How To Clean Brass Candle Holder

Materials Needed

Cleaning your brass candle holder requires a few common household items. Before you begin, gather the following materials:

Warm water: You will need warm water to help dissolve the wax and loosen any grime on the candle holder.
Mild dish soap: Choose a gentle dish soap that is safe for use on metals.
Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural acid that can help remove tarnish from the brass.
Salt: Salt acts as an abrasive agent and helps to scrub away stubborn stains and tarnish.
Vinegar: Vinegar is another effective natural cleaner that can help restore the shine to your brass candle holder.
Flour: Flour is used in combination with vinegar to create a paste that helps polish the brass.
Soft cloths: You will need soft, lint-free cloths for wiping, buffing, and polishing the brass.
Toothbrush or soft-bristle brush: A toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush will help clean hard-to-reach areas and remove residue.

Having these materials ready will make the cleaning process easier and more effective.

Step 1: Removing the Wax

Before you can start cleaning your brass candle holder, you need to remove any wax residue left from previous uses. Follow these steps to remove the wax:

Freeze the candle holder: Place the brass candle holder in the freezer for about an hour. The cold temperature will harden the wax, making it easier to remove.
Scrape off the wax: Take the candle holder out of the freezer and use a plastic scraper or a credit card to gently scrape off the hardened wax. Be careful not to scratch the brass surface.
Wipe with a soft cloth: After removing the majority of the wax, use a soft cloth to wipe away any residue. You may need to apply gentle pressure and multiple passes to completely remove the wax.
Use a hairdryer: If there are any remaining traces of wax, use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to melt the wax. Once melted, wipe it away with a soft cloth.

By removing the wax first, you’ll prepare the surface for a thorough cleaning and prevent any further dirt or grime from sticking to the brass.

Step 2: Cleaning with Lemon Juice and Salt

Lemon juice and salt have natural properties that can effectively remove tarnish from brass. Follow these steps to clean your brass candle holder:

Create a mixture: In a small bowl, mix equal parts lemon juice and salt to create a paste. The acidic properties of the lemon juice combined with the abrasiveness of the salt will help remove tarnish.
Apply the paste: Using a soft cloth or a sponge, apply the lemon juice and salt paste onto the brass surface of the candle holder. Ensure that you cover all tarnished areas.
Gently scrub: Using circular motions, gently scrub the brass surface with the paste. The salt acts as a mild abrasive, helping to lift the tarnish and restore the shine.
Focus on stubborn stains: If there are any stubborn stains or tarnish, apply more pressure and spend extra time scrubbing those areas. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, as it may scratch the brass.
Rinse and dry: Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the brass surface, rinse the candle holder under warm water to remove the paste. Dry it with a soft cloth or towel.

This method is gentle on the brass while effectively removing tarnish and restoring its natural beauty. The lemon juice’s acidity helps break down the tarnish, and the salt’s abrasiveness removes stubborn stains.

Step 3: Polishing with Vinegar and Flour

After cleaning the brass candle holder, you can further enhance its shine by polishing it with a mixture of vinegar and flour. Follow these steps:

Create a polishing paste: In a small bowl, mix equal parts vinegar and flour to make a thick paste. The vinegar’s acetic acid and the flour’s light abrasive texture will help polish the brass.
Apply the polish: Using a soft cloth, apply the vinegar and flour paste onto the entire surface of the brass candle holder. Ensure that you cover all areas evenly.
Let it sit: Allow the polish to sit on the brass for about 20 minutes. This will give time for the vinegar to react with the brass and the flour to help remove any remaining tarnish.
Buff the brass: Using a clean, soft cloth, start buffing the brass in circular motions. Apply gentle pressure to reveal a shiny, polished surface. Continue buffing until you’re satisfied with the results.
Remove excess polish: Once you’re done, use another clean cloth to wipe away any excess polish residue from the brass. This will help give the brass a final shine.

The combination of vinegar and flour creates a powerful polishing mixture that helps restore the brass’s original luster. Take your time during the buffing process to achieve a smooth and shiny finish.

Step 4: Buffing with a Soft Cloth

Buffing your brass candle holder after cleaning and polishing will give it a final touch and enhance its shine. Follow these steps to achieve a beautiful, polished result:

Select a soft cloth: Choose a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for polishing or a microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials or rough fabrics that can scratch the surface of the brass.
Apply pressure: Take the soft cloth and apply gentle pressure to the brass candle holder. Use circular motions to buff the surface of the brass. Continue buffing until you notice a high shine.
Pay attention to details: Pay close attention to intricate details and hard-to-reach areas of the candle holder. Use your fingers to press the cloth into small crevices and polish those areas effectively.
Repeat if necessary: If your brass candle holder still doesn’t have the desired shine, you can repeat the buffing process with a fresh cloth. This will help remove any remaining residue and further enhance the brass’s luster.
Inspect the results: Once you’re satisfied with the shine and overall appearance of your brass candle holder, take a moment to inspect it from different angles. Enjoy the beauty of your polished piece.

Buffing will give your brass candle holder that final touch of elegance. By paying attention to the details and using a gentle touch, you’ll achieve a stunning, gleaming finish that will make your candle holder stand out.

Step 5: Preventing Tarnish in the Future

After putting in the effort to clean and polish your brass candle holder, you’ll want to keep it looking beautiful for as long as possible. Follow these tips to prevent tarnish and maintain its shine:

Handle with care: Avoid touching the brass surface with bare hands as oils and sweat can contribute to tarnish. When handling the candle holder, use clean gloves or hold it by the base to minimize contact with the brass.
Keep away from moisture: Moisture can cause brass to tarnish more quickly. Avoid placing the candle holder in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or near windows that are frequently opened.
Use protective coatings: Consider applying a thin coat of clear lacquer or brass wax onto the surface of the candle holder. These protective coatings can help slow down the tarnishing process and maintain the brass’s shine.
Regularly dust: Dusting the candle holder with a soft cloth or a feather duster on a regular basis will help remove any dirt or particles that may cause tarnish over time.
Avoid harsh cleaning agents: When cleaning your brass candle holder, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Stick to gentle methods, such as using mild dish soap or natural cleaning solutions, to protect the brass’s finish.
Store properly: If you plan to store the candle holder when not in use, wrap it in a soft, non-abrasive cloth or place it in a protective bag to prevent dust and scratches.

By following these preventive measures, you can extend the lifespan of your brass candle holder and enjoy its lustrous appearance for years to come.