5 home methods to clean copper surfaces
How to clean copper (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Copper, used for its striking finish on items ranging from jewelry to cookware and plumbing fixtures, tends to develop a patina over time. However, aside from specialized cleaners, some household products can also restore its shine.
Here are various home remedies for cleaning copper items.
Rub with lemon and salt
Cleaning copper with lemon and salt is a natural and effective method, ideal for copper cookware, but it may not be suitable for all types of copper items.
Avoid using this method on items with delicate or sensitive finishes, valuable antiques, or items with decorative elements that could be damaged.
Start by washing the copper item in warm, soapy water using a soft sponge to remove dust and grease.
Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl, removing any seeds. Sprinkle the cut side of the lemon with a generous amount of kitchen salt to create a paste.
Gently rub the tarnished areas of the copper item with the salted lemon, repeating the process with the remaining lemon if needed.
After treating all tarnished spots, rinse the copper with water to remove the lemon juice and salt residue. Be sure to dry the surface with a microfiber cloth to prevent water damage.
Use lemon juice
Instead of fresh lemon, you can use lemon juice for cleaning copper.
Mix the lemon juice with salt to form a paste, using a 2:3 ratio. If the paste is too runny, add more salt. Apply the paste to the item with a sponge and gently rub the surface.
If stubborn stains persist, leave the paste on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Once the copper is free of tarnish, rinse the item in warm water and be sure to dry it with a lint-free towel.
Make a vinegar and salt solution
Another natural cleaner for copper is vinegar. It’s important to note that vinegar is an acidic solution, and prolonged exposure or excessive use may potentially damage certain types of copper coatings or cause tarnishing.
Always test the vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the copper item before applying it to the entire surface.
To make a copper cleaning solution with vinegar, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
How to clean copper cookware (photo: GettyImages)
Dip a microfiber cloth into the vinegar solution, and wring out the liquid so the cloth is damp but not dripping. Gently rub the tarnished areas of the copper item in a circular motion.
For stubborn stains, it’s recommended to let the solution sit on the copper surface for a few minutes before starting to wipe.
After treating all the tarnished spots, rinse the copper item with water to remove any remaining vinegar, and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
Apply ketchup
If vinegar doesn’t work, you can use ketchup to clean the copper surface. The acid in tomatoes can help remove tarnish.
To clean copper with ketchup, simply cover the surface of the copper item with ketchup, wait a bit, and then gently wipe off the paste with a microfiber cloth.
After applying the ketchup, thoroughly rinse the item with water to remove any residual ketchup, and dry it with a soft cloth.
Wipe with a flour paste
For heavily tarnished copper items, you can make a cleaning paste using flour and a few other ingredients.
Mix equal parts of salt and flour in a bowl. Gradually add vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture and stir until a thick, smooth paste forms.
Apply the paste to the tarnished areas of the copper item and leave it on for about 30 minutes to an hour. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface in circular motions.
After treating all the tarnished spots, rinse the copper with water to remove any residue from the cleaning paste, and dry it thoroughly.
The following sources were used: Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens.
