Shine Bright This Festive Season:
A Guide to Cleaning Copper and Brass
Currently, the festive season has begun in every household, and along with it, the rituals of worship have also started. It is said that our five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—are stimulated in the prayer room, which makes our entire day positive. Speaking of taste, consuming holy water (Tirtha) containing camphor and Tulsi leaves is customary. This holy water is kept in copper or silver vessels, which helps in curing ailments like cough and fever. Therefore, copper vessels are given importance in worship rituals.
Regarding sight, often the idols in the prayer room become dull and lose their shine due to not being cleaned properly. As a result, women have to put in effort to polish brass lamps, idols, lamps, and copper vessels at home. Women often face the challenge of how to polish brass idols of deities, as the weather can cause brass idols and copper vessels to turn black. No matter how many times they are cleaned, the idols tend to darken. These idols and worship vessels in the prayer room can be brightened using household items or commercial products. Let's learn some tips for doing so.
Understanding Tarnish on Copper and Brass
Copper and brass tarnish over time due to exposure to air, moisture, and pollutants, resulting in a dull, darkened appearance. This tarnishing is primarily due to oxidation, but factors like humidity and pollutants can accelerate the process. With the right techniques, you can restore the shine and keep your copper and brass items looking their best.
- Home Remedies
Here are some home remedies for polishing brass and copper items, and there are many videos available on the internet for their usage:
-Washing with soap and water
-White vinegar and baking soda
-Lemon or tamarind and baking soda paste
-Ketchup
-Ketchup and aluminum foil
-Toothpaste and baking soda
-Cornstarch and water paste
- Laser Polishing
A new option for polishing brass and copper items is polishing through laser radiation. This technology melts a thin surface layer, and the melted metal spreads across the surface, reducing roughness and making the items shine. This type of polish lasts longer, but it is very expensive.
- Commercial Brass Cleaner Powder
To clean and polish brass and copper items, you can use brass cleaner or shining powder. Brass cleaners are very effective and make your items look brand new and shiny. Various types of brass cleaners are available in the market and online. However, powders can cause scratches, remove the inner tin coating quickly, and may cause hand irritation and blackening.
- Tampi Shining Cream
Tampi Shining Cream is a plant-based formula that cleans and polishes copper, brass, silver, and other metals. Its anti-tarnish agent provides a protective coating, delaying re-tarnishing and keeping the copper shiny for longer. Special moisturizers and protective ingredients prevent metal damage and are effective enough to remove dirt and stains. Being natural, it keeps hands soft and does not cause irritation. It doesn't require soap for cleaning afterward and is an eco-friendly product. As it is a cream, very little is needed, preventing wastage. Tampi can be used on surfaces of stainless steel, iron, and aluminum besides copper, brass, and silver.
HOW TO PREVENT COPPER AND BRASS FROM TARNISHING AT HOME?
Firstly, it’s helpful to understand why copper tarnishes. Copper and brass tarnish over time due to natural chemical reactions with the surrounding environment. While natural oxidation is the primary cause of tarnishing, other factors like moisture and pollutants can accelerate this process.
- Use of Mineral Oil: After cleaning, immediately wipe a light coat of baby or mineral oil on your copper and brass items to prevent tarnishing. Copper starts to tarnish as soon as it is cleaned. The oil will slow down the tarnishing process by preventing air contact.
- Keep Copper Dry: Moisture accelerates the tarnishing process, so it’s essential to dry copper items immediately after cleaning. Make sure the copper items are completely dry before storing them, whether after cleaning or when not in use.
- Proper Storage: Whether you keep your copper and brass items exposed or covered, proper storage is crucial. If you display the items, consider placing them where they have minimal contact with direct sunlight, high humidity, or pollutants. UV light can increase tarnishing, so protecting copper from prolonged sunlight helps maintain its appearance.
If you store your copper and brass items in a closed cabinet or container, wrap them in acid-free tissue paper or cloth to prevent tarnish from contact with other materials.
- Limit Humidity: Avoid leaving copper items in humid environments. High humidity or direct water contact can accelerate the oxidation process, causing copper to tarnish faster. Additionally, certain gases from industrial emissions or specific cleaning products can react with copper and increase tarnishing.
By following these cleaning and maintenance tips, your copper and brass items can remain sparkling and beautiful throughout the festive season. Regular care not only enhances their appearance but also preserves their value and longevity. As you prepare your home for the festivities, let your copper and brass pieces shine bright, adding a touch of traditional elegance to your celebrations.
Happy holidays, and may your festive season be filled with warmth, joy, and the gleam of polished copper and brass!
