Brass that is handled often is going to tarnish more quickly. To keep brass hardware on doors, cabinets, and sink fixtures ...

And while you can clean lacquered brass with just a damp cloth ... rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth - it is ...

The safest way to clean brass hardware without causing damage is to use simple soap and water. If you want to remove tarnish as well, try natural ingredients like baking soda, salt, and vinegar.

To begin polishing your brass, clean the item thoroughly in warm soapy water, then dry with a soft cloth. It may well be that the brass is not tarnished at all, but the lacquer has become dirty.