Caring for brass

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It reacts with air, water and the oils on your hands. A little darkening is normal and, in our view, desirable. The goal is not to keep a piece looking new; it is to keep it clean and even.

Everyday care

• Wipe with a soft dry cloth after use.
• If a piece has held water, empty it and dry it upside down so the inside can drain.
• Do not leave acidic food, salt or lemon juice on brass.
• Avoid dishwashers and abrasive scouring pads.

Washing

Warm water with a few drops of mild soap is fine for most pieces. Rinse well and dry immediately with a soft cloth. Water left in the joints of a cast piece will leave a white mark.

For water vessels, rinse with water only. A thin patina inside the lota is normal and harmless.

Polishing

Use a brass paste or a simple paste of lemon and salt only when you want a bright surface. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth, rub in one direction, then wash off the residue and dry. Polish a small area at first; strong polishes can leave a patchy finish.

Do not polish the inside of a water vessel or the face of an idol. The dark recesses are what give the casting its depth.

Storage

Store pieces separately or wrap them in cotton. Do not stack heavy vessels on thin trays. In coastal air, brass darkens faster; this is normal and can be polished back.

Lamps

Empty the oil bowl before cleaning. Trim the wick to 3–4 mm and soak new cotton wick for a few minutes before the first light. A flame that rises above the rim means the wick is too long or the bowl is overfilled.

When something goes wrong

If a piece arrives damaged, stop using it and email hello@sannadhi.com with a photograph. We replace or repair pieces damaged in transit.