Brass cleaning media

[7000grain]

I had a couple people ask me about cheaper ways to clean brass. By cheaper I mean homemade vs buying commercial media and cleaner.

Creating your own brass cleaning media can be an effective and economical way to clean your reloading brass. Here’s a guide on how to make and use homemade brass cleaning media:
Rice Method
Ingredients:
• Plain white rice
• Vibratory tumbler
Instructions:
1. Fill your vibratory tumbler about 2/3 full with plain white rice.
2. Add your dirty brass cases to the tumbler, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
3. Run the tumbler for 4-8 hours, depending on how dirty the brass is.
4. Once finished, separate the brass from the rice using a strainer.
5. The rice can be reused multiple times before needing replacement.
Liquid Cleaning Solution
Ingredients:
• Dawn dish detergent (or similar)
• Lemon juice
• Hot water
• Rotary tumbler or container with lid
Instructions:
1. For every quart of hot water, add about a tablespoon each of dish detergent and lemon juice.
2. Place your brass in a rotary tumbler or a container with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Add the cleaning solution until it just covers the brass.
4. If using a tumbler, run it for about 2 hours. If using a container, shake it vigorously every few hours.
5. After cleaning, rinse the brass thoroughly with clean water and dry completely.
Stainless Steel Pin Method
Ingredients:
• Stainless steel pins
• Dawn dish soap
• Lemi Shine (or citric acid)
• Water
• Rotary tumbler
Instructions:
1. Fill your rotary tumbler with brass cases.
2. Add 5 pounds of stainless steel pins.
3. Fill the tumbler with water until it’s about an inch below the top.
4. Add 3 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap.
5. Add 1/4 teaspoon of Lemi Shine.
6. Secure the lid and run the tumbler for 1.5 to 2 hours.
7. After tumbling, separate the brass from the pins using a media separator or strainer.
8. Rinse the brass thoroughly and dry completely.
Tips for All Methods
• Always wear gloves when handling dirty brass to protect yourself from lead residue.
• After cleaning, ensure your brass is completely dry before reloading or storing.
• For stubborn dirt or tarnish, you may need to increase the tumbling time.
• Never use any of these methods or equipment for food preparation afterwards.
Remember, while these homemade methods can be effective, they may not be as quick or thorough as commercial solutions. However, they offer a cost-effective alternative for brass cleaning.