How to Clean Brass Handicraft Products at Home: Easy Guide for Brass Diyas, Showpieces, Urlis & Idols?
Brass has been a part of Indian homes for generations. From traditional brass diyas and brass god idols used during Pooja (पूजा) to decorative brass showpieces and brass urlis that add warmth and character to a living space, brass handicrafts beautifully combine tradition, craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
One of the best things about brass is that it can last for decades when cared for properly. However, over time, exposure to air, moisture, dust, oil and fingerprints can cause brass to lose its shine and develop a darker or duller appearance.
The good news? Cleaning brass at home is simple.
With a few basic household ingredients and the right technique, you can keep your brass handicraft products looking beautiful for years.
Why Does Brass Become Dark or Dull?
Before learning how to clean brass, it is useful to understand why it changes colour.
Brass is an alloy primarily made from copper and zinc. When brass comes into contact with oxygen and moisture in the atmosphere, it naturally undergoes oxidation. This can result in a darker, duller or slightly greenish surface over time.
This is completely natural and does not necessarily mean that your brass product is damaged.
In fact, many people appreciate the natural aged appearance of brass because it gives a product a beautiful antique character.
However, if you prefer your brass handicraft, brass diya, brass showpiece or brass statue to have a brighter appearance, regular cleaning can help restore its shine.
How to Clean Brass Handicraft Products at Home
Before you start, check whether your product has a lacquered, painted, antique or intentionally aged finish. Aggressive cleaning can remove these finishes.
For untreated brass, you can follow the steps below.
What You Will Need
- A soft cotton or microfiber cloth
- Lukewarm water
- Mild dishwashing soap
- Lemon juice or tamarind
- Baking soda
- A soft toothbrush for detailed carvings
- A clean, dry cloth
Avoid using steel wool, abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemical cleaners, as they can scratch the surface of your brass.
Step 1: Remove Dust From the Brass
Start by gently wiping your brass product with a soft, dry cloth.
This removes loose dust and dirt before you begin wet cleaning.
This step is particularly important for detailed products such as a brass statue or brass god idols, where dust can accumulate around carvings, facial features and decorative details.
Do not immediately start rubbing a dusty surface with a cleaning paste because trapped dust particles can potentially cause fine scratches.
Step 2: Wash With Mild Soap and Water
For lightly soiled brass, you may not need a strong cleaner.
Mix a small amount of mild dishwashing soap with lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe the brass surface.
For products such as a brass diya, this is particularly useful for removing oil, soot and residue left behind after burning an oil lamp.
After cleaning, rinse the product carefully with clean water.
Step 3: Use Lemon and Baking Soda for Tarnish
If your brass showpiece or other brass handicraft has developed noticeable tarnish, you can try a gentle homemade cleaning paste.
Mix:
Lemon juice + a small amount of baking soda
to create a soft paste.
Apply a small amount to the brass surface using a soft cloth.
Gently rub the surface in small circular movements. There is no need to apply excessive pressure.
Allow the paste to work for a short period and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Important:
Always test the mixture on a small, less visible area first, particularly if you are unsure about the finish of your product.
How to Clean a Brass Diya
A brass diya can accumulate oil, soot and burnt-wick residue with regular use.
To clean it:
- Allow the diya to cool completely.
- Remove any remaining oil and wick residue.
- Wipe away loose soot with a soft cloth.
- Wash gently with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- For stubborn tarnish, use a mild cleaning paste suitable for untreated brass.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth.
Make sure the diya is completely dry before storing or using it again.
Regular cleaning is easier than allowing thick layers of oil and soot to build up over time.
How to Clean a Brass Showpiece
Decorative brass products often have intricate patterns and carved surfaces.
To clean a brass showpiece, first remove dust with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
For detailed areas, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove dirt from grooves and carvings.
Apply your chosen gentle cleaning solution with a soft cloth and avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Once clean, rinse and dry the showpiece thoroughly.
If your brass showpiece has an antique, lacquered or intentionally dark finish, avoid trying to make the entire product shiny. The darker finish may be an intentional part of its design.
How to Clean a Brass Urli
A brass urli is a beautiful traditional décor piece commonly used with water, flowers and floating diyas.
Because a brass urli often comes into contact with water, it is particularly important to dry it properly after cleaning.
Follow these steps:
- Empty the water and remove flowers or decorative elements.
- Rinse the urli with clean water.
- Use mild dish soap and a soft cloth to remove residue.
- For tarnished untreated brass, use a gentle brass-cleaning method.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry the entire surface immediately.
Pay special attention to the bottom and edges of the brass urli, where water can remain trapped.
Avoid leaving water sitting inside the urli for prolonged periods.
