What's the best way to clean brass without a machine.

[CMD-KY]

I'll post again what works for me, add 2 - 3 tablespoons Citric Acid to 1 quart hot water, add brass, stir, in just a couple of minutes remove and rinse 3X with clean water, dry. Reuse solution if needed. Citric Acid is used in food processing and actually strengthens brass. Available at many local stores or on- line for less then $ 3.00 per pound (bulk). Google Search "brass cleaning - citric acid".

Excellent. I have used this method for about three months and it cleans very well. I use a smaller amount, two (2) teaspons rather than tablespoons. The brass including primer pocket is clean not polished. Home brewing stores or the canning section of grocery stores sell a small quantity so you can try it before buying a large quantity. An old crock pot is helpful.

 

[TAROMAN]

I have heard people just putting their brass in a though bag, maybe made by a pair of used jeans or something and then just simply putting it in the washing machine

Leave it to Beaver. I tried this very thing. Put the brass in mesh "lingerie" bags. First time it worked great and the brass came out perfect. Nearly dry, too.

Second run the bag busted. Not so good.

If I could find a sturdy enough bag, I'd do it.

And, my loving and tolerant wife was OK with the process!

 

[Troystat]

You mean you actually told your wife? your a very brave man I have thought of trying that but chickened out

 

[Neumann]

Brass should never be cleaned in a dish washer or washing machine. There's a significant amount of lead in the residue of firing and/or the bullet itself, and lead is extremely toxic and cumulative in the body.

Simple Green, or generic "citrus" cleaners contain enough citric acid to remove powder and primer residues without significantly affecting the brass. Soak overnight, rinse and dry. It works much more quickly in an ultrasonic cleaner (8-16 minutes). Neither method polishes the brass, but removes residue and burn marks.

A tumbler will do all of this, and leave the cases polished to a mirror finish, and eliminates the troublesome drying phase. Tumblers don't clean the interior as effectively as the liquid methods, but that doesn't hurt. It may, in fact, help by lubricating the bullet during seating.

 

[Derek.38]

I deprime then put all of my brass in a heavy duty mesh laundry bag then pop it int the washer with a load of my clothes or towels they r kinda loud when I put em in the dryer but it's only for 5-10 mins so not to bad and if u want your wife to let u do this in her washer just start helpin with the laundry and she'll b so happy she won't care lol