cloth, and rub the brass. 3. Rinse well afterwards so all the acid is gone, and dry completely. 💡 **Tip:** Always dry the brass *completely* after cleaning. If water droplets are left behind, they can leave new marks as they dry. ## Overview of methods | Method | Strength | Best for | Watch out for | |-----------------------|----------|----------------------|------------------------| | Lemon + baking powder | Mild | Light tarnish | Rinse well | | Vinegar + salt | Medium | Stubborn tarnish | Only unlacquered brass | | Brass polish | Strong | Heavy discolouration | Follow instructions | | Damp cloth | Mildest | Lacquered brass | No acid | ## Lacquered or unlacquered? It's essential to know whether your brass is lacquered. **Unlacquered** brass tarnishes and can be polished using household remedies. **Lacquered** brass has a protective clear coating that keeps its shine – but acid from lemon and vinegar destroys the lacquer and causes patchy discolouration. Lacquered brass should therefore only be wiped with a damp cloth and perhaps a little mild washing-up liquid. If in doubt: if the brass never darkens, it's probably lacquered. ## Frequently asked questions ### What's the easiest way to polish brass? With a paste of lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda, or vinegar and salt. Rub on with a soft cloth, rinse off, and dry completely. ### Can I use kitchen products? Yes – lemon, vinegar, salt and bicarbonate of soda work well on unlacquered brass. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring pads, which scratch the surface. ### Why does my brass go dark? Because the surface reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air, forming tarnish. It's natural and can easily be polished away again. ### Can I polish lacquered brass with lemon? No. The acid destroys the lacquer and causes stains. Lacquered brass should only be wiped with a damp cloth. ### How do I stop my brass tarnishing again? Keep it dry, and wipe it down regularly. A thin layer of microcrystalline wax can slow new tarnish on unlacquered brass. ## Summary Unlacquered brass is easily polished with lemon and bicarbonate of soda, or vinegar and salt – rub gently, rinse, and dry completely. Avoid abrasive cleaners, and keep acid away from lacquered brass, which can only tolerate a damp cloth. Tarnish is natural and completely harmless; it's up to you whether you polish it away or let the brass develop a beautiful patina. ## Read also - [Brass in interiors: timeless and elegant](/en/blogs/inspiration/messing-i-indretningen-tidlost-og-elegant) - [What's the difference between ceramics and porcelain?](/en/blogs/inspiration/hvad-er-forskellen-paa-keramik-og-porcelaen) - [When do you put candles in the window?](/en/blogs/inspiration/hvornaar-saetter-man-lys-i-vinduet) Discover brass details that develop a beautiful patina among our [brass hooks and knobs](/en/collections/knager-og-knopper-i-messing).