Testing

• Always test a homemade cleaning solution for discoloration on an inconspicuous spot of your metalware.
  
  

Protection

• Protect your hands from acidic elements when making and using natural metal cleaners. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning metalware.
  
  

Tarnish Pastes

• Remove tarnish from copper and brass by making a natural paste out of 2 tsp. salt, 1 cup of vinegar and enough flour to thicken. Start with a few tablespoons of flour and test the consistency.
  
  

Lemon Juice

• Lemon juice or other citrus oils can be used as a natural metal cleaner for copper and bronze. Combine 1/2 a lemon's worth of juice with 1 tsp. salt to clean copper. Combine 1/2 a lemon's worth of juice or a 1/4 of a juiced grapefruit with 1 cup of vinegar to clean bronze.
  
  

Vinegar

• Vinegar can be used in an equal-part dilution of water as a natural cleaner for many metals, including chrome, aluminum, bronze and copper.