The Ultimate Brass Maintenance Guide.

The Ultimate Brass Maintenance Guide.

Brass has been integral to humankind since 1400BCE- especially in the kitchen. Versatile, tough, and sustainable, it's no surprise that it remains a popular choice of material for engineers and designers worldwide. That archaeologists continue to unearth brass kitchenware dating from the Roman period is a testament to its durability; it's serious heirloom material!

If you want your brass to last, then you have come to the right place. Today, we're bringing you Maple Kitchen Goods' Ultimate Brass Maintenance Guide to keep your kitchen gleaming for centuries to come. 

Know your Product.

Find out as much about your brass as possible, as washing metal kitchenware incorrectly can cause damage.

Most vendors suggest that the Alexander Atlas Salt and Pepper Mill set (pictured above) should not be washed with water at all, to preserve the grinding mechanism inside. If you want your mills to keep their shine, invest in a brass cleaner such as Glanol's Ultra Soft Metal polish to keep your heirloom shining through the ages. 

The Alexander Atlas Salt and Pepper Mill set currently qualifies for free shipping when you buy from Maple Kitchen Goods. Get 10% off your first order with us.

Is Brass Dishwasher Safe?

The short answer is...no. Many brass items are treated with lacquer, a polish that forms a protective coating and prevents wear and tear. The heat and abrasive cleaning products used in dishwashers which may strip back its lacquer coating, causing patina and rust. 

Hand wash brass with warm (not hot) water, soap, and a soft, clean cloth. Avoid abrasive dish soaps and cleaning pads as these may eat away at the lacquer, or scratch the brass. 

Drying:

After washing, dry your brass immediately with a clean towel. Don't leave it to airdry as this can lead to moisture damage, and result in odors. Once it's dry, it's time for the best part of all...

Polish & Treat:

Now it's time to shine--literally! The secret to maintaining brass is to treat it regularly with a soft metal cleaner such as Brasso or Glanol's soft metal polish. 

With a soft, clean cloth, apply a generous amount of polish to the brass surface. Next, leave the item somewhere safe and dry and allow it to soak up all the goodness it needs. Polish reinforces brass and its lacquer coating to keep the metal stronger for longer. 

After an hour, take your cloth and remove the excess polish from the surface. Finally, buff it out to enjoy some extra shine.

Stuck on styling? Check out our Pinterest for more kitchen & homeware hints, tips and inspiration. 

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