Why Brass Tarnishes Over Time

                Brass naturally reacts with air and moisture, forming a dull layer and sometimes green patches if left unattended. Oils from hands, residue from ghee or incense and water spots speed up this tarnishing, especially on diyas and pooja items.

For your customers, a quick explanation like this in the blog reassures them that darkening is normal and reversible, not a defect.

Daily & Weekly Care: Simple Habits

Small, regular habits keep brass return gifts looking fresh.

• Wipe after use: After using brass diyas, bowls or decor, wash with mild soap and water to remove oil or residue, then dry immediately with a soft cloth.

• Weekly dusting: Gently dust brass decor and idols once a week with a soft, dry cloth to prevent grime buildup.

• Keep them dry: Always ensure no water spots remain moisture is a major reason for patchy tarnish.

Natural Cleaning Methods Guests Can Use at Home

Most Indian guides recommend gentle, kitchen ingredient methods instead of harsh chemicals.

• Lemon (or tamarind) + salt:

  • Make a paste with lemon juice and salt, or rub half a lemon dipped in salt over tarnished areas.

  • Rinse with water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

• Lemon + baking soda paste:

  • Mix lemon juice and baking soda into a soft paste, apply, leave briefly, then rinse and wipe dry.

• Tamarind water soak (for pooja items):

  • Soak brass pooja vessels briefly in tamarind water to loosen tarnish, then scrub gently, rinse and dry.

• Pitambari or commercial brass cleaner:

  • Many Indian brands and care guides recommend Pitambari-type powders or brass polishes used according to instructions for a quick shine.

Storage Tips So Brass Gifts Keep Their Shine

How brass is stored after your function matters as much as how it’s cleaned.

• Keep in a dry place: Store brass in a cool, dry cupboard away from damp walls and bathrooms.

• Wrap in soft cloth: Wrap each item in soft cotton or muslin to prevent scratches and reduce exposure to air and moisture.

• Avoid stacking bare metal: Don’t pile brass items directly on each other; use cloth layers to stop rubbing marks.

Special Care for Pooja Use Brass Gifts

Brass diyas, lamps and pooja thalis need a bit more frequent care because they touch oil and soot.

• Clean lamp oil and soot regularly: Wash diyas with mild soap and water to remove ghee/oil, then use lemon + salt or tamarind once a week for shine.

• Avoid strong detergents in sacred use items: Some guides advise gentle cleaners so “sacred oils” and finish are not stripped too aggressively.

• Dry immediately: Leaving pooja items wet leads to spotting and faster greenish tarnish.

Do’s and Don’ts to Print or Add as Care Notes

Pulling from multiple brass care guides, you can give your customers a simple checklist.

Do:

• Wipe with a dry cloth after every wash.

• Use natural cleaners like lemon/tamarind + salt or lemon + baking soda for periodic polishing.

• Use Pitambari or a mild brass polish if you want a quick shine.

• Store wrapped in soft cotton in a dry place.

Don’t:

• Don’t use steel wool or harsh abrasive scrubbers that scratch brass.

• Don’t leave brass wet or air dry with water spots.

• Don’t soak with other metals like copper/silver in the same solution.

• Don’t store acidic foods or liquids in unlined brass utensils.

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