Copper is a shiny, red-toned metal when it's clean and polished — but over time, it can lose its luster and turn a rusty brown color. If you want your pots, pans, and more to gleam on your shelves, Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Cleaning Lab, recommends using a product that'll restore and protect your item from future tarnish.
How to Clean Copper
1. Start by rinsing your copper item in warm water.
2. Rub a copper cleaner, like Good Housekeeping Seal holder Weiman Wright's Copper Cream ($8 per tub, amazon.com) directly on the item, using the sponge the product provides or a clean cloth.
3. Rinse the item with water, then buff it dry with a clean, soft cloth.
A Fast Fix in a Pinch
Forte says you probably have everything you need in your pantry for a DIY solution when you don't have Weiman's product on hand: "Ketchup and salt is a quick and quirky hack." It's not an exact science, so you don't have to measure the ingredients.
1. Squeeze a little bit of ketchup on a rag, then sprinkle salt on top.
2. Rub the mixture on your copper item in circular motions and repeat until the entire surface is tarnish-free.
3. Use a damp cloth to wipe the ketchup and salt mixture off your item and use another clean cloth to dry your item. That's it!
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
