How To Clean A Bronze Watch (Three Ways)

Step 1: Prepare your bronze watch. Remove the strap, push the crown down, and be sure to thoroughly clean the case with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or whatever has covered your watch.

Step 2: rub. Use the cleaning side of a kitchen sponge to scrub the brass off the case to remove the patina.

Method 1: Cleansing bronze with lemon

The first option works quickly, but requires more effort.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS available on Amazon

• Soft cleaning cloths
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Lemon juice
• Rubber gloves
• Olive oil

STEP 1
First, rinse the brass jewelry or decoration with warm water to remove any dust. Dry the metal with a soft, clean cloth or towel.

STEP 2
Pour two tablespoons of baking soda into a small bowl.

STEP 3
Drip lemon juice, fresh or concentrated, very slowly over the baking soda until the mixture is moist enough to form a toothpaste-like paste. You may see a slight bubbling or hissing sound for a minute or two; this is normal.

STEP 4
Protect your hands with light work gloves, and then apply the cleaning paste to the brass with your fingers if it’s small, or with a rag if it’s large. If the item has a lot of nooks and crannies or decorative trim, use an old toothbrush to work the paste into the crevices.

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STEP 5
Using a polishing cloth, soft cloth, or piece of an old t-shirt, apply the paste to the metal in small circular motions. Focus on any particularly heavy areas of patina. Keep rubbing until you no longer see obvious stains.

STEP 6
Let the paste rest on the bronze for half an hour.

STEP 7
Rinse the bronze well with warm water, rubbing with your fingers to remove all the paste.

STEP 8
Gently blot the brass dry with a second soft cloth. If the patina still remains, repeat the steps above.

STEP 9
Apply two or three drops of olive oil to a rag and gently buff the pure bronze to a soft sheen.

how to clean bronze
Photo: www.istockphoto.com

Method 2: clean the brass watch with salt

This plan takes a little longer, but you won’t have to work as hard.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS available on Amazon

• Soft cleaning cloths
• table salt
• White flour
• White vinegar
• Rubber gloves
• Olive oil

STEP 1
Rinse brass jewelry or decorations with warm water to remove dust, then wipe with a clean, soft cloth.

STEP 2
In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of table salt and two tablespoons of white flour.

STEP 3
Slowly drip the white vinegar into the container, stirring until the cleaner has the consistency of a thick paste.

STEP 4
Protect your hands with thin rubber work gloves and use your fingers or a clean rag to apply the paste to the bronze. Rub in small circular motions to spread the paste over the entire surface of the metal, including any cracks.

STEP 5
Leave the paste on the bronze for an hour or more.

STEP 6
Use warm water to rinse off the paste, gently rubbing to remove any residue.

STEP 7
Clean the brass with a soft, clean cloth.

Method 3: Clean a brass watch the easy way

Step 1: Prepare the watch you want to clean. Fully open the product and place it on a flat surface.

Step 2: Put salt and vinegar in a bowl.

Step 3: Mix salt and vinegar.

Step 4: Take a small brush (like a toothbrush), dip it into the salt and vinegar mixture, and brush the clock from top to bottom and side to side.