cleaning brass

[firman1]

Of course I meant "either" polish it...

Here is a formula for those of you with the desire to make your own cleaner. 
Wear eye protection and respiratory protection, with gloves! Oleic acid is a 
very strong soap available from janitorial or restaurant supplies sometimes.

4 oz household non-sudsing ammonia
2 oz wood alcohol
4 oz acetone
1 oz oleic acid
1 gallon distilled water.

I use this solution, (but bought prepared) to soak large, substantial brass 
pieces. Overnight is good, but check often. An ultrasonic cleaner is good. 
Player piano transmissions, soaked momentarily will de-grease almost at 
once, but NEVER soak plated objects very long...it will remove nickel 
plating.
Rinse in very hot water, then with lacquer thinner for intricate things, 
then dry, using compressed air first, then a heat gun, hair dryer, or oven 
on low.