How to Clean and Care for Unlacquered Brass Faucets

One of the most common questions we hear is: "Is unlacquered brass hard to take care of?" The short answer is no. Because there is no coating to protect, you really only have to decide one thing: do you want your faucet to keep aging, or do you want to bring back the shine from time to time? This guide covers both.

Everyday cleaning (for any look)

1. Wipe the faucet with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap.
2. Rinse with clean water.
3. Dry it with a soft towel. Drying is the single best habit for an even finish, because standing water is what creates dark spots.

That is it. Do this once or twice a week in the kitchen and as needed in the bathroom.

What to avoid

• Bleach and harsh multi-surface sprays. They can leave dark or uneven stains.
• Abrasive pads and steel wool. They scratch the surface. Use microfiber or cotton only.
• Leaving acidic food on the metal. Tomato, citrus and vinegar splashes will create spots if left to sit. Rinse and dry.

How to restore the shine

If you prefer a brighter gold, you can polish unlacquered brass back to its original color at any time. Always test a small, hidden area first.

Option 1: Commercial brass polish

A dedicated brass polish is the fastest route. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth, rub in the direction of the grain, then buff with a clean cloth. Rinse and dry thoroughly so no residue is left near the water outlet.

Option 2: Lemon and baking soda paste

Mix the juice of half a lemon with a tablespoon of baking soda to make a paste. Rub it on with a soft cloth, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry. This gently lifts tarnish without harsh chemicals.

Option 3: Vinegar, salt and flour

Combine equal parts white vinegar and flour with a teaspoon of salt. Spread a thin layer, wait 10 to 15 minutes, rinse with warm water and dry well. This works well on heavier tarnish.

Tip: you do not have to polish the entire faucet. Many owners brighten only the spout tip and handles and let the base keep its depth for a natural, worn-in look.

How to speed up the patina

Love the aged look and want it sooner? Simply skip polishing and let everyday use do the work. To nudge it along, some people:

• Wipe the faucet with a cloth lightly dampened with white vinegar and let it air dry, repeating over a few days.
• Leave the faucet undried after use for a week or two so water and air can react with the surface.

Results vary with water and humidity, so go slowly and check the effect before repeating. Remember that any patina can always be polished away if you change your mind.

Care for shower systems and outdoor fixtures

Showers see more water and steam, so unlacquered brass shower systems patina faster. Squeegee or towel-dry the handles and shower head occasionally if you want a more even tone. For hard water, wipe away mineral deposits with a cloth dampened in diluted white vinegar, then rinse and dry.

Quick reference

• Weekly: mild soap, warm water, dry with a soft cloth.
• To brighten: brass polish or a lemon and baking soda paste; test first.
• To deepen patina: stop polishing; a light vinegar wipe speeds it up.
• Never: bleach, abrasive pads or steel wool.

New to living finishes? Start with What Is Unlacquered Brass?, then browse our unlacquered brass kitchen faucets and bathroom faucets, all with free US shipping, a 5-year limited warranty and 45-day returns.