On the holy festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, preparations for worship, Kanha's birth anniversary, Abhishek and bhog are in full swing in temples and homes. Copper and brass utensils, lamps, bells, plates and brass idols of Laddu Gopal are specially used in the worship of Janmashtami. However, due to exposure to oxygen and moisture present in the air (oxidation), copper and brass utensils start turning black or green very quickly and their shine fades. Most of the people waste a lot of time and effort in cleaning them by scrubbing, due to which the utensils get scratched. If you want to make them shine like gold in a few minutes without any hard work and without rubbing, then you can try the easy and magical remedies available in your home kitchen. 1. Magic Solution of Vinegar and Salt (Instant Dip Method) This recipe is the surest and fastest method for heavily blackened small utensils, lamps and puja bells. Ingredients: 1 cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons common salt. Method: Take vinegar in a big vessel and add salt to it and mix it well. Now apply this mixture on black copper or brass utensils with the help of a cotton cloth or brush or directly dip the utensils in this solution for 2 to 3 minutes. The acetic acid of vinegar and sodium chloride of salt mix together and immediately melt the black layer of copper oxide. Final Step: After 2 minutes wash the utensil with normal clean water and wipe it with a dry clean cloth. The utensils will start shining like new without any effort. 2. Foaming Paste of Lemon and Baking Soda: This paste is very effective in removing the grime from the carved corners of large brass plates, pots and utensils. Ingredients: Half cut lemon and 1 tablespoon baking soda. Method: Take baking soda in a bowl and squeeze lemon juice on it. When it starts foaming, take this paste from the peel of half a lemon and spread it all over the vessel or idol with light hands. Effect: Leave it on for only 5 minutes. Due to the chemical reaction, all the blackness will disappear automatically. After this, wash with a light sponge using water and dry with a soft towel. 3. Tamarind Pulp or Sour Buttermilk Traditional Recipe Tamarind has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Indian homes for polishing metal utensils. Ingredients: Some ripe tamarind (soaked in water) or 1 cup sour buttermilk/curd. Method: Grind tamarind in some lukewarm water and make a thick pulp. Apply this pulp as a paste on copper and brass utensils and leave it for 10 minutes. The natural tartaric acid present in tamarind instantly restores the original shine of the metal. Washing method: After 10 minutes, wash with plain water and wipe thoroughly with a dry cloth. 4. Wheat flour, salt and vinegar solution: If there are fine designs on brass or copper idols and you do not want any kind of scratches to occur, then this cleansing solution is the safest. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons wheat flour, 1 teaspoon salt and vinegar enough to make a paste. Method: Make a thick paste by mixing all three things and apply it on puja utensils and idols and let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Cleaning: When the paste dries slightly, wash it off under lukewarm water by rubbing it with your fingers. It gives a deep clean without damaging the metal. Secret to maintaining the shine for a long time after cleaning: Complete drying is mandatory: Never leave copper and brass utensils wet to dry on their own after washing. Wind and water droplets again cause water spots and blackness on them. Immediately after washing, dry off all moisture by rubbing with a dry microfiber or cotton cloth. Thin layer of coconut oil: After it dries completely, take a drop of pure coconut oil on a cotton swab and lightly polish the utensils and idols. It forms a protective layer on the utensils, due to which the moisture in the air does not reach the metal and the utensils remain sparkling for several weeks after Janmashtami.
