How to Clean Copper Naturally So It Looks Brand New

Knowing how to clean copper around the home will help avoid a grungy patina and keep it shiny. As one of the earth's naturally occurring minerals, copper is often used for cookware, jewelry, and household items, bringing a warmth that other metals can't match. If left unlacquered, copper will develop a patina that becomes more beautiful with age—picture the Statue of Liberty—due to oxidation and time.

But perhaps you don't want this patina and prefer your copper pieces to retain their shine. If so, you don't have to lacquer them or purchase commercial cleaners like copper polish. Follow these easy steps to clean copper with natural cleaning supplies already in your kitchen.

How Often to Clean Copper

Depending on how shiny you wish to keep your copper pieces will determine how often you should clean copper pots, frying pans, and other items. If you love a brighter shine, clean the pieces every three months. If you like a deeper tone for decorative copper decor, cleaning every six months will keep the oxidation level 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 likely has a protective finish. If the copper tarnishes quickly, the surface is untreated, or the existing lacquer has worn away.

What You Need to Clean Copper:

To Clean With Lemon and Salt

• Dishwashing liquid
• Sponge or soft cloth
• Small bowl
• Lemon juice
• Fresh lemon (optional)
• Lint-free towel

To Clean With Vinegar or Ketchup

• Dishwashing liquid
• Sponge
• Distilled white vinegar
• Salt
• Baking soda (optional)
• Small bowl
• Ketchup
• Lint-free towel

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. Lemon and salt together make one of the best copper cleaners out there.

Follow these steps to naturally clean copper pans and other household items.

Step 1: Wash the Piece

Always begin your cleaning session by washing the copper item in warm soapy water with a soft sponge. This will remove dust and any greasy film on the surface.

Step 2: Make a Cleaning Paste

In a small bowl, mix two parts salt with three parts lemon juice to form a paste. If the paste is too runny, add more salt.

Step 3: Scrub the Copper

Use a sponge to spread the paste over the copper. Working in small circles, gently scrub the surface. Mix more paste if needed.

Step 4: Treat Stains

If stubborn stains persist, apply a second coat of the paste and let it sit for five to 10 minutes before scrubbing. You could also cut a fresh lemon in half and dip it in table salt to clean the heavily stained areas.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once the copper is tarnish-free, rinse the piece in warm water. Use a lint-free towel to dry the copper piece. Avoid air-drying copper: Allowing copper to air-dry can result in water stains or tarnish from the reaction of the minerals in the water.

How to Clean Copper With Vinegar or Ketchup

Another copper cleaning method is to use vinegar or ketchup—both work very well to polish copper. Vinegar contains acetic acid, while ketchup contains vinegar and citric acid from tomatoes. Both acids react with the copper tarnish and breaks its bond with the copper.

Step 1: Wash the Piece

Start by washing the copper item with warm, soapy water to remove dust and grime. This should always be the first step when cleaning copper pieces.

Step 2: Make a Vinegar Paste

Combine three parts distilled white vinegar with two parts of salt in a small bowl to make a paste. You can substitute baking soda for the salt—be aware that fizzing will occur.

Step 3: Apply the Paste or Ketchup

Use a sponge to spread the vinegar paste over the copper. Or, squirt some ketchup directly onto the copper. Either option will work to clean the copper.

Step 4: Scrub the Copper

Scrub in small circles with a sponge to remove the tarnish. If not easily removed, add a bit of baking soda to the ketchup to act as a gentle abrasive cleaner.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Rinse away the paste or ketchup with warm water. Use a lint-free dishtowel to dry the copper, then a second dry towel to buff it to a burnished glow.

Removing Tarnish From Copper

Sometimes, copper can become badly tarnished. If the piece hasn't been polished in years and you've tried plenty of elbow grease with lemon juice or vinegar, heating the copper may help remove the tarnish.

Step 1: Select a large pot for cleaning your copper

Choose a stainless steel pot that is large enough to allow the copper item to be submerged completely.

Step 2: Mix a vinegar-based cleaning solution

Mix three parts of water with one part of vinegar to make enough solution to cover the item. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of salt.

Step 3: Submerge the copper piece

Place the copper item in the stainless steel pot. Ensure the item is completely covered by the cleaning solution.

Step 4: Heat to a boil

Bring the solution to a boil. Do not walk away because you want to turn off the heat source as soon as the tarnish begins to fall from the copper.

Step 5: Let the copper cool

Leave the copper item in the solution until it is cool to the touch. Remove it from the pot.

Step 6: Scrub any tough spots

Use lemon juice and salt or vinegar and salt to mix a cleaning paste (as described above). Apply and scrub the copper with a sponge.

Step 7: Rinse and dry

After scrubbing, rinse in warm water and dry the copper with a lint-free dishtowel. Do not air-dry.

How to Keep Your Copper Clean and Shiny Longer

Once your copper is clean, you'll want to do what it takes to keep it shiny as long as possible. Try these tips to protect your copper items from damage and oxidation.

• Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on copper items. You can use silver polish or copper polish to revive dull copper.
• Apply a thin layer of mineral oil. Applying mineral oil immediately after the copper is cleaned protects it from oxidation and slows the tarnishing process.
• Store copper items in a cool, dry place.
• Apply a thin coat of paste wax. For copper items that aren't used for food, such as jewelry or decorative items, you can apply paste wax to help protect the patina.
• Don't let the tarnish take hold. Clean copper items as soon as you notice any tarnish begins to appear.