If you are in a pinch, Bougere says you can mix together a gallon of warm (never hot!) water and two heaping tablespoons of baking soda to give your brass pieces a quick clean. You'll also want to ...

Dr. Elizabeth Yuko is a bioethicist and adjunct professor of ethics at Fordham University. She has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, CNN & Playboy.

To maintain luster and prevent discoloration, the best brass cleaners can remove tarnish and polish brass in as little as one easy step. But before you start shopping it's important to note that brass ...