Preserve the Shine with Expert Tips for Your Diwali Brassware
Diwali paved the way for a new beginning in all our lives. The festivities illuminated every home with a renewed sense of joy, vigour, and celebration. While it was significant to decorate one’s space with a variety of articles that set an overall festive mood, it is equally important to ensure that these articles are carefully preserved for future use. This is especially true for precious and delicate brassware.
The Bombay Store offers a number of different products made out of brass that help in adding a touch of grace and elegance to festivals like Diwali. When properly maintained, these items can last for a very long time without any traces of damage. Here are some helpful tips for protecting and storing your brassware post the festivities.
Tips to Preserve Your Diwali Brassware
Diwali brings with it the warmth of brass diyas such as this Brass Annam Deepak Peacock, brass urlis like this Antique Floral Engraved Brass Urli, puja embellishments such as this Brass Shankh, and other decorative pieces that add a traditional charm to the festivities. At The Bombay Store, we understand the sentimental value of these treasured pieces and want to help you preserve their lustrous beauty for many years to come. Here's a comprehensive guide to maintaining your precious brassware collection.
1. Clean Before Storing
This is the most primary and a vital step to follow. Before you tuck away your brass items post all the festivities, make sure that they are thoroughly cleaned. An effective concoction that can be prepared to apply over the surface to clean brass surfaces is a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Gently rub this natural cleaning paste on the surface, and rinse thoroughly. If the tarnish is stubborn, then use a mixture of flour, salt, and vinegar. Don’t forget to dry all the items completely with a soft cloth in order to prevent any water spots.
2. Wrap in Soft Cloth
The best way to protect your brass items from scratches and environmental damage is by wrapping them individually in lint-free cloth, soft muslin or a clean cotton cloth. Do avoid newspapers or plastic bags as they lead to moisture being trapped and can cause tarnishing. For delicate and intricate pieces, you can consider using acid-free tissue paper for providing additional protection.
3. Store in Cool, Dry Place
The worst enemy of brass is humidity. So it becomes all the more necessary to store these items in a climate-controlled environment which is away from receiving direct sunlight. You can also place silica gel packets in various storage boxes in order to absorb excessive moisture. A thing to remember is that you must avoid storing these items at the basement level as it is a location where humidity levels can significantly fluctuate.
4. Separate from Other Metals
When stored together with each other, different metals can react causing the acceleration of tarnishing. Make sure that your brass items are stored separately from silver, copper, or bronze ones. You can use individual compartments, dividers, or padded boxes that are ideally lined with anti-tarnish cloth in order to prevent any form of metal-to-metal contact.
5. Regular Maintenance
It is not wise to wait for visible tarnish in order to clean your brass items. It is essential to check them periodically and make efforts to maintain. A gentle dusting once every month and a quarterly deep cleaning can help prevent any form of oxidation. Using a soft and dry cloth for routine dusting is important. Additionally, you can also apply a thin coat of mineral oil once in a while in order to maintain the shine.
Additional Brassware Care Tips to Follow
Handle with Care: Make sure that when lifting brass items, your hands are clean and dry. This prevents any fingerprint marks that can cause tarnishing.
Natural Polish: You can also create a natural paste using the pulp of tamarind along with water. It acts as an eco-friendly polish helpful in bringing out the natural shine of brass.
Protective Coating: In order to minimise tarnishing, you can apply a clear lacquer coating over frequently used brass items.
Air Circulation: Ensuring proper air circulation in the storage areas help prevent moisture to build up.
Finally, it is essential to remember that for many, brass pieces are not just decorative articles but valuable family heirlooms that carry stories across generations. With proper care and maintenance, this precious metal can truly retain it’s ethereal beauty and continue to brighten all festivities for many years to come!
