Super Secret Trick for Cleaning Brass and Copper - Jewelry Tutorial HQ

How to Clean Brass or Copper

In this video, I'll show you my quick and easy trick for cleaning up copper and brass, WITHOUT any harsh chemicals or without a lot of scrubbing. I use this technique a lot for cleaning up old brass bullet shells, which is what I demonstrate this technique on. (I use them to make jewelry, in case you were wondering ;) )

In my opinion, this is the BEST way to clean copper and brass - This method works better and faster than using vinegar (which is a commonly suggested alternative) because of the added acids in ketchup. Ketchup contains vinegar PLUS malic acid and citric acid from the tomatoes. This super combination of acids outperforms straight vinegar - try a side-by-side test and see for yourself!

NOTE: This technique may not be the best to use on items with pearls, coral, wood, or any other porous or chalky stones. Glass, hard gemstones, and crystals should not be affected.

GOODIES:
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RELATED VIDEO:
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DIY Bullet Shell Pendants:

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*DISCLOSURE: some product links are affiliate links meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at NO extra cost to you). These earnings go toward purchasing my own supplies for the projects I share on this channel. Thanks so much for your continued support!*

[JewelryTutorialHQ]

👉 BEFORE YOU COMMENT:

1.) I have already been schooled on the fact that these are not called 'bullets' and that even 'shells' is apparently incorrect terminology. Now I know - "casings!" Got it. Thanks! I'm all learned up 👍

2.) YES! I know that brass doesn't 'rust' - I should have said 'oxidized'. I just said the wrong word; I paid attention in science classes and I remember that 'rust' specifically refers to 'iron oxide' and that brass does not contain iron so therefore cannot produce iron oxide. Mistakes happen (- have you ever made a mistake? No? Good for you - you should make a video and share it on YouTube to celebrate that fact! Just hope that you don't make any mistakes in that video or you will never live it down ☠️ - ) and I didn't feel like reshooting the whole video because (silly me!) I thought people would let that one slide. HAHAHA!

3.) YEP - vinegar and salt can also clean brass and copper. I prefer 🍅ketchup🍅 because it ALSO contains citric acid and malic acid (from those juicy tomatoes) in addition to the acetic acid (from the vinegar) and salt, which makes for a super awesome cleaning combo. PLUS - you can easily spot-treat with ketchup (use a q-tip or a tiny paintbrush) or slather it on a larger object if you can't submerge it in anything. And anyway - who can stand the smell of straight vinegar? WHO??🦉

4.) Did you read all of this? Comment '🍟🍟🍟' below!

Thanks for watching :)

[susanglick]

I tried ketchup on antique brass bathroom fittings and it worked well! Thanks. Your crystal pendants are very nice btw.

[PeacelandMusic]

Jessica, forever grateful here... I'm blown away how simple this is and NON-TOXIC!!! OMG, I have been using Mother's polish forever... this is SO MUCH EASIER!!! Thank you!!!

[lekyfucet]

It's the vinegar in the ketchup that cleans the brass/copper. Vinegar is slightly acidic, which works wonders when cleaning things of this nature.

[kitzandkabootles]

Fantastic. I can't believe how easy that was. My brass stuff looks like gold plated. !!!! Thank you so much.

[srf]

Just tried it on a copper bracelet. Amazing results, looks brand new!! Thank you much!

[Jetty-mecw]

I just cleaned my dolphin sculpture and the difference is amazing. My mom has to be smiling down at me. Thanks a million. Mahallo

[sinbad]

I have no idea why someone would dislike this video. They must be from the, FREE THE BRASS, movement or something weird like that. Great tip!

[Troupe]

Thank you so much for the awesome tip! I used this to polish up some old military buttons that I purchased for my uniform. They only make anodized buttons these days and they just don't look nearly as good so this was a much needed trick!

[Willfun]

Thank you for sharing this...I bought an older antique brass pendant and wasn't sure how to clean it. I will start off giving this a try...it sure is simple.

[markaidan]

Thank you so much!!! Brought a small designer toy made in 2017 with a copper mask that was just looking ok and on the dull side.. Your method has made it look fantastic and back to the original shiney release I can see on the internet.

[LizVictor]

This method is amazing! I just tried it on some vintage handles that were BLACK. 25 minutes later they were beautiful! The best part is that the ketchup doesn't strip away the patina. I'll be using this a lot - already have a second batch going.
Thanks!

[susanglick]

Really nice tutorial vid. Thanks I'm going to try this right now!

[badzsculptures]

Thanks for this. I was about to clean my bullet shells for my artwork.

[TheKydyr]

Awesome and thank-you. Worked fantastic on my old Pog Brass Slammer

[lindarobert]

Thanks! Will let you know how it turns out! Will look for that finishing wax too!

[chris]

very interesting..will keep this in mind.was looking for something to clean the brass on my 1866 rifle.I am not ready to cover it in ketchup but will try some other things..thanks!

[CourageousCat]

holy shinoli! this worked immediately, didn't even have to wait 20 min. thank you SO much... I inherited some decorative platters from my grandmother that aren't valuable, but are sentimental. I don't know if they are copper or brass, but this worked! you took a load off my mind and now i can display these!

[martell]

Thank you so much! I used to try to clean pennies too! I never got them clean though. I've been collecting wheat-backs and other coins since I was a kid and I LOVE brass knick knacks. My cousin just gave me a brass/glass hour glass as a house warming gift today on 1 condition, the next time he sees it "it had better be shining!" It's late here, but just as soon as I get home tomorrow, I'll be doing this. Thanks again! :)))

[Potato-xmyk]

I give a huge thanks to you Jessica! I had a few tarnished copper rounds that I had tried to clean over and over then I found you video, it worked so well!!! Thank you