Polishing unlacquered brass removes the oxidation layer — the patina — and returns the surface to near-original brightness. It is an optional step that some owners do monthly to maintain a brighter appearance, and others do once a year as a reset before allowing the patina to develop again naturally. The process is straightforward and requires no specialist equipment.

Before we go through the methods, one important clarification: polishing removes the patina. If you have spent months developing a beautiful honey-gold patina on your unlacquered brass kitchen faucet or sink and you are happy with it — do not polish. Polishing is only appropriate when you want to restore brightness or reset the patina development process.

Method 1 — Brasso Metal Polish

How to use:

1. Apply a small amount of Brasso to a soft, clean cloth — not directly to the brass
2. Work in small circular motions over one section at a time
3. You will see the cloth pick up dark residue — this is the oxidation layer being removed
4. Rinse the section completely under clean running water
5. Dry immediately and completely with a clean dry cloth
6. Repeat section by section until the whole fixture is done

Important: Do not let Brasso dry on the surface. Work in sections and rinse as you go.

Method 2 — Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a mildly abrasive powder cleaner that works on both mineral deposits and brass oxidation simultaneously. It is particularly useful when hard water scale has built up alongside the patina. Make a paste with a small amount of water, apply with a soft cloth or sponge (not abrasive), work in gentle circles, rinse completely, and dry immediately.

Note: Use the powder form, not the spray. The powder gives better control over application.

Method 3 — Flour, Salt & White Vinegar Paste

Mix equal parts plain flour, table salt, and white vinegar into a smooth paste. Apply to the brass surface and leave for exactly 10 minutes — no longer. Rinse completely with clean water and dry immediately. This method is gentler than Brasso and is ideal for regular maintenance polishing where you want to maintain brightness without fully stripping the patina each time.

Important: Set a timer. Leaving acidic paste on brass for longer than 10 minutes can cause uneven etching. Rinse very thoroughly — any residue left drying on the surface will leave marks.

Method 4 — Lemon and Baking Soda

Cut a lemon in half. Dip the cut face generously in baking soda. Rub the lemon-and-baking-soda face directly onto the brass surface in circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Rinse immediately and thoroughly under clean running water. Dry completely at once. The citric acid in the lemon dissolves the oxidation layer quickly — this is a fast method best suited to small areas or quick touch-ups between deeper polishing sessions.

Important: Rinse immediately. Do not leave citric acid sitting on the surface. This method acts quickly and should not be used for extended periods on any one area.

Method 5 — Tomato Sauce or Ketchup

Tomato products contain natural acids that gently dissolve brass oxidation. Apply a thin layer of tomato sauce or ketchup to the brass, leave for 20–30 minutes, rub gently with a soft cloth, then rinse completely and dry. This is the gentlest method and is best for experimenting with minimal patina removal or very light brightness restoration. Do not leave tomato products on your sink basin — they will cause uneven patina in that specific area, which is exactly what we are trying to avoid with this controlled method.

Which Method Should You Choose?

For full care guidance on all our materials, see our Brass & Copper Care Guide. For questions specific to your fixture and water conditions, contact us at contact@brassforhomes.com.