How to clean a brass lamp

Amy Edwards
by Amy Edwards
My mother left me this lamp I'd like to clean it but don't know what to use plus I don't want to damage it. Also I need to have an up to date electrical cord put in. But main concern is getting pretty and clean.
  9 answers
  • Becky Becky on Oct 10, 2015
    Brasso is what I use, it stinks but it does a beautiful job.
  • Wanda Arganbright Wanda Arganbright on Oct 10, 2015
    Barkeepers Friend. It is a cleanser found in your grocery store or Wal-Mart. (Like Comet).
    • Amy Edwards Amy Edwards on Oct 10, 2015
      @Wanda Arganbright I have barkeepers secret in the house for my stainless steel sinks, I'll try that thank you
  • Z Z on Oct 10, 2015
    Another Becky that would suggest Brasso. Just ask anyone in the military, they'll tell you that's how they polish their brass.
    • See 3 previous
    • Z Z on Oct 11, 2015
      @Becky, that makes perfect sense that you suggest Brasso then. LOL My Daddy was Army Air Corp, Hubby and Son were Army, and our Daughter and her Hubby were/are Air Force. I could fill a whole page of other family members too. :^D
  • Elizabeth Newman Elizabeth Newman on Oct 10, 2015
    Another voice for Brasso!
  • Mickey Baron Mickey Baron on Oct 10, 2015
    My hubby says to give you this linc..http://www.aladdincollector.com/tips.html It should answer all your questions. He said it's very old.
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Oct 10, 2015
    One of my dearest friends is a jeweler who owns the premier jewelry store in our region. He offers professional silver, brass, and copper polishing. He put me onto Maas Metal Polish. It's amazing and is easy to use and produces the richest most lustrous finish on the most severely oxidized and/or tarnished things. I always make sure to keep 2 cans of it in my utility closet. We have many, many pieces of old silver and quite a few pieces of copper and brass. Here's a link to what I'm talking about: http://autosfans.com/maas-1-1lb-can-silver-brass-copper-metal-polish-cleaner-price-features-specs-customer-reviews. I would caution against using something as mildly abrasive as Barkeepers Friend on it. If the lamp is as old as you indicate, I would treat it gently.
    • See 2 previous
    • Amy Edwards Amy Edwards on Oct 11, 2015
      @Swan Road Designs Thank you
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 11, 2015
    Try brasso it will not harm the finish.
    • Gabrielle Falk Gabrielle Falk on Sep 13, 2016
      Hi: Brasso is good for a little while, but then the surface dulls again. I have a small ship's bell at the front door - under cover - which people ring when they come to the front door. You can huff and puff shining the bell, but it just doesn't last.
  • Betty-Ellen Betty-Ellen on Oct 11, 2015
    Use ketchup. Just smear it all over let it sit a bit but don't leave it to dry. While still a bit wet just buff it off and polish. It will shine like new. I've used this and it works great.
  • Doris Jean Miller Doris Jean Miller on Feb 08, 2017

    I use a product that is a liquid and it takes off the tarnish without removing any of the metal so there is no black mess. You have to order it online unless you are from around Tulsa though. It's called The Victorian House brass and copper restorer. It is also non toxic and odor free. www.thevictorianhouseproducts.com