Bronze & Brass

To maintain the beauty and longevity of bronze and brass cookware, regular care is essential. Here's how you can keep them in great shape:

1. Regular Cleaning:

  • Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Use mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Avoid harsh scrubbing pads or cleaners that might scratch the surface.
  • Warm Water Wash: Always wash your cookware with warm water after use to remove any food particles or grease.
  • Dry Immediately: To prevent water spots or tarnishing, dry your cookware immediately with a soft cloth after washing.

2. Polishing to Maintain Shine:

  • Brass or Bronze Polishing Paste: Use a brass or bronze polish specifically made for this type of metal. Apply with a soft cloth and gently rub in circles.
  • Homemade Polish: You can create a natural polish using lemon and baking soda:
    • Lemon Juice and Baking Soda: Mix lemon juice with baking soda to form a paste. Apply this to the surface of the cookware, leave it for a few minutes, then gently buff with a soft cloth.
    • Vinegar and Salt: For deep tarnish, combine vinegar and salt to scrub the cookware lightly, then rinse thoroughly.
  • Buffing: Buffing the surface occasionally will bring out the shine.

3. Handling Stains and Tarnish:

  • Dealing with Tarnish: Bronze and brass can tarnish over time due to oxidation. Use the polish methods mentioned above to restore the original shine.
  • Avoid Acidic Foods: Cooking highly acidic foods (like tomatoes or vinegar-based sauces) in brass or bronze can accelerate tarnishing and potentially lead to green spots (verdigris). If using these cookware items for acidic foods, ensure you clean them thoroughly afterward.

4. Protecting Against Tarnish:

  • Apply a Wax or Oil Coating: To prevent tarnishing and add a protective layer, occasionally apply a small amount of mineral oil or beeswax when the product is not in regular use. This helps seal the surface and reduce oxidation.
  • Avoid Excessive Heat: Use moderate heat while cooking. Excessive heat can cause discoloration and stress the metal.

5. Storing Properly:

  • Dry and Store in a Dry Area: Ensure the cookware is completely dry before storing it to prevent moisture buildup that can cause tarnishing.
  • Soft Padding: If stacking them, place soft cloths or liners between the cookware to avoid scratching the surface.

By keeping up with routine cleaning, occasional polishing, and storing your bronze and brass cookware properly, you can preserve both their functionality and beauty for years.