How do I clean 3 dirty old brass buckets?

Hello there! If they are brass and have been outside for years, they may look green from tarnish. You might have to give it a trial and error method. At this stage, the brass may be pitted in some areas. With heave duty rubber gloves, obviously start with getting all the outside dirt off with a plastic brillo pad, hot water and detergent like Dawn or Dove. Make sure you've gotten all the grit and grim off before trying to bring out the brass color. Depending on the size, try tomato Ketsup and Salt. The ratio is not as importance as long as you have enough salt to act as an abrasive in your mixture. This might take several steps. Soaking the mixture on an area at a time might help. When you start to see the yellow brass color, lessen the amount of salt. From that point, it's probably best to use Brasso if you want a polished finish. If you are trying to restore them, you might check around for a company that polishes brass. If you want it to stay that bright brass finish, they can put a clear coat on them to keep them polished. I prefer a bit of age, so I would not go past having them polished and then allow them to tarnish on their own. Good luck!

I would also clean them up first, but, then I would try Brasso. Use a soft cloth and use a circular motion to rub it on.

Clean them ( crud, soil, etc. ) then powder Bar Keepers's Friend, work up a paste and using a soft cloth, work in small areas; do NOT use any abrasive scrubby or you will scratch the surface .. brass is very very soft; for a good patina finish with BRASSO and buff; don't put any sealer on them as if becomes even teenytiny scratch that area will tarnish .... let them get a patina all on their own and you can rebuff with Brasso as needed