Safely restore tarnished copper surfaces with these cleaning tips that utilize natural ingredients.
Fortunately, it’s easy to clean copper mugs, pots, and even copper jewelry.
Try these simple,natural ways to cleancopper and restore its shine.
Credit: Michael Partenio
Before Getting Started
Some copper items feature alacquer finishthat you should avoid cleaning with these methods.
Before cleaning copper, you should find out if the item iscopper-plated.
If the item is copper-plated, you could risk scratching the surface.
Credit: John Bessler
Touch a magnet to its surface to test if your item is copper.
If it sticks, the object is copper-plated.
To clean copper-plated items, wash with water and mild detergent.
Credit: Bryan E. McCay
Dry the item and buff with copper polish.
This method is super simple.
Step 1: Scrub.Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle coarse kosher salt onto the cut surface.
Scrub your copper mug, pot, or pan with thecut side of the lemon to remove tarnish.
Add salt to the lemon as needed.
Step 2: Rinse and Dry.Continuecleaning with lemonand salt until the tarnish is gone.
Rinse the copper piece under running water.
Buff the surface with a clean, dry cloth to polish.
Step 1: Scrub.First, place the pot or mug in the sink.
Sprinkle the rough side of the sponge with salt and scrub the tarnish off the copper surface.
Step 2: Rinse and Dry.Repeat until the surfaces are clean.
Rinse with water and buff with a clean, dry cloth to polish.
Method 3: Flour
Use flour to help the process of cleaning copper.
Rinse under running water and buff with a dry cloth to polish.
Here’s how to clean copper jewelry with natural ingredients.
Put the copper jewelry into the solution and let it soak for a few minutes.
Step 2: Rinse and Dry.Rinse the jewelry under running water and buff dry to polish.
How to Clean a Copper Sink
Beforecleaning a copper sink, consult the manufacturer’s manual.
Avoid abrasive and acidic cleaners.
Instead, wash and dry them right after use.
If you don’t have mineral oil on hand,baby oilwill also work well.