How to Clean a Brass Statue and Brass God Idols
Brass statues and brass god idols often have intricate detailing, making them slightly more delicate to clean.
Whether you have a brass Ganesha, Krishna, Lakshmi, Shiva or another traditional brass idol, begin with the gentlest method.
Recommended method:
1. Dust gently
Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
2. Clean the details
Use a soft toothbrush for difficult-to-reach areas.
3. Apply a mild cleaner
Use a soft cloth rather than an abrasive scrubber.
4. Rinse carefully
Make sure no cleaning residue remains.
5. Dry completely
Use a clean cotton cloth to remove all moisture.
For religious brass god idols, avoid unnecessarily aggressive polishing. A beautiful natural patina can add character and depth to traditional handcrafted pieces.
Things You Should NOT Use to Clean Brass
When caring for your brass handicrafts, some cleaning methods can do more harm than good.
Avoid:
❌ Steel wool
❌ Wire brushes
❌ Very abrasive scrubbers
❌ Strong acids
❌ Harsh industrial chemicals
❌ Excessive scrubbing
❌ Leaving brass submerged in water for long periods
These methods can scratch brass, damage surface detailing or alter an antique/lacquered finish.
How to Keep Brass Handicrafts Shiny for Longer
Cleaning your brass products regularly is only one part of proper care.
Follow these simple maintenance tips:
1. Keep Brass Dry
Moisture can accelerate oxidation. After washing your brass décor, always dry it completely.
2. Dust Regularly
A quick wipe with a soft cloth every few weeks can prevent dust from accumulating.
3. Handle With Clean Hands
Oil and fingerprints can leave marks on polished brass surfaces.
4. Store Properly
If you are storing your brass products for an extended period, wrap them individually in a soft cloth and keep them in a dry place.
5. Don't Over-Polish
Brass does not need aggressive polishing every time it looks slightly darker. Natural patina is a normal characteristic of brass.
How Often Should You Clean Brass?
There is no fixed schedule because it depends on the environment and how frequently the product is used.
For decorative brass handicraft products, a gentle dusting every few weeks and a deeper cleaning when tarnish becomes noticeable is usually sufficient.
A frequently used brass diya may require more frequent cleaning because of oil and soot.
Similarly, a brass urli that is regularly filled with water and flowers should be cleaned and dried regularly.
The Beauty of Handcrafted Brass
One of the reasons brass remains popular in Indian homes is its ability to age beautifully.
Unlike many mass-produced decorative materials, a handcrafted brass product can develop its own character over time. Small variations in texture, colour and finish are often part of the charm of handmade craftsmanship.
Whether it is a traditional brass diya, an elegant brass urli, a decorative brass showpiece, a detailed brass statue or beautifully crafted brass god idols, proper care can help preserve its beauty for years.
At Two Moustaches, we believe that brass décor is more than just decoration. It represents Indian craftsmanship, tradition and an appreciation for objects made to last.
Explore our collection of handcrafted brass décor and traditional pieces at Two Moustaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Brass
Can I clean brass at home?
Yes. Most untreated brass products can be cleaned at home using mild soap, water and a soft cloth. For tarnished brass, a gentle cleaning method can help restore its appearance.
How do I clean a brass diya?
Remove oil and soot first, then clean the diya with mild soap and lukewarm water. For stubborn tarnish on untreated brass, a gentle brass-cleaning paste can be used. Always rinse and dry the diya thoroughly.
How do I clean a brass urli?
Empty the urli, wash it gently with mild soap and water, rinse it thoroughly and dry it immediately. If the untreated brass has tarnished, use a gentle cleaning method rather than an abrasive scrubber.
How do I clean brass god idols?
Use a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove dust and dirt. Clean gently with a suitable mild cleaner and dry thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals, particularly on antique, lacquered or specially finished idols.
Why does my brass showpiece turn black?
Brass naturally oxidizes when exposed to air and moisture. This can cause the surface to become darker over time. It is a natural characteristic of brass and can often be reduced with appropriate cleaning.
Should I polish my brass statue until it is completely shiny?
Not necessarily. Some brass statues have an antique or naturally aged finish that is part of their appearance. Excessive polishing can alter that finish, so always identify the surface treatment before using a strong polish.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of brass doesn't have to be complicated. Regular dusting, gentle cleaning, thorough drying and proper storage can go a long way toward preserving the beauty of your brass décor.
Whether you own a brass handicraft, brass diya, brass showpiece, brass urli, brass statue or brass god idols, treat it gently and it can remain a beautiful part of your home for many years.
Brass is made to age—not to be forgotten. With the right care, its beauty only gets better with time.