How to Clean Brass Idols and Diyas at Home

Brass darkens naturally over time as it reacts with air, moisture and the oil from your hands. That darkening, called tarnish or patina, does not harm the metal. Some families like the antique look, and others prefer a bright shine before festivals. Either way, gentle cleaning keeps the detail on your idols and diyas crisp for years.

Everyday care (weekly)

• Wipe idols with a soft, dry cotton cloth to remove dust.
• Use a soft paintbrush or an old soft toothbrush to reach the folds of clothing, jewellery and faces.
• Wipe away water, milk or flower residue soon after abhishek or puja. Moisture left on brass speeds up dark spots.

Deep cleaning (before festivals)

These traditional methods use mild acids that lift tarnish without scratching. Test on the base or the back first.

Lemon and salt

Cut a lemon in half, dip it in a little salt and rub it gently over the surface. Leave it for a minute, rinse with water and dry straight away. Lemon and salt suit plain surfaces such as diya bowls and bells.

Tamarind paste

Soak a small ball of tamarind in warm water, mash it into a paste and spread it over the brass. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse and dry. Tamarind is a common choice for idols with fine detail.

Besan, vinegar and salt

Mix equal parts besan (gram flour) and vinegar with a pinch of salt into a paste. Apply it, let it dry for about 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry. This works well on heavily darkened pieces.

Always finish by drying

Dry every piece completely with a soft cloth, including the inside of diyas and the underside of bases. Brass left damp is what turns green or spotty.

Removing oil and soot from diyas

1. Wipe out leftover oil and wicks with tissue paper.
2. Soak the diya in hot water with a few drops of dishwash liquid for 15 minutes.
3. Scrub with a soft brush, then use the lemon and salt method for any remaining black marks.
4. Rinse, dry and buff with a dry cloth.

What to avoid

• Steel wool, scrubbers and abrasive powders. They leave fine scratches and wear down detailing.
• Bleach and harsh chemical cleaners.
• Leaving brass soaking for hours or storing it while damp.
• Polishing lacquered or antique-finish pieces with acids, which can strip the finish. Wipe these with a dry cloth only.

Keeping the shine longer

After cleaning, some families rub a thin layer of coconut oil or ghee over the brass with a cloth and wipe off the excess. This slows tarnish between festivals. Store spare diyas and bells wrapped in a dry cotton cloth.

New to setting up a mandir? Read how to choose a brass idol for your home mandir, or browse our brass diyas and pooja bells.