HOW TO CLEAN BRASS FAUCETS
HOW TO CLEAN BRASS FAUCETS
Brass faucets add a timeless, classic elegance to bathrooms, instantly elevating the look of a sink or vanity. Because brass is a soft metal, it requires special care—improper cleaning can lead to surface blemishes, tarnish, or corrosion over time.
Brass is made from a combination of copper and zinc and is commonly used in cookware, jewelry, musical instruments, and home décor. When exposed to oxygen, moisture, and everyday use, brass can naturally tarnish if not properly maintained.
Before You Clean: Know Your Brass
Solid Brass vs. Brass-Plated
Before cleaning, determine whether your fixture is solid brass or brass-plated:
- Use a magnet—if it sticks, the item is brass-plated.
- Magnets will not stick to solid brass
⚠️ Important: Brass-plated fixtures should be cleaned very gently. Aggressive scrubbing or polishing can remove the plating.
What to Avoid
- Abrasive scrubbing pads
- Metal-bristled brushes
- Steel wool
These can scratch or permanently damage brass surfaces
Lacquered Brass Fixtures
If lacquered brass is heavily tarnished, the lacquer must be removed with a paint or varnish remover before cleaning. After polishing, the fixture can be re-lacquered to protect the finish
What You’ll Need
- ADVANAGE the Wonder Cleaner®
- Empty spray bottle
- Old, soft toothbrush
- Microfiber cloths
- Brass polish
Directions for Cleaning Brass Faucets
- Apply Cleaner Spray ADVANAGE the Wonder Cleaner® directly onto the brass surface.
- Scrub Gently Use a soft, wet toothbrush to gently scrub the fixture, focusing on crevices and detailed areas.
- Rinse Rinse with clean water or thoroughly wipe down with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Dry Immediately buff dry using a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
- Polish ADVANAGE the Wonder Cleaner® safely cleans brass but does not polish it. Follow up with a brass-specific polishing compound to restore shine.
Care Tips
- Avoid touching brass surfaces frequently—natural skin oils can speed up tarnishing.
- Do not soak brass items in ADVANAGE the Wonder Cleaner®. Long soak times in any water-based, alkaline cleaner may cause a dull, gray discoloration.