Otis Singleton
Copper is a soft metal that is highly conductive and prized for its sheen. However, it requires careful maintenance as it is susceptible to tarnishing, a process that results in a layer of corrosion that can diminish its lustre and appeal. Tarnishing occurs when copper is exposed to air, moisture, dirt, oils, and harsh chemicals, causing the surface to oxidize and change colour. Fortunately, there are several methods to remove tarnish and restore the original lustre of copper items. This can be done electrically by using chemical compounds that react with the copper surface to create soluble copper salts that can be washed off.
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What You'll Learn
Using lemon and salt
Lemon and salt can be used together to effectively clean copper items. This method is natural and ideal for copper cookware, but it may not be suitable for all types of copper objects.
Before cleaning copper, check to see if the piece has a lacquer finish, as the cleaning methods change depending on its presence. To do this, rub the surface of the copper with a microfiber cloth dipped in white vinegar and baking soda. If nothing happens, the copper piece is lacquered. Clean lacquered copper with mild dish soap and water, and wipe away any residue with a dry cloth.
If your copper item is not lacquered, you can use lemon and salt to clean it. Begin by washing the copper item in warm soapy water with a soft sponge to remove dust and any greasy film on the surface. Next, cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl, removing any seeds. Sprinkle a generous amount of table salt or coarse salt onto half of the lemon. Gently rub the salted lemon onto the tarnished areas of the copper item. Repeat with the remaining lemon if needed. After treating all tarnished areas, rinse the copper with water to remove any lemon juice and salt residue. Finally, dry the copper item with a microfiber cloth.
Lemon and salt can also be used in a thicker paste form to clean copper. Mix two parts salt with three parts lemon juice in a small bowl to form a paste. If the paste is too runny, add more salt. Use a sponge to spread the paste over the copper, working in small circles, and gently scrub the surface. Mix more paste if needed. For stubborn stains, apply a second coat of the paste and let it sit for five to ten minutes before scrubbing.
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Vinegar and salt paste
Vinegar is an effective natural cleaning agent for copper. It contains acetic acid, which reacts with the copper tarnish and breaks its bond with the copper. However, it's important to note that vinegar is an acidic solution, and prolonged exposure or excessive use can dull or etch certain copper finishes. Therefore, it is recommended to test the vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the copper item before proceeding.
To clean copper with a vinegar and salt paste, start by washing the copper item with warm, soapy water to remove dust and grime. Combine three parts distilled white vinegar with two parts salt in a small bowl to make a paste. You can substitute the salt with baking soda, but be aware that this will cause fizzing. Using a sponge, spread the paste over the copper item, scrubbing in small circles. For badly tarnished copper, let the paste sit on the item for several minutes to react with the tarnish before scrubbing.
If the tarnish is stubborn, apply a second coat of the paste and let it sit for five to ten minutes before scrubbing again. You can also try sprinkling some salt onto a lemon wedge and using it as a sponge to scrub the copper. Alternatively, cut a fresh lemon in half, dip it in salt, and use it to scrub the heavily stained areas. Once the copper is tarnish-free, rinse it in warm water and dry it with a lint-free towel. Avoid air-drying copper as this can result in water stains or tarnish due to the reaction of minerals in the water.
For heavily tarnished copper, another option is to make a heavy-duty cleaning paste by mixing equal parts salt and flour in a bowl. Slowly add vinegar or lemon juice to this mixture and stir until a thick, smooth paste forms. Apply this paste to the heavily tarnished areas of the copper item and let it sit for approximately 30 minutes to one hour. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the tarnished areas with light pressure, moving in a circular motion. Finally, rinse the copper with water to remove any residue from the paste and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
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Ketchup
Removing tarnish from copper requires an acid. While lemon juice and vinegar are common home remedies, ketchup is another option. The tomatoes in ketchup contain an acid that helps remove tarnish.
To clean copper with ketchup, start by washing the copper item with warm, soapy water to remove dust and grime. Next, cover the surface of the copper item with ketchup. You can use your finger or a spoon to spread the ketchup evenly. Let the ketchup sit on the copper for at least a minute or several minutes to react with the tarnish. Then, use a microfiber cloth to gently rub and remove the tarnish. Finally, thoroughly rinse the copper item with water to remove any remaining ketchup. Dry the copper item with a microfiber cloth.
If your copper item is heavily tarnished, you can add table salt to the ketchup to create an abrasive solution. Simply sprinkle salt on top of the ketchup and gently rub it onto the tarnished areas.
Compared to vinegar, ketchup is a more subtle cleaning method that leaves more of the patina texture on the copper. It may not be as powerful as vinegar, but it is still effective and has the added benefit of being inexpensive and easily accessible.
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Boiling vinegar solution
To start, you need to mix three parts of water with one part of vinegar to make a solution. The solution should be enough to cover the copper item completely. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of salt to this mixture. Choose a stainless steel pot that is large enough to submerge the copper item. Place the copper item in the pot and ensure that it is completely covered by the solution.
Now, turn on the heat source and bring the solution to a boil. Keep a close eye on the pot as you want to turn off the heat as soon as you notice the tarnish beginning to fall from the copper. Leave the copper item in the pot until the solution cools down. Finally, remove the copper item from the pot and rinse it with water to remove any vinegar residue. Dry the item with a microfiber cloth.
It is important to note that vinegar is an acidic solution, and prolonged exposure or excessive use can potentially dull or etch certain types of copper finishes. Always test the vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the copper item before applying it to the entire surface.
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Baking soda and water paste
Firstly, you need to determine whether your copper item has a lacquer finish. To do this, rub the surface of the copper with a microfiber cloth dipped in a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. If nothing happens to the surface of the copper, the item is lacquered.
If your copper item has a lacquer finish, you can clean it with cups of water and a mild dish soap. Wipe away any residue with a dry cloth.
If your copper item is tarnished, it is not lacquered, and you will need to create a paste to remove the tarnish. To make the paste, mix three parts distilled white vinegar with two parts baking soda in a small bowl. Be aware that fizzing will occur when you mix these ingredients.
Use a sponge to spread the paste over the copper item, working it into the tarnished areas. If the tarnish is particularly stubborn, leave the paste on the item for several minutes to react with the tarnish. Then, scrub the surface in small circles with a sponge, adding more paste if necessary.
Finally, rinse the copper item with warm water and dry it with a lint-free dish towel.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to use electricity to remove tarnish from copper. However, you can use the following methods:
You can use lemon and salt, vinegar, or ketchup. The citric acid in lemon juice reacts with the tarnish to break its bond with the copper, and salt acts as a mild abrasive to scrub it away. Vinegar contains acetic acid, and ketchup contains vinegar and citric acid from tomatoes. Both acids react with the copper tarnish and break its bond with the copper.
Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl, removing any seeds. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto half the lemon. Gently rub the salted lemon onto the tarnished areas of the copper item. Repeat with the remaining lemon if needed. After treating all tarnished areas, rinse the copper with water to remove lemon juice and salt residue. Dry with a microfiber cloth.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Dip a microfiber cloth into the vinegar solution and wipe down the copper item. Rinse the item with water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
Cover the surface of the copper item with ketchup. Use a microfiber cloth to gently rub the ketchup into the item, removing the tarnish. Rinse the item with water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
