You can just wash it in soap and water. Rinse

Use the vinegar and salt solution but only let it sit for 20 min or so, Rinse 3 times, it will not effect the brass. (used to clean pennies like that) some use citric acid (more expensive) If you leave it to long the brass will discolor (no real harm)

Dirty brass works as well as clean

The main thing other than aesthetics, is to be sure there is no real dirt or sand to get in the dies and mess things up.

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