How To Clean "brass Like" Costume Jewellery

[countrykid]

A few years ago I bought a necklace from a small shop in London. Nothing expensive but a one-off. Not sure what it's made of but the chain (like a flat mesh ribbon) has discoloured over time and actually looks really dark now. Kind of tarnished. It might not come clean with anything but would appreciate any suggestions. Reluctant to try duraglit type product as used that on something in the past and the wearer ended up with a black ring around their neck when the wore it next!! I wasn't too popular at that point!! Sometimes their a natural or even quirky solution to this kind of thing - in the way that vinegar can be used for a multitude of things - not that I've tried it on this. Any help appreciated

[Jahulaye]

Here’s one way

“Vinegar, Salt and Flour: These versatile home staples can be combined to make a paste to clean tarnished brass. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into one-half cup of vinegar, and add flour until the mixture becomes a paste. Rub into the brass, leave for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and buff dry.”

[Jahulaye]

Another

Check to see if it's really brass. ...
Squeeze half a lemon into your bowl.
Add your baking soda. ...
Stir the baking soda and lemon mix until it forms a delicious smelling paste.
Use a soft cloth and apply the paste. ...
Rinse off the paste and dry. ...
When you're done, give the brass a really thorough rinse.

[Jahulaye]

Whatever you do DO NOT use brasso, it’s great for brass ornaments but I had a fantastic necklace I bought from a charity shop, I cleaned it with brasso and wore it with an expensive white dress and after a night of clubbing I ended up with dark marks which i couldn’t get off.

Spoiled s £150 dress for a £2 necklace :(

[jourdain2]

I would start with a simple toothbrush(an old one!), washing-up liquid and warm water. I once tackled some almost black 'brass' vase-holders from my grandma's cellar and after a bit of time they emerged gleaming - and very handsome. If it doesn't work youcan always go on to other methods - Coca-Cola cleans most stuff, but don't leave necklace in too long!

[countrykid]

Thanks Jahulaye and jourdain2 for your useful suggestions. I'd forgotten about trying coke - makes you wonder what it does to your insides!! Regarding "check to see if it's really brass..." not sure how to check? I'm guessing it's not actually brass but just looks like it is hence "brass-like" in my question title. I think I'll start by trying the washing up liquid approach and if no joy will move on to other suggestions you've both given. Big thank you

[Jahulaye]

:)

[EDDIE51]

Putting it in a small pan with water and a small amount of washing up liquid then bringing it to the boil works well and is fast and easy.

[Flonska]

Put it in a small pan, add water and a piece of loosely scrunched up baking foil. Place on hob plate and turn on heat. Bring to the boil and you should find after a minute or two any tarnish from the necklace should transfer to the foil.

[Jahulaye]

Flonska does that work with brass?

I use the foil, hot water, vinegar, baking soda/biocarb method for cleaning my silver jewellery.

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-silver-131048

[Prudie]

I clean a lot of my non-delicate jewellery with an electric toothbrush and a little toothpaste.

[countrykid]

My thanks to everyone for further suggestions. I've given it a go using washing up liquid/toothbrush/warm water and it has improved it but more attention needed. Might try same again tomorrow and if still not as good as would like, will try one of the other methods. Electric toothbrush idea sounds useful - with an old brush head of course!!

[jourdain2]

:)