Keeping the brass idols clean during festivals is important for both aesthetic and spiritual reasons. On festivals, these brass Ganesh idols showcase prosperity, happiness, and divine blessings. Such well-crafted art adds beauty to our home, reminding us of our heritage. Over a while though, dust and grime do their mark work, and its shine comes down. Therefore, the cleaning and maintenance aptly fall during the festive season when the same idols are placed in the forefront.
In this blog, you will learn the step-by-step process of how you can clean and maintain your brass idols for home.
Importance of maintaining brass idols during festivals
Festivals create an atmosphere of joy and devotion among the people. Brass idols play a very crucial role in these celebrations in the form of deities for which blessings and prosperity are sought. The clean and well-kept idols show how much respect and care we give towards our traditions. A clean idol will attract good energy and improve the festive vibes in your home. Therefore, time spent caring for your brass idols is not just about mere aesthetics but about giving honour to your beliefs and tradition.
-
Dusting and Wiping Your Idols: The very first maintenance ritual towards your brass idols is dusting. Dust can accumulate quickly, especially in festive seasons when decorations and gatherings are very frequent. Clean any dust that may have settled on the idols with a soft, dry cloth. Microfiber cloths are best for such purposes as they remove dust particles without causing any scratches on the surface.
Dust your idols regularly to keep them shining, it will also stop the dirt from settling and scratching the metal. Make it your routine for every week so that your idols maintain their shine and lustre. -
Preparing a Gentle Cleaning Solution: If you want a deeper cleaning of your brass idols, prepare a gentle cleaning solution that could help get rid of stubborn grime and bring back shine to the brass. One of the best brass cleaning solution can be made by mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar or lemon juice, as both these ingredients are natural cleaners that cut through tarnish without damaging the brass. This solution serves as an excellent brass cleaning solution that is safe for your idols.
For a lighter version, you can mix some drops of dish soap with water. It is always important to test the cleaning solution in a small, unnoticeable area of the idol to ensure that it will not react badly. -
Using the Right Tools for Cleaning: Correct tools are required to make your idols shine clean. Soft-bristled toothbrushes or cotton swabs must be used to clean intricate designs and detail works on the idol. For example, the crevices in a brass Ganesh idol are highly likely to collect particles of dirt which would be very difficult to clean with just a cloth. A soft-bristled brush is great to use to get into those areas without scratching off the surface of the idol.
Soft cloths are best used while cleaning larger idols. Steel, wool or any harsh material is completely avoided since it may scratch the idol and can even scratch out its finish. Cleaning should be done in such a manner that the beauty of brass statues is preserved without causing any damage to the idol. -
Rinsing and Drying: After cleaning the idols in the brass cleaning solution, it is essential to rinse them very well under clean water. Make sure no solution remains behind as it may cause tarnishing over time. Rinse under running water, or wipe off the cleaning solution with a damp cloth.
Dry the idols immediately using a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots. Moisture may cause tarnishing, so it is important to follow the above steps to maintain the quality of your brass statues.
Cleaning Techniques by Idol Material
Idols made from different materials require cleaning by different methods. Here is a list of how idols made from various types of metals should be cleaned:
-
Brass and Copper Idols: The best way to clean brass or copper ideal, is a vinegar and lemon juice solution. However, after the cleaning process, the best way to polish brass is by using a special brass cleaner for an excellent shine. This additional process is particularly useful for idols that will be displayed during the festive season.
-
Silver and Gold Idols: Silver and gold idols require a softer touch while cleaning. If the idols are made of silver and gold, then one can use a silver cleaning solution which may be mild but most efficiently works to remove dust.
Maintenance Tips for Brass Idols at Home
Here are some additional tips that can help you maintain your brass idols:
-
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using chemicals or strong cleaners. They are very likely to damage the shine of your brass idol. Instead, make use of natural cleaning agents that are just as effective but gentle to your idols.
-
Regular Cleaning Schedule: Establish a regular cleaning schedule to ensure your idols are always in good condition. Dusting them every week and deep cleaning them once a month is the best way to keep your idols clean.
-
Appropriate Display Locations: Select appropriate display spaces for your brass idols. You should avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or damp spaces, as sunlight and moisture might tarnish and fade them easily. Reflective, dry, and less-prone-to-damage spaces are ideal locations for displaying idols.
Regular cleaning and proper maintenance of your brass idols are essential to ensure they retain their beauty and significance in your home. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the charm of your brass Ganesh idol for home throughout the year.
Avatar Arts bring out some of the most beautifully crafted brass idols, including brass Ganesha idol and other brass statues Bangalore. To see more guidelines about your brass idols or more collections of art, visit us at Avatar Arts.