How to Shine Brass

Determine whether your item is really made of brass. Some cleaning products can be harmful to certain materials, especially those that are brass-plated or coated. To determine if your item is brass, simply see if a magnet will stick to it. Brass is non-magnetic, so if a magnet will not stick, your item is most likely brass.

Clean your brass item thoroughly using a soapy water. Apply the solution to a clean cloth and rub the item to remove dirt and grime, then wipe the item dry with a towel or rag.

Remove any tarnish that is present. The easiest way to remove tarnish is by cleaning the item with a diluted ammonia mixture and a soft cloth.

Get rid of any corrosion on your brass item. Use a slice of lemon dipped in table salt to rub any corrosion you'd like to get rid of, then rinse the item with water and allow to dry.

Apply commercial brass cleaner, available at any home improvement store. Use a soft clean cloth and rub the brass cleaner onto the brass object you'd like to clean using a rag. The brass cleaner will leave behind a seal that will prevent the item from tarnishing in the future.

Buff your item. Use a dry, soft cloth and buff your item until it shines.