The Journal | Everyday Rituals
At Reeth, we believe that longevity is built through simple, intentional habits. While our brass and kansa collections are designed to last for generations, they are living materials that respond to the touch of the hands that use them. The following protocols outline the basic cleaning rituals required to maintain the safety and character of your pieces. By establishing these small, consistent practices, you ensure the weight and warmth of your archive remains preserved for the years ahead.
Wash by Hand
Avoid abrasive scrubbers. Use a mild liquid soap and a soft cloth to clean your brass. This preserves the surface and ensures the metal remains untarnished.
The Gentle Touch
Always use the soft side of a sponge. Rough textures can create fine scratches on the polished surface, dulling the natural glow of the brass over time.
Dry Immediately
This is the most important step. If you let metal air dry, you will get water spots or mineral marks. To keep the surface clean and shiny, wipe it dry with a soft cloth immediately after washing.
The "Never" List
To make sure your Reeth pieces last for generations, avoid these three common mistakes:
No Dishwashers
The dishwasher is the enemy of handmade metal. It will strip the food-safe lacquer off your brass and make your Kansa look gray and dull.
No Harsh Chemicals
Do not use "Brasso" or strong chemical cleaners on our lacquered items. These cleaners are meant for raw metal; on our products, they will dissolve the protective coating.
No Soaking
Never leave your vessels sitting in water in the sink. This can cause the metal to "pit" (create tiny holes) or leave dark stains that are very hard to remove.
The Traditional Indian Way
If your raw metal (like Kansa or unlacquered brass) starts to look dark or dull, you can bring the shine back using simple things from your kitchen:
Lemon & Salt
Sprinkle some salt on a half-cut lemon and rub it gently on the metal. It works like magic to remove tarnish. Rinse it with water and dry it right away.
Tamarind Paste
This is the oldest trick for cleaning temple brass. Rub a little tamarind pulp on the piece, let it sit for a minute, and wash it off for a deep, warm glow.
Vinegar & Salt
Mix a little vinegar with salt to make a paste. Apply it to the dull areas, rub gently, and wash it off.
Understanding Your Metal
We use different materials for different jobs. Here is how to tell them apart:
Utility Brass (Serveware)
Our glasses and plates are made of Lead-Free Brass and have a Food-Safe Lacquer. This means they stay shiny and never need polishing. Just wash and dry them.
Kansa (Dining)
Kansa is a "living" metal. It is normal for it to get darker over time. This is called a "patina", and many people love this antique look. If you want it shiny again, just use the lemon and salt method.
Built to Last
Now that you understand the rituals of preservation, explore the full Reeth collection. From functional lead-free vessels to hand-hammered repoussé art, every piece is designed to be a permanent part of your home.
