Every festive season, it's the same story. And with Diwali 2026 just around the corner, most people are already taking out their pooja items. The brass diya has turned brownish, the silver plate has patchy grey spots, and the little idols have lost their shine. Before you spend money on an expensive cleaner, just look in your kitchen. Most of what you need is already there on your shelf. Want to make your brass diyas and silver thalis sparkle again for Diwali? Here are some simple kitchen hacks using lemon, tamarind, baking soda and more that actually work.

How To Clean Brass Pooja Items?

Is your brass diya or pooja thali looking black and dull? Skip harsh chemicals and try these easy kitchen ingredients to clean and polish brass pooja items at home.

1. With Lemon And Salt

This is the most common trick and it works. Cut a lemon into half, dip the cut side in plain salt and rub it on the brass item in small circles. Leave it for 2-3 minutes, wash with lukewarm water and dry immediately with a soft cotton cloth. Best for diyas, bells, kalash, small lamps.

2. Tamarind Pulp For Heavily Tarnished Brass Items

If the brass has turned dark green-brown, lemon is not enough. Soak a small ball of imli in warm water for 15-20 minutes and make a thick pulp. Apply it all over the item with fingers or an old toothbrush, especially inside the carvings. Keep for 10 minutes, scrub lightly and wash. This works well for old temple lamps and big puja vessels.

3. Vinegar, Flour And Salt Paste For A Deep Clean

Mix one spoon salt and one spoon atta (flour), then add white vinegar slowly till it becomes a thick paste. Spread it on the brass item and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well with water. This paste sticks well on curved surfaces like kalash and handis, so good for items that haven't been cleaned for a long time.

How To Clean Silver Pooja Items?

Silver diyas, coins and idols turn black with time. Here are easy home remedies using baking soda, toothpaste and foil to clean silver pooja items and bring back their shine before the festival.

1. With Baking Soda

Silver is softer than brass, so don't scrub hard. Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Rub gently with a soft cloth on the silver thali, bowl or coin. Rinse and wipe completely dry, otherwise water marks will stay.

2.  Aluminium Foil And Baking Soda Method For Tarnished Silver

When silver has gone properly dark, try this. Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up, and place your silver items on top so they touch the foil. Add a spoonful of baking soda and pour hot water over it. You will see the tarnish lifting within a few minutes. Take the items out after 5 to 10 minutes, rinse with water and wipe dry. Skip this method for oxidised silver or items with intricate antique work, since it can strip the darker detailing.

3. Can You Use Toothpaste Or Curd To Clean Pooja Items?

This is useful when silver has gone almost black. Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up. Place the silver items so they touch the foil. Add a spoon of baking soda and pour hot water over it. In 5 minutes, the tarnish starts lifting. Take them out, rinse and dry. Don't use this on oxidised silver or antique silver with black detailing - it will remove that finish.

Why Do Brass And Silver Pooja Items Turn Black Or Dull?

It's natural. Brass reacts with air and moisture and gets a brown layer. Silver gets black due to tarnish. On top of that, ghee, oil, sindoor, roli and agarbatti smoke stick to the surface. It's just a layer on top, not permanent damage.

Things To Keep In Mind While Cleaning Pooja Items

Always dry the items completely after washing. Moisture makes them turn dull again very fast. Don't clean brass and silver together in the same bowl. Avoid steel scrubbers or steel wool; they leave permanent scratches. If an idol has stones, paint or meenakari work, just wipe with a damp cloth. And try any method on a small area first if cleaning for the first time.

Keep Your Brass And Silver Pooja Items Shiny For Longer

After cleaning, don't forget to wipe the items with a dry cloth every few days, especially after daily pooja. You can also store silver items wrapped in soft cotton cloth or small zip pouches to keep air out. Keep brass in a dry cupboard. A couple of drops of coconut oil rubbed lightly on brass can also keep a soft glow. With this small routine, you don't need deep cleaning before every festival.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)
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