What is the most logical next event?

How to clean brass hinges
Determine if you have brass-plated metal.
There are two kinds of brass hinges: solid brass hinges, and hinges made of brass-plated steel, zinc, or cast iron. Place a magnet next to the brass hinge you're interested in cleaning.
If it sticks, you'll know it is not made of solid brass. If the brass hinge you're interested in cleaning is made of brass-plated zinc, cast iron, or steel, clean it very gently or the brass coating might come off.