How to clean brass jewelry at home without damaging it ✨

If you own handmade brass earrings, rings, or bracelets, you've probably noticed that over time they can lose some shine or darken. And that's okay! 💛 This transformation is a natural part of the metal, and also its beauty, because each piece tells its own story.

In this article, I'll tell you how to clean brass jewelry at home easily, without damaging it, so it retains its shine and continues to be with you for many years.

Why does brass jewelry darken? 🌿

Brass is a copper and zinc alloy widely used in handmade jewelry for its golden warmth and durability. Unlike gold or silver, it tends to react with air, humidity, and even the pH of our skin.

This can lead to a duller tone, green stains, or even a general darkening of the jewelry over time. But be careful! This doesn't mean the jewelry is damaged. On the contrary: it's a natural, reversible process and part of the magic of handmade.

Homemade methods for cleaning brass jewelry 🧽

Here are several safe options you can try at home.

1. Warm water and neutral soap (the safest)

Mix a few drops of neutral soap in a container with warm water.

Submerge your jewelry for a few minutes.

Rub gently with a cotton cloth or a very soft bristle brush.

Dry thoroughly before storing.

👉 Ideal for quick and regular cleanings.

2. Baking soda and lemon (only if it is very dark)

Make a smooth paste with baking soda and a few drops of lemon.

Apply with a cotton ball to the surface of the jewel.

Rub carefully and rinse with plenty of water. Dry immediately with a cloth.

⚠️ Tip: Don't use it often, only when you want to restore the shine to a very dull piece.

3. Flour and vinegar (traditional remedy)

Mix 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 tablespoon of salt and a splash of white vinegar.

Form a paste and apply it to the jewel.

Let it sit for a few minutes and remove with warm water.

This method is useful, but always do so gently so as not to scratch the metal.

How to keep your brass jewelry shiny ✨

Cleaning is important, but prevention is even more so. Here are some easy tricks to prolong the shine of your pieces:

Store your jewelry in individual cloth or plastic bags.

Avoid direct contact with perfumes, creams and sprays.

Take them off before showering, going to the pool, or playing sports.

After using them, always wipe them with a dry cloth to remove any sweat or moisture.

Common mistakes to avoid 🚫

Use harsh industrial cleaners (may damage finish).

Scrub with scouring pads or hard brushes (they will scratch the piece).

Store them in a pile in the same place (they scratch each other).

Leave moisture on the jewelry after washing it.

Brass Jewelry FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I bathe in brass jewelry?
Not recommended. Water and chlorine accelerate browning.

Can brass stain skin?
Yes, in some cases it may leave a slight greenish mark. This is completely natural and not harmful. Simply wash your skin and clean the jewelry.

How often should I clean them?
It depends on use. If you wear them daily, a light cleaning every two weeks is sufficient. If you wear them infrequently, cleaning them before storing them will suffice.

Handcrafted brass jewelry: pieces with soul

At Aktual Joyería Artesanal, we want you to enjoy your pieces as if they were new, which is why we offer a free lifetime cleaning and repair guarantee on all our jewelry. 🌿 Whether it's a brass earring, ring, or bracelet, you can bring it to our Madrid workshop whenever you want to give it a new shine or adjust any details. We believe that craftsmanship doesn't end when we deliver the jewelry; it lives on as it accompanies you on your journey.

If you would like to discover special and meaningful pieces, I invite you to visit our collection of handcrafted brass jewelry. .