How Often to Clean Copper
Copper reacts slowly with the oxygen in the air—a process called oxidation. The process produces copper oxide, a brown or black compound, or tarnish. Eventually, other chemicals from the atmosphere like sulfur will turn the “tarnish” blue or green. How often you should clean your copper pans and other pieces depends on how shiny you wish to keep them. If you love a brighter shine, clean the pieces every three months. If you like a deeper tone to decorative copper decor, cleaning every six months will keep the level of oxidation in check. Cleaning frequency also depends on whether the copper is lacquered or natural. Shiny, glossy copper that does not change color or darken over time typically means it has a protective finish. If the copper tarnishes quickly, the surface is untreated or the lacquer has worn away.
What You’ll Need:
Dishwashing liquidLemon juiceSaltDistilled white vinegarKetchupBaking sodaSponge or soft clothSink or plastic bucketGlass bowlLint-free dishtowelsLarge pot
How to Clean Copper With Lemon and Salt
The citric acid in lemon juice reacts with the tarnish to break its bond with the surface of the copper. Salt acts as a mild abrasive in the mixture to scrub away the tarnish without damaging the surface of the metal. Here’s how to clean copper pans and other household items.
How to Clean Copper With Vinegar or Ketchup
If you don’t have any lemon juice, distilled white vinegar or ketchup works very well to polish copper. Vinegar contains acetic acid (ketchup contains vinegar as well as citric acid in the tomatoes) that reacts with copper tarnish and breaks its bond with the copper.
How to Clean Badly Tarnished Copper
If the copper hasn’t been polished in years and you’ve tried plenty of elbow grease with lemon juice or vinegar, heating the copper may help. Be sure that your piece has no parts glued on with adhesives that may be damaged by the heat.
Tips for Keeping Your Copper Shiny
Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on copper items.Apply a thin layer of mineral oil immediately after the copper is cleaned to protect it from oxidation and slow the tarnishing process.Store copper items in a cool, dry place.Apply a thin coat of paste wax to jewelry or decorative items (this does not work well for copper cookware).Clean copper items as soon as you notice tarnish beginning to appear.
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