Navratri (to begin on October 3, 2024) will officially kickstart the festive season. During this period, not only do people observe fast, prepare feasts, and decorate their homes but clean the house and utensils too. Among various metals used to prepare cookware, brass is important for Hindus.
It is a symbol of purity, therefore, brass utensils are considered ideal for preparing bhog and festive delicacies. It is also used to offer prasad to Gods and Goddesses. However, when left alone, the golden shine of the metal can tarnish, and it can start looking old and rusty. Cleaning brass utensils might also seem like a difficult task until you make the best of the recommended below kitchen tips and hacks.
Vinegar
The white vinegar in your pantry is not just for cooking but also for cleaning heavy-bottom brass containers. In a small bowl, add two tablespoons of vinegar and juice of half a lemon. Use a brush to apply this mixture on the utensil and leave it aside. Now dip your sponge in the solution of lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid to clean the vessel. Any black spots or tarnish on the utensil will vanish.
Tamarind Pulp
Soak tamarind in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Deseed it and use the pulp to rub the surface of any brass utensil. Since tamarind is acidic, it can easily break the stubborn compounds of tarnish making cleaning a hassle-free task. You can also prepare a large amount of solution and dip small brass bowls and cutlery in it for a while before scrubbing.
Dry Mango Powder Paste
Make a thick paste of amchur powder and water. Gradually apply it on the surface of the brass utensil or the tarnish. Use a scrubber to scrub the surface of the metal and you will witness the original shine coming back. This is because of the acidic components in amchur powder.
Also Read: 5 Benefits Of Using Baking Soda For Cooking
Salt And Lemon Scrub
Salt particles act as a gentle scrubber while citric acid in lemon will break the tarnish and stubborn stains. Cut a lemon in half and dip it in salt. Gently scrub the surface of the cookware with it and keep it aside for a while. Wash the utensils with warm water and dishwashing soap for clean and shining utensils.
Baking Soda And Aluminium Foil
If there are stubborn stains or tarnish, there is baking soda. This step is a quick solution to clean flatware and small bowls. First, boil water in a pan and dump the bowls and cutlery. Drop a small ball of aluminium foil and a few tablespoons of baking soda in hot water. After leaving the utensils sit in the solution for a while, scrub the surface with foil and rinse thoroughly. The bowls and spoons will shine like new ones.
Salt, Vinegar, And Flour
In a deep bowl, combine salt, vinegar, and flour to form a thick and sticky paste. Apply it on the surface of the cookware and let it sit for 20 minutes. Use a soft damp cloth to remove the paste, and you will notice that the tarnish will come off easily without much physical effort. After removing the paste, you can simply wash the utensils with soap and water.
Baking Soda And Lemon
This is another easy method you can try at home to clean brass cookware. Make a paste of a teaspoon of baking soda and four drops of lemon juice. Spread it evenly across the utensil with your hands and leave it aside. Dip your sponge in water and dishwashing liquid solution, wipe and clean, and rinse the cookware.