Caring for Your Home Accessories: Stainless Steel, Brass and Aluminium

Your home reflects you. Every home accessory, from cutlery to candlesticks, plays its part in setting the ambience. But keeping them in pristine condition takes a little care. Whether it’s stainless steel cutlery, brass candle holders, or aluminum trays, regular maintenance can make sure they stay as stunning as the day you brought them home!

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is beloved for its sleek and modern look—something we love about our Milan Silver Stainless Steel Cutlery Sets. But if you neglect it, it might lose its shine!

For cleaning, mix warm water with a few drops of eco-friendly dish soap. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe the surface with this solution. If you follow the grain, you’ll be able to get a streak-free finish. Be sure to avoid abrasive sponges or steel wool; these can cause scratches.

If you’re willing to go the extra mile, restore the brilliance of your stainless steel accessories with a solution of white vinegar and water. Mix these in a 1:1 ratio; add to a spray bottle; and spray lightly on the accessories. Finish up by buffing with a dry cloth. They should shine like our Monaco Stainless Steel Cutlery Set.

Brass

The warm and golden hues of brass, case in point: our Indira Brass Glass Coasters Set and Brass Jenna Candle Holders Set, add character to any space. But tarnish is its worst enemy!

To clean your brass accessories, combine lemon juice and baking soda. Make a paste out of this. Apply it to the tarnished areas with a soft cloth. Then gently rub it in circular motions. At the end, you can rinse with warm water and then dry it. For lacquered areas, don’t use abrasive cleaners; simply dust them and clean them with soapy water.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a favourite for modern rustic home accessories because it’s versatile.

To clean it, create a paste using cream of tartar and water. Rub this gently onto the surface (especially onto stubborn stains) and then rinse with water before drying. To polish your aluminum accessories, rubbing a slice of raw potato is the trick. Doing so will remove discolouration and make it look as good as new!

To clean aluminum coloured home accessories (Our May Stylish Gold Serving Trays with Handles is a good example), start by dusting them with a soft microfiber cloth. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water, dampen a cloth or sponge, and gently wipe the surface. Rinse with clean water and dry immediately to prevent water spots. For tougher stains, use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners, and clean regularly to maintain their finish and color.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Opting for natural alternatives to harsh chemicals helps us play our part in taking care of Mother Earth. Some eco-friendly cleaning practices for your stylish home decor include:

• White vinegar: For removing grease and grime
• Lemon juice: A natural acid that tackles tarnish
• Baking soda: Gentle but effective at lifting stains
• Olive oil: Ideal for polishing metals to a shine

By swapping out chemical cleaners for these household staples, you’ll protect your accessories—all while reducing your environmental footprint.

Seasonal Care

It sure gets chilly outside in winter, but did you know this season also brings challenges for metallic accessories? Here’s how to keep them looking their best:

• Humidity control: Use a dehumidifier in rooms with brass or steel accessories. This prevents moisture from building up (and, consequently, avoids corrosion).
• Managing scratches: Place felt pads underneath items like trays or vases. These avoid scratches when you reposition them.
• Temperature changes: Keep metallic decor away from radiators or heating vents. Changing temperatures can damage their finish.

Routine Maintenance

Looking after your home accessories shouldn’t be a chore; it should be something you enjoy and are habitual of. Weekly dust your accessories (a soft and dry cloth will work). Give them a deep clean per month (any more frequently is not needed) and occasionally check for damage (like scratches, dents, etc.).