Easy Homemade Trick to Shine Brass and Copper Utensils Without Scrubbing

Bringing back the lost shine of brass and copper utensils no longer requires hours of hard scrubbing. A simple homemade remedy using ingredients you already have at home—wheat flour, turmeric, salt, and lemon—can make your utensils gleam like new.

The Traditional Charm of Brass and Copper
(Photo courtesy: Instagram @cozy_pan_stories)

In Indian households, brass and copper utensils have been a part of daily life for centuries—whether it’s a puja thali or kitchenware, their shine adds elegance to the home. Over time, exposure to air and moisture can dull these utensils. However, this easy DIY cleaner restores their brilliance without any harsh chemicals or laborious scrubbing.

Ingredients for the Paste:

• 2 teaspoons wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ lemon
• ½ teaspoon salt

How to Prepare the Paste:
In a small bowl, combine the wheat flour, turmeric, and salt. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and mix well. If the paste feels too dry, add a few drops of water or vinegar to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency. The wheat flour acts as a base to absorb dirt, while the salt and lemon’s natural acidity remove tarnish, and turmeric restores the metal’s natural shine.

Application Instructions:
Apply a uniform layer of the paste all over the blackened utensil. For areas with heavier tarnish, use a slightly thicker layer. The paste adheres to the surface, allowing the lemon and salt to work effectively without any scrubbing.

No Scrubbing Needed:
Leave the paste on the utensil for 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the citric acid from the lemon and the salt loosen the darkened layer on the metal. There is no need to use any harsh scrubbing tools.

Cleaning and Polishing:
After the waiting period, take a clean cotton cloth or a slightly damp sponge and gently wipe off the paste. As you remove the paste, you will notice the shiny brass or copper surface emerging beneath. Wash the utensil with clean water and dry it immediately.

Tips to Maintain the Shine:
To keep the metal gleaming longer, wipe the utensil thoroughly after each wash. Any water droplets left on the surface can leave stains when dried. For extra protection, apply a tiny drop of coconut oil and rub gently—this forms a protective layer, preventing the utensil from tarnishing quickly.

With this simple hack, you can restore the traditional luster of your brass and copper utensils effortlessly, saving time while keeping them looking elegant for years.