How to Care for Brass Statues at Home
Brass changes with time — the patina is part of the piece. Here is what to do and what to avoid so a murti lasts generations.
A brass murti is not a decorative object — it's worshipped daily, touched, anointed with kumkum and oil. Care for it the way you would care for a guest in your home.
Daily cleaning
A soft, dry cotton cloth is enough for daily cleaning. Wipe in one direction, never circular — circular motion catches dust into the grain.
Weekly polish
For weekly polish, a paste of tamarind and salt in lukewarm water restores the warm glow without abrasion. Avoid commercial polish — most contain ammonia that pits brass over time.
Patina
Don't be alarmed when your murti darkens. Brass develops a patina — a layer of oxidation that protects the metal and adds character. Many devotees prefer the darker, lived-in look of an older piece to the bright shine of a new one.
Storage
If you ever pack a brass murti away, wrap it in unbleached cotton cloth and store it dry. Plastic traps moisture and accelerates tarnish.