--- title: "How To: Clean Bronze" description: "Over time, bronze is bound to oxidize and develop a greenish patina. Not a fan? Here's how to clean bronze naturally with a few household items." date: "2018-06-26" modified: "2020-12-30" authors: - name: "Michelle Ullman" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-ullman/" - name: "Bob Vila" job_title: "Founder" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-bronze/" categories: - "Cleaning & Organizing" - "DIY" - "Skills & Techniques" tags: - "How To" --- # How To: Clean Bronze ![How to Clean Bronze]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Durable and resistant to water corrosion, bronze has a lovely, warm glow shown off to perfection when crafted into jewelry and such household décor accents as cabinet hardware, vases, and candlesticks. Over time, however, bronze tends to take on a greenish patina—not a surprising development when you learn that bronze is an alloy typically composed of 88 percent copper and 12 percent tin. While some people [appreciate the patina]()—it does impart an air of great age, even if it’s actually a fairly new piece—most prefer to restore bronze to its original glow. Luckily, you don’t need smelly or potentially caustic chemicals to clean bronze and polish the metal; in fact, you can easily get the job done with just [a few household ingredients](). Here are two easy and effective methods for how to clean bronze. ## Method 1: Cleaning Bronze with Lemon This first option is fast-working but requires ample elbow grease. **MATERIALS AND TOOLS** - Soft cleaning rags - Baking soda - Lemon juice - Rubber gloves - Olive oil ### STEP 1 First, rinse your bronze jewelry or décor in warm water to [remove dust](). Wipe the metal dry with a soft, clean towel or rag. ### STEP 2 Pour two tablespoons of [baking soda]() into a small bowl. ### STEP 3 Drip [lemon juice]()—either fresh or concentrate—very slowly over the baking soda until the mixture is just wet enough to create a paste similar in consistency to toothpaste. You might see a little bubbling or some fizzing for a minute or two; this is normal. ### STEP 4 Protect your hands with lightweight household work gloves, and then smear the cleaning paste over your bronze piece, using your fingers if the piece is small or a rag if it is large. If the piece has many nooks and crannies or ornate trim, use an old toothbrush to work the paste into the crevices. ### STEP 5 With a polishing cloth, soft rag, or scrap of an old T-shirt, work the paste into the [metal]() with small, circular motions. Focus on any especially heavy areas of patina. Continue to rub until you don’t see any more obvious spots. ### STEP 6 Let the paste dwell on the bronze for half an hour. ### STEP 7 Rinse the bronze thoroughly under warm water, rubbing with your fingers to remove all of the paste. ### STEP 8 Gently dry your bronze with a second soft cloth. If patina still remains, repeat the above steps. ### STEP 9 Apply two or three drops of [olive oil]() to your rag and gently burnish the clean bronze to bring out its muted shine. ![How to Clean Bronze]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* ## Method 2: Cleaning Bronze with Salt This plan takes a bit longer, but you won’t have to rub as hard. **MATERIALS AND TOOLS** - Soft cleaning rags - Table salt - White flour - White vinegar - Rubber gloves - Olive oil ### STEP 1 Rinse your bronze jewelry or décor under warm water to remove dust, and then dry the piece with a clean, soft rag. ### STEP 2 In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of [table salt]() and two tablespoons of white flour. ### STEP 3 Slowly drip white [vinegar]() into the bowl, mixing until the cleaner has the consistency of thick paste. ### STEP 4 Protect your hands with thin rubber work gloves and use your fingers or a clean rag to rub the paste onto the bronze. Rub in small circles to work the paste over the entire surface of the metal, including any crevices. ### STEP 5 Let the paste remain on the bronze for an hour or more. ### STEP 6 Use warm water to rinse away the paste, rubbing gently to remove any residue. ### STEP 7 Dry the bronze with a soft, clean rag. ### STEP 8 Apply one or two drops of [olive oil]() to the rag, and then burnish the metal to bring out its shine. ## Keep Your Bronze Looking Its Best After you've followed either set of steps for how to clean bronze, you can maintain its shine following these tips: - Regularly dust bronze statues and décor. If the dust is thick, rinse the piece in warm water to remove it, and then dry the metal thoroughly with a soft cloth. - Store your bronze jewelry, coins, and valuables that aren’t on display in [airtight plastic bags]() to reduce exposure to oxygen. It’s this process of oxidation that creates patina. - Apply moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup, and other skincare products before putting on bronze jewelry. - Rub your bronze jewelry with a soft cloth after each wear to remove body oils. - Never wear your bronze jewelry into a swimming pool, as the chlorine wears at the metal. ## Author Michelle Ullman has been an avid gardener, DIYer, and home decorator for most of her life. She turned that passion into a career and has been writing about just about everything related to home, garden, and lifestyle since 2011. Her writing has been published on many websites, including [Better Homes & Gardens](), [Business Insider](), [The Spruce](), and [Investopedia](). She also writes for ADT Home Security, Walmart, Pennington Garden Decor, and Lowe’s. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()