Caring for Copper Ware
by Bob Brooke

The sheen of polished copper is one of its best characteristics. But learning how to clean it is not as intimidating as most people think. Copper requires a little more care than most other metals, and dirt and grime can build up quickly.

Tarnish is a layer of corrosion that occurs when metals—including copper, silver, and brass—are exposed to oxygen, water, and air over time. But it can turn your shiny copper household items into dingy and brownish pieces that have lost their luster to moisture, dirt, oils, and harsh chemicals. That’s why the surface of copper can range from patina aqua green to dark amber.

To keep tarnish at bay, you have to polish copper pots and pans every six months with a specialty copper cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

Before cleaning copper, check to see if the piece has a lacquer finish, as the cleaning methods change depending on its presence. Clean lacquered copper with cups of water and a mild dish soap. Wipe the residue with a dry cloth to finish. To figure out if your copper item has lacquer, lightly rub the surface of the copper with a microfiber cloth dipped in white vinegar and baking soda. If the tarnish is removed at all, your copper item is not lacquered. Otherwise, the test proves that the piece is lacquered, so you can stick to the dish soap and water cleaning process.

Before removing the tarnish, it’s important to remove as much dirt as possible from the metal. with a gentle wash. Get your copper sudsy with dish soap and warm water. Use a soft sponge and a bit of elbow grease to get the grime off. Copper pots are generally lined with stainless steel or tin. This initial cleaning is gentle enough for either lining.

Though there are copper cleaning solutions available, it’s also possible to clean it using a homemade mixture of common household ingredients.

One of the simplest DIY cleaning techniques is to apply a layer of ketchup to a copper pan and rub the condiment all over the surface. The tomatoes in ketchup contain an acid that helps remove tarnish. Rinse and dry.

Another simple method is to use a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. This method works best for badly tarnished copper. A simple homemade copper cleaner to banish tarnish can be made by combining lemon juice with baking soda and stirring until mixed completely. Once mixed, apply to the copper surface and buff in a circular motion using a soft and clean cloth. Rinse and dry.

A super way to polish copper is to cut a lemon in half and apply table salt to the pulp. This creates a natural abrasive sponge. Rub the lemon on the patina surface of the copper cookware. Use salt as needed to remove stubborn tarnish. Rinse and dry.

The combination of white vinegar and table salt offers yet another option for making a reliable copper cleaner, especially for a copper sink or countertop. Create a paste using white vinegar and salt. Apply to the surface, and buff using a soft cloth. Rinse and dry. If dirt collects in any dents, or if you’re cleaning delicate copper jewelry, use a toothbrush to gently scrub the grime away.

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