How to Keep Your Brass Pooja Items Clean

Brass pooja essentials like diyas, idols, bells and incense holders are an integral part of Indian households, but these items are not only used in religious rituals, they also symbolize tradition, purity and devotion. The brass tends to tarnish over time due to air, moisture, oils and soot, so regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep them looking beautiful and to preserve their spiritual significance.

This detailed guide will walk you through the best ways and tips to clean your brass pooja items.

Why Do Brass Pooja Items Tarnish?

Before we get into the cleaning methods, let’s understand why brass tarnishes-

1. Oxidation- Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and exposure to air and moisture causes it to oxidize and become dull or discolored.
2. Oil Residue- Ghee or oil from diyas leaves a sticky residue on brass items.
3. Soot Accumulation- Smoke from incense sticks or camphor leaves black stains on brass surfaces.
4. Water Spots- Improper drying after cleaning results in water spots or streaks.

Knowing these reasons will help you choose the right cleaning method for your brass pooja items.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Methods

1. Lemon and Salt Method

Lemon is one of the best natural cleaners for brass because of its acidity. Salt helps to scrub.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 lemon
• Table salt
• Soft cloth or sponge

Steps-

1. Cut the lemon in half.
2. Sprinkle salt on the cut side of the lemon.
3. Rub the lemon onto the brass item in circular motions.
4. For tough stains, add more salt to the item while scrubbing.
5. Rinse with warm water.
6. Dry immediately with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.

This works for light tarnish and to restore shine.

2. Tamarind Paste Method

Tamarind has been used for centuries as a natural cleaner for brass because of its acidity.

What You’ll Need:

• Tamarind pulp (soaked in water)
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• Soft brush or sponge

Steps-

1. Soak tamarind in warm water until it forms a paste.
2. Apply the tamarind paste evenly to the brass item.
3. Add a little salt if needed for extra scrubbing power.
4. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub gently but thoroughly.
5. Rinse with warm water until all residue is gone.
6. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.

This works for heavily tarnished items or items with tough grease stains.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

For deep cleaning and heavy oxidation, baking soda and vinegar are the way to go.

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Soft-bristle brush or cloth

Steps-

1. Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar to form a thick paste (it will fizz).
2. Apply the paste all over the brass item with a cloth or brush.
3. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to break down tarnish and grime.
4. Scrub gently in circular motions, focusing on stained areas.
5. Rinse with lukewarm water.
6. Dry with a clean towel.

This works for heavily tarnished brass items.

4. Dish Soap for Oil Residue

If your pooja items are oily from oil or ghee used during pooja, dish soap can help remove the residue without damaging the brass.

What You’ll Need:

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Sponge

Steps-

1. Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water.
2. Dip a sponge into the soapy solution and scrub the brass item gently.
3. Focus on areas with oil or ghee stains.
4. Rinse under running water to remove all soap.
5. Dry with a soft cloth.

This is good for daily cleaning after using pooja items like diyas.

5. Pitambari Powder (Brass Cleaner)

Pitambari powder is a commercial product specifically for cleaning brass and copper items.

What You’ll Need:

• Pitambari powder
• Water
• A scrubber (metal scrubber for tough stains or soft scrubber for delicate surfaces)

Steps-

1. Wet the brass item slightly with water.
2. Sprinkle Pitambari powder all over the surface.
3. Use a scrubber to clean thoroughly, focusing on tarnished areas.
4. Rinse under running water till all powder is gone.
5. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

This works great for restoring shine and removing tough stains.

Additional Tips for Brass Pooja Items

1. Clean Often

• Clean your brass pooja items weekly if used during oil lamp or incense stick rituals.
• For decorative pieces not used often, clean them monthly to prevent tarnish buildup.

2. No Harsh Chemicals

Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the surface of your brass items over time.

3. Dry Thoroughly

Moisture accelerates oxidation so always dry your brass items well after cleaning to prevent water spots or tarnish.

4. Polish

After cleaning, polish your brass items with a microfiber cloth to add more shine.

5. Storage

When not in use-

• Store brass pooja items in a dry place away from humidity.
• Wrap them in soft cotton cloths or store them in airtight containers to minimize air and moisture exposure.

6. Wear Gloves While Cleaning

Brass reacts to natural oils from your hands and can leave fingerprints or discoloration over time. Wear gloves while cleaning the items to keep them shiny.

Why Clean Brass Pooja Items

1. Spiritual Significance- Clean pooja items mean purity and respect during rituals and prayers.
2. Aesthetics- Well maintained brass makes your home temple or prayer space look beautiful.
3. Longevity- Regular cleaning prevents corrosion and extends the life of your pooja items.
4. Hygiene- Removing grease and soot keeps your pooja space clean and inviting.

Conclusion

When you shop for brass pooja items from Indian handicrafts online platforms, keeping them clean doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you prefer natural methods like lemon and tamarind or rely on trusted products like Pitambari powder, there’s a solution for every type of tarnish or grime.

By taking a little time to care for these sacred items, you not only maintain their beauty but also honour their spiritual value — helping them shine bright during every prayer.