How to Clean & Maintain Antique Brass Faucet 2025

An antique brass faucet brings timeless elegance to both kitchens and bathrooms. Its living finish, warm tone, and evolving patina add character that can’t be replicated with synthetic coatings. But to preserve its charm and ensure long-lasting performance, it’s essential to clean and maintain it properly using the right techniques and materials.

This guide will show you how to care for your antique brass faucet step by step, avoid common mistakes, and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

1. Understand Your Finish Before You Start

Before you begin any cleaning, it’s important to understand whether your brass faucet is lacquered or unlacquered. Most antique brass faucets, especially those designed to age naturally, are unlacquered. This means they’re not coated with a sealant and will develop a patina over time.

Lacquered brass remains bright and shiny, while unlacquered brass shows gradual changes in color and tone. Unlacquered finishes are preferred in luxury design because they evolve with age, developing a soft, lived-in feel. If your faucet comes from Insideast, it’s likely unlacquered solid brass and should be cleaned with extra care.

To get familiar with gentle cleaning methods, start with this guide
How to Clean Brass: We Tested 5 Effective and Easy Methods for You

2. Daily Cleaning to Prevent Build-Up

Everyday care is simple but effective. After each use, wipe your faucet with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and soap buildup. This habit takes less than 30 seconds and keeps your faucet from developing uneven marks or mineral residue.

If you live in an area with hard water, rinse the faucet with filtered or distilled water occasionally to reduce limescale formation. Avoid all-purpose bathroom cleaners, as most contain harsh chemicals that can damage brass.

3. Deep Cleaning Once or Twice a Month

Three Effective Methods to Clean Antique Brass Faucets at Home

You don’t need commercial chemicals or polish to clean your antique brass faucet. The best results often come from natural household ingredients. Below are three safe, effective, and easy-to-use methods you can try using items already in your kitchen.

Method 1: Soapy Water for Weekly Cleaning

This method is perfect for regular maintenance without altering the finish or patina.

What you need:

• Warm water

• A drop of mild dish soap

• A soft cotton or microfiber cloth

Steps:

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap.

2. Soak the cloth in the solution and wring it out.

3. Gently wipe the faucet, focusing on the handles and base.

4. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft towel.

Use this once a week to prevent buildup and keep the brass clean.

Method 2: Baking Soda and Lemon Paste for Spot Treatment

This method removes minor tarnish or green spots without damaging the patina.

What you need:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda

• Fresh lemon juice

• Soft toothbrush or cotton pad

Steps:

1. Mix baking soda and lemon juice to form a smooth paste.

2. Apply the paste to tarnished or oxidized spots.

3. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush in circular motion.

4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately.

Use this method once or twice a month or as needed.

Method 3: Vinegar and Salt for Deep Tarnish

If your antique brass faucet hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, this method works well for deep restoration.

What you need:

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• ½ teaspoon table salt

• Soft cloth

Steps:

1. Mix vinegar and salt until dissolved.

2. Dip the cloth into the mixture and apply it to tarnished areas.

3. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Use this method sparingly, as it’s more aggressive and may lighten the finish if used too often.

These three methods offer gentle, effective solutions for keeping your antique brass faucet clean without removing its natural character. Try the one that best suits your needs based on how often you clean or how developed the patina is.

If your faucet has stubborn spots or mineral residue, try natural cleaners outlined in this detailed tutorial
How to Clean Brass with Household Products (2025)

4. Remove Green Oxidation Without Damaging the Patina

It’s normal for unlacquered brass to develop greenish or bluish spots over time. These are signs of oxidation, a natural chemical reaction with moisture. While not harmful, they can be removed gently if desired.

To clean oxidation without affecting the surrounding patina

1. Mix lemon juice and baking soda to create a soft paste

2. Apply the paste using a cotton swab or soft toothbrush

3. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes

4. Wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly

Avoid using too much pressure or scrubbing aggressively. The goal is to clean the spot without stripping the rest of the faucet’s surface.

5. Avoid These Common Mistakes

Caring for antique brass is easy, but some mistakes can permanently affect the finish. Here’s what to avoid

• Do not use bleach, ammonia, or acid-based cleaners

• Avoid using rough sponges, steel wool, or scouring pads

• Don’t leave wet cloths or soap sponges resting on the faucet

• Never apply commercial metal polish if you want to keep the natural aged look

If you’re unsure about a product, test it on the underside of the faucet first. When in doubt, use only mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth.

6. Should You Wax or Seal Antique Brass?

Unlacquered brass is not meant to be sealed. However, if you prefer to reduce the speed of patina development in high-touch areas, applying natural beeswax is an optional solution.

Here’s how to apply wax safely

• Make sure the faucet is clean and dry

• Apply a small amount of beeswax using a clean cloth

• Rub it evenly into the surface

• Buff with another cloth to create a soft, protective layer

This can help reduce water spots on frequently used areas like handles while preserving the natural beauty of the brass.

7. Extend the Look with Matching Fixtures

If you’re maintaining an antique brass faucet, consider extending that warm finish across your entire space for visual consistency. Insideast offers handcrafted fixtures designed in the same unlacquered brass finish to ensure your entire kitchen or bathroom maintains a cohesive look.

All Insideast products are crafted from solid brass and designed to last with proper care.

Conclusion

An antique brass faucet is more than just a fixture. It’s a part of your home’s story. Its surface reflects the passing of time and the beauty of use. With simple habits, gentle products, and a little attention, you can keep your brass faucet functioning perfectly while allowing its natural finish to mature gracefully.