When it comes to giving our old brass decor a new lease on life, we usually turn to classic cleaning products, but sometimes, our pantry holds the secrets to the best cleaning tips. And believe it or not, tomato paste could be the key to restoring your dull brass items into impressive masterpieces.

An interior designer named Emma recently shared her unique method for polishing and reviving old brass items like vases and pitchers, with an unlikely pantry staple – tomato paste. That's right, folks. Our beloved tomato paste, commonly used in pasta sauces and stews, doubles as a surprising brass cleaner.

A professional in interior design shares a quick and effective method for revitalising aged and lacklustre brass items, transforming them into immaculate works of art in just a few minutes. Source: .hamptondiaries/Instagram

Emma stumbled upon some beautiful yet scratched brass items while browsing through her local op shop. Rather than passing up on the attractive $5 deals, Emma decided to put her cleaning tips to work and polish them using a steel scrub and none other than tomato paste!

The cleaning method involved gently buffing the brass with tomato paste and then rinsing the items under tap water. The acid present in the tomato paste works to break down dirt and buildup on the brass surface, leaving the once dull object brilliantly sparkling.

Eager to share her cleaning success, Emma took to social media with a video of her polishing process. 'I always use tomato paste to clean solid brass pieces,' she wrote. 'It works wonders and only takes five minutes.' She even shared before and after images showcasing her impressive results.

But why does this humble pantry ingredient work so well in cleaning brass? Well, the citric acid found in tomato paste is what helps to break down the tarnish and grime on brass surfaces. When paired with a soft scrub, you can effortlessly buff away the dirt to reveal a shiny and clean surface in no time.

Emma also revealed that this method works wonders on silverware and copper items. If you don't have tomato paste on hand, you can use other acidic products like lemons, citrus juice, or vinegar to achieve similar results. For severely tarnished objects, mix citric acid with bi-carb soda to make a paste, leave it on the object for 30 minutes and gently scrub it off.

Social media users were thrilled to learn about these surprising tips. One commenter exclaimed, 'I heard that this works but didn't know for sure! How amazing!' Another user added, 'I usually use Brasso, but I love this idea.' Multiple people expressed their excitement to try this method on their own dull brass items.

Caring for and Maintaining Brass Decor​

Caring for and maintaining brass decor is essential to preserve its beautiful appearance and prevent tarnishing. Proper cleaning methods and protective measures can keep brass items looking shiny and vibrant for years.

1. Wax and polish regularly: Apply wax and polish to brass items to maintain their shine and protect them from tarnishing.
2. Use protective coatings: Apply protective coatings or lacquer to brass items to create a barrier against moisture and corrosion.
3. Avoid common household cleaners: Many household cleaners can damage brass, so it's vital to use cleaning solutions specifically formulated for brass.
4. Ensure thorough drying: After cleaning, remove all moisture or corrosion from the brass surface.
5. Seal with wax: Use a microfibre cloth and brass wax or a specialised wax to seal in the shine and provide additional protection.

Key Takeaways

• An interior designer revealed how to transform dull brass into stunning antiques using tomato paste.
• The professional, Emma, polished old solid brass objects with tomato paste and a steel scrub.
• Acid from tomato paste breaks down the dirt and buildup on old brass, leaving the metal sparkling.
• The same method can be applied to silverware and copper. Other acidic products like lemons, citrus juice, and vinegar can also clean old brass objects.

So the next time you find yourself with tarnished brass decor or an antique find that needs a bit of love, remember to take a peek into your pantry. You might just find the perfect cleaning solution in the form of tomato paste. Embracing unconventional cleaning hacks like this can be a revelation, as our pantries often hold the secrets to the most unexpected cleaning solutions.

Now, we would love to hear from you: Have you ever discovered a surprising cleaning solution in your pantry? Share your hidden cleaning gems and unexpected tips with us!

 

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Vinegar works for me.