How to Clean all Types of Metals in your Home

Metals play a big role in our homes, from shiny stainless steel in our kitchens to the class brass fixtures in our bathrooms. Each type of metal has its own look and purpose, but they all need different cleaning methods to keep them in prime condition. 

In this blog, we’ll share easy-to-follow tips on how to clean metals like stainless steel., copper, brass, aluminium and iron. With our advice, you’ll learn how to get rid of fingerprints, remove tarnish and prevent rust.

In many homes, you’ll come across various metals, each with its own characteristics and cleaning needs. Here are the most common metals you might find and where: 

• Stainless Steel: Common in appliances and kitchen tools like ovens and cutlery.
• Copper: Used in cookware such as kettles and decorative items like light fixtures.
• Brass: Found in fixtures like handles and knobs, as well as decorative items like lamps.
• Aluminium: Often used in cookware and furniture.
• Iron: Common in furniture and garden tools.

So, why do different metals need different cleaning techniques?

Each metal has distinct properties affecting its care. For example, stainless steel shows fingerprints but doesn’t rust, while copper tarnishes over time. Brass can become dull, aluminium can stain, and iron is prone to rust if not dried properly. Understanding these differences helps you keep each metal looking great and functioning well. 

In the following sections, we will guide you through the process of regular cleaning for each type of metal found in your home. Our aim is to simplify the cleaning process and make it a manageable task for you.

Stainless steel is often a popular choice for kitchen appliances, sinks, and cookware due to its sleek and shiny appearance and resistance to rust. However, despite the name ‘stainless,’ it isn’t entirely immune to stains, as it can easily show fingerprints, smudges, and water spots. 

To ensure your stainless steel is stain and smudge-free, it’s vital to regularly clean it using cleaning accessories such as a dry microfibre cloth and specialised steel cleaners. 

To clean, wipe surfaces with a cloth and mix mild cleaner with warm water, following the grain. After cleaning, rinse with water and dry immediately to avoid water spots. For extra shine, buff it with a bit of steel polish, but avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the steel. 

Check out our blog on “The ultimate guide to cleaning stainless steel appliances” 

Copper, another common metal in the home, is often found in decorative items, kitchenware, and fixtures. Over time, it can develop a natural patina, a surface coating that appears on copper due to a chemical reaction.

To keep your copper items gleaming, dust off the surface to remove any loose dirt. Then, for a quick clean, you can use specialised metal cleaners or a homemade concoction of lemon juice or vinegar with salt or baking soda to make a paste to rub onto the copper with a soft cloth, making sure to rinse and dry afterwards. 

Regular polishing using a metal polish will also help to keep it shiny if you don’t want it to develop a natural patina. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that will damage the copper. 

Brass is another classic metal often found in home hardware and fixtures. If not cared for properly, brass is prone to tarnishing. 

Before attempting to clean brass, it’s important to know whether it’s coated or uncoated. With coated brass, you need to be careful. It should be gently cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. This will remove dirt without damaging the coating. 

Uncoated brass can be cleaned with a specialised brass cleaner such as Brasso or a simple homemade solution of lemon juice and baking soda. When applying this to brass items, you should rub gently to remove the tarnish, rinse thoroughly, and dry immediately afterwards. 

It is important to note that you should avoid using ammonia-based cleaners or abrasive materials on brass, as these will scratch and cause discolouration.

Aluminium is a lightweight, durable metal often used in cookware and household items. While it resists rust, it can become dull or stained if not cared for properly. For regular cleaning, you should mix mild surface cleaner with warm water and use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the aluminium surface.

For tougher stains or dull spots, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice. Apply the liquid directly and gently scrub with a soft cloth, adding a little baking soda if needed for extra cleaning power. 

After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry immediately to prevent water spots. Consider using a specialised aluminium cleaner if you want a more polished finish. Just be sure to avoid steel wool or harsh chemicals that could scratch or damage the surface.

The last household metal we will discuss is iron. Again, this is often found in anything from cookware to furniture. Iron is easy to maintain; however, when exposed to moisture, it can rust. 

To keep your iron items in good condition, start by inspecting the surface for rust. Regularly cleaning with warm water and a mild detergent, a soft cloth, or specialised iron cleaning chemicals is sufficient. If you find rust spots, gently scrub them with a galvanised scourer.  

For cast iron cookware, avoid using soap since it can remove the protective coating; instead, rinse with warm water. For added protection, coat cast iron pans with a thin layer of oil and heat it to season the surface.

Apart from the tips mentioned in this blog, there are many other general tips that we advise when cleaning all types of metals. Here are the top 8 tips: 

• Read manufacturer instructions: Follow specific cleaning guidelines for each type of metal. 
• Use non-abrasive cleaners: Choose cleaning products that won’t scratch or damage metal surfaces. 
• Test cleaner first: Always test any cleaner on a small area before using it all over your metal items
• Wipe with the grain: For metals like stainless steel, you should follow the grain to avoid streaks.
• Dry thoroughly: Prevent water spots and rust by completely drying metal surfaces.
• Regular maintenance: Keep up with regular cleaning to avoid buildup & damage
• Avoid excessive moisture: Keep metal dry to prevent rust and deterioration
• Use specialised cleaner: Consider using cleaners designed specifically for metal cleaning

We hope this blog has helped you to understand the importance of keeping your metal surfaces clean – not just for a polished look but also for enhancing the longevity of your metal household items. 

By following the guidelines listed in this blog and putting in the time and effort into metal maintenance, you can keep your surfaces looking pristine.

We have a wide range of metal cleaning supplies available at UK Cleaning Supplies from galvanised scourers to specialised metal cleaning chemicals