Natural Metal Cleaners

We have listed here some of our favorite natural, eco-friendly metal cleaners. They work just as well, with less toxic chemical contact which provides a safer, more natural green environment for you and your family. 

Clean Bronze Naturally

To clean dirt and grease from bronze, put on protective gloves and rub the item vigorously with a cloth moistened with a solution of 1 cup vinegar, 1/8 cup grapefruit juice, and 6 drops pine or
cedar essential oil. Rinse in warm water and dry completely with a soft, clean towel.

Clean Antique Brass Naturally

You need to be careful when cleaning antique brass items so that you don't disturb the aged
coloring of the piece, or what is referred to as it's patina. The best way to clean these pieces is first
with a bath in warm, soapy water to remove filmy dirt and grease. Then polish with a soft cloth
moistened with linseed oil. Older pieces of brass will oxidize over time and become tarnished,
developing a greenish tinge. Also try, Dissolve 4 drops of any citus essential oil and 2 teaspoons
of salt in 1 cup of vinegar. Add just enough all-purpose flour to make a thick paste. Smear the
paste onto the brass and rub with a dry sponge. Let the paste completely dry, then rinse in warm
water. Dry and polish to a shine.

Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar makes a simple and affordable cleaner for aluminum cookware, according to the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, Canada. Mix 2 tbsp. of cream of tartar with 1 liter of water, and pour the blended mixture into your aluminum pots or pans. Place the pans on the stove and heat the mixture to boiling, then allow the pan to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from heat, then rinse and dry as usual.

You can also apply cream of tartar to a damp cloth and use it to polish cookware or other aluminum objects. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry to a polished shine.

Lemons

Lemons provide a natural cleaner and deodorizer for all types of aluminum objects. Consumer Reports suggests using straight lemon juice to remove stains or cut grease on aluminum pots, pans or furniture. Apply the juice to a damp rag, then wipe the object clean and rinse with water. Lemon juice also makes an effective tarnish remover for aluminum.

To remove tough stains or heavy tarnish, sprinkle baking soda on a fresh lemon slice and rub it across the object like a sponge. Wipe clean with a damp rag then dry with a towel or polishing cloth.

Vinegar

Vinegar offers a high degree of versatility for cleaning a variety of materials, including aluminum. The Michigan State University Extension recommends filling aluminum coffee pots with equal parts water and white vinegar. Bring the pot to a boil to allow the vinegar to remove scaly deposits naturally. For heavily scaled pots, boil the vinegar and water solution for an extended period. Rinse the pot with clean water to remove vinegar and debris before using.

To clean aluminum furniture, pour a few cups of vinegar into a bucket of warm water. Dip a rag or sponge into the bucket and use it to remove grime or rust from furniture. Wipe with a clean damp rag when you're done, then dry with a clean towel or rag.