How to Care for a Brass Candle Holder Set

By Skultuna I Officiell webbutik – Skultuna 1607 | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Keep your brass candle holders looking their best with simple cleaning and maintenance steps. This guide covers daily care, polishing, and protecting the patina.

Quick answer

To care for a brass candle holder set, dust regularly, clean with mild soap and water, dry immediately, and apply a thin layer of wax to protect the finish. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads.

Why brass needs special care

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that naturally darkens and develops a patina over time. Some people love this aged look, while others prefer to keep their candle holders bright and shiny. How you care for your brass depends on which finish you want to maintain.

The Veermakers Bluebell set by Skultuna features a svärtad mässing (blackened brass) finish that is intentionally darkened. This means aggressive polishing would remove the desired patina, so a gentler approach is needed.

What to avoid

Never use lemon juice, vinegar, or ammonia-based cleaners on brass. These acidic substances can strip the protective lacquer or cause uneven discoloration. Also avoid steel wool, scouring pads, and abrasive powders that scratch the surface.

Step-by-step brass candle holder care

Step 1: Dust regularly: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris from the surface. For crevices, use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean makeup brush). Dusting weekly prevents dirt from grinding into the finish during cleaning.
Step 2: Clean with mild soap and water: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out well, and gently wipe the brass. Do not soak the candle holder. Over-wetting can seep into seams or cause water spots. Always wring the cloth until barely damp.
Step 3: Dry immediately: Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the brass dry. Pay attention to any recessed areas where moisture can hide. Leaving water on brass can cause white spots or accelerate tarnish.
Step 4: Apply a protective wax (optional): For a polished look, apply a thin layer of microcrystalline wax (like Renaissance Wax) using a soft cloth. Buff gently after a few minutes. This seals the surface and slows tarnishing. Skip this step if you want the brass to develop a natural patina over time.
Step 5: Polish only when needed: If you prefer a bright finish, use a brass-specific polish (like Brasso) sparingly. Apply with a soft cloth, rub gently in circular motions, then buff clean. For blackened brass like the Veermakers Bluebell, avoid polishing entirely to preserve the dark patina. Over-polishing removes the original finish. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

Products mentioned

Veermakers Bluebell - Svärtad Mässing - Set om 3: The Veermakers Bluebell set includes three candle holders in different heights, each individually packaged. The varying heights create a dynamic display, and individual packaging makes them easy to gift or store separately.
Veermakers Bluebell - Svärtad Mässing - Set om 3