Brass will automatically start to tarnish if exposed to oxygen. The only way to prevent polished brass from tarnishing is to coat it with a layer of clear sealer that will prevent air from reaching the brass itself. Many brass surfaces come with this finish originally, but it can wear down over time.

How do you keep brass from rusting?

Other Brass Cleaning Options You can remove brass corrosion with vinegar. Create a paste of equal parts salt, flour and white vinegar for another acidic option that can clean your brass hardware. Apply the paste in a thin layer and let it sit for an hour or so. Rinse with warm water and dry the brass.

What is the best thing to use on brass?

Ketchup, Tomato Sauce, or Tomato Paste Tomatoes contain an acid that helps to remove tarnish on brass and other metals; that’s why applying a tomato-based product can work wonders on your brass. Ketchup, tomato paste, and tomato sauce all work equally well. Apply a layer to your brass and leave it on for an hour.