You describe tarnish, though the colors sound as much like copper as brass.
There are plenty of brass cleaners in the supermarket, just pick one and
follow the directions. After is is clean, you can buy a brass sealer
(hardware store, maybe drug store) and it will stay looking clean and shiny.

If it is an antique, consult an antique dealer before cleaning again to be
sure you are not destroying its value by removing the patina.

Vinigar and salt is exactly opposite of what you want to do. It will
accelerate and cause the tarnish.


"Ray" wrote in message
news:mPy5f.8233$Yk6.3577@trnddc01...
My cleaning lady cleaned a very old and lovely brass lamp that belonged to
my mother. Whatever she did, it looked fine at first, but now green stuff
is gathered in the creases of the embossing. In one or two places, it is
starting to turn black. I managed to rub away most of the black and some
of the green with a toothbrush, but not all, and it is tedious.

Any ideas welcome. Would vinegar and salt help?