How to Clean Bronze and Restore Its Luster

You likely have things in and around your home that are made of bronze, from lamps and jewelry to niche collectibles and even musical instruments. Keeping these items clean can be tricky, as bronze naturally loses its luster over time. The metal alloy reacts with substances in the air and water, causing a layer of tarnish to develop. While this discoloration can be removed, doing so incorrectly can permanently damage your bronze pieces. To avoid this, it's important to know how to clean bronze correctly and which cleaning supplies are best suited to the material. We talked to cleaning experts for their best tips on how to clean bronze.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.

• Natural dish soap
• Microfiber cloths
• Water
• Bowl
• Lemon juice or distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Olive oil or mineral oil
  

How to Clean Bronze

When it comes to cleaning bronze, the simplest method is always best. "Our recommendation for cleaning bronze sculptures is plain soap and water," says Ted Roberts, owner of Prism Specialties Art of Greater Kentucky. "Be sure to avoid any soaps with additives or scents that might create unintended consequences." 

1. Gently dust the bronze object with a microfiber cloth.
2. Mix a few drops of natural dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
3. Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the soapy water solution and gently wipe down the entire bronze surface.
4. Rinse the bronze object thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
5. Pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
6. Apply a small amount of mineral oil to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the surface.
   

How to Remove Tarnish From Bronze

To address tarnish or oxidation, you can use natural acids like lemon juice or vinegar, says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

1. Follow the cleaning steps outlined above. (Wait to apply the mineral oil until tarnish is removed).
2. Once the piece is clean, saturate a microfiber cloth with lemon juice or distilled white vinegar (whichever you prefer).
3. Gently rub the tarnished areas with the lemon juice or vinegar.
4. Let the acid sit on the surface for a few minutes, but avoid letting it dry.
5. Rinse the bronze object thoroughly with clean water to remove any lemon or vinegar residue.
6. Pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
7. Apply a small amount of mineral oil to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the surface.

How to Remove Stubborn Stains From Bronze

If any stubborn stains remain after general cleaning, use baking soda to remove them, says Sokolowski.

1. Follow the cleaning steps outlined above. (Wait to apply the mineral oil until tarnish is removed).
2. Once the piece is clean, create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. The paste should have a thick consistency.
3. Dip a microfiber cloth in the baking soda paste and apply it to any stained areas.
4. Let it sit for a few minutes (but avoid letting it dry) before gently rubbing it in circular motions.
5. Rinse the bronze object thoroughly with clean water to remove any baking soda residue.
6. Pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
7. Apply a small amount of mineral oil to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the surface.
   

Tips for Maintaining Bronze

While cleaning bronze is the best way to limit the build up of tarnish, there are some other maintenance tips you should follow clean the material looking its best.

• Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners when cleaning bronze, as it can damage the material. "For example, exposure to chloride (common around pools and a favorite cleaner for some) will cause a damaging corrosive tarnish called bronze disease that will pit and eventually destroy the metal," Roberts says.
• Don't use pressure washers when cleaning bronze pieces. "Pressure washers have also been used by countless well-intentioned individuals to clean bronzes," Roberts says. "It is entirely unnecessary and could possibly damage the patina."
• Minimize direct human contact with bronze pieces. "Human skin contains oils, salts, and acids that can react with bronze and contribute to its tarnishing," says Sokolowski. "This is why frequent handling of bronze objects can lead to a buildup of dirt and oils over time."
• Avoid exposing your bronze pieces to excess moisture. "Humidity in the air can contribute to the tarnishing of bronze," says Sokolowski. "Moisture can carry various airborne particles, including pollutants, which can react with the metal and form tarnish."