Cleaning Relics

[ConfCav]

Hello. I've been following this site for some time and found it very useful; recommended by both MineLab and Garrett. Here's my question, what is the best way to clean brass items? I see folks saying they use petroleum jelly - is that the best way to clean up brass? Is this before or after the usual soap and water? Are there other/better ways to clean brass?

Been CW relic hunting for many years and one guy told me to first clean the brass, say a button, and then dip in in a solution of water and ammonia (10:1 ratio) sparingly and rise/repeat. Claims to bring out the gold gilt. Seems to me that is a pretty strong solution using ammonia in any amount.

Sorry for the long post, but what are your thoughts/suggestions/recommendations? I hunt in the Northern Virginia area, so that would be the ground conditions if helpful for responses. Thanks.

 

[TomB]

I have one theory about cleaning Civil War brass, buttons, buckles or what have you. A very soft toothbrush, joy dish detergent and water. The patina on any recovered item should, in my opinion, never be removed. If it is removed then the history is removed also. TomB

 

[Carolina Phil]

and I will recommend obtaining a copy of "The Civil War Collectors Price Guide". Dixie Metal Detectors and Kellyco sell this book, forum sponsors. The following web site> http://www.jsmosby.com/default.asp also sells it and other great Civil War artifact books, but I believe their sold out of the price guide for now. Anyway, there is an excellent section in it about cleaning excavated artifacts. It basically says that as a general rule, clean only with water and a soft toothbrush, it doesn

 

[ConfCav]

Thanks guys for the feedback; makes sense. Have seen posts where people indicated they used petroleum jelly or olive oil in the cleaning process and just wondered what benefit it provided. I'm not one for getting items all shiny like new, but just down to whatever original gold gilt may still be present on buttons and such I find in woodlots. Have always used very soft non-abrasive soap, warm water, and old toothbrushes and will continue to do so based on your recommendations. Also appreciate the reference material; it'll come in handy.