Efficient Ways to Sanitize Copper: Uncovering Five Strategies
In the recent resurrection of the maximalist, almost antiquated style, copper articles have become an omnipresent trend. Planters, wall lights, bathroom and kitchen fittings (including sinks), jewelry, goblets, and serving ware are all showcasing a unique copper accent. Alongside this fashionable boom comes the challenge of preserving copper items from blemishes and tarnish, a task not to be underestimated.
Similar to brass, copper's wear and tear occur due to oxidization. The oxygen in the air gradually reacts with the alloys in copper, creating a green coating, infamously known as a patina. One of the most recognized examples of copper's deterioration is the Statue of Liberty, which upon its gifting to the United States in 1885, was a radiant and gleaming, amber structure. Within five years, the patina had set in, and within a decade, the once radiant, red copper statue had transformed into the matted, soft green color we see today. Thankfully, your household copper items will pose a much simpler restoration challenge than Lady Liberty.
To maintain your copper in its best state, you should eliminate the tarnish. If you spot your copper appearing less than vibrant, join us as we explore how to clean copper step by step, with the advice of Sarah McAllister, creator of the Instagram sensation GoCleanCo, as our guide.
*Sarah McAllister* is the founder of GoCleanCo and House Work.
How Often To Clean Copper
The frequency of cleaning your copper items depends on their use, storage location, and desired shine. If you prefer a high shine, clean copper every three months. If a darker hue suits your preference, clean it twice a year. Copper left outside ages more quickly and requires more frequent cleaning, from every few weeks to every few months. Clean any copper cookware after every use.
3 Things To Consider Before Getting Started
Before commencing the cleaning process, determine whether your copper is sealed or natural, select an appropriate cleaning solution, and test the cleaner to ensure it's safe for your item.
Determine The Type Of Copper
The type of copper you possess will guide the proper treatment method. Copper can be sealed or left raw, and it's essential to discern which type you have before proceeding. Sealed, or lacquered, copper appears shinier than raw, or natural, copper and is simpler to clean. If copper is tarnishing, however, it's likely that the seal has been stripped or that the item is intentionally left in its natural state. You can professionally re-seal the item to regain its original luster, but applying a harsh chemical cleaner to a sealed piece can strip the seal entirely.
To identify your copper, McAllister suggests, "A copper sink is usually unsealed because it's constantly in contact with water." A copper pot, on the other hand, is usually shiny and sealed. Examining for shine is the simplest method to identify the presence of a seal.
Choose A Method
Various cleaning solutions are available for regular maintenance or severely oxidized copper. "Our preferred cleaning solution for brass is Bar Keeper's Friend," McAllister says. "Our preference is the liquid version, which is easy to use and works on a variety of surfaces, including stainless steel, brass, copper, and porcelain." For smaller items that need polishing, a paste is required. Regardless of your preferred cleaning formula, wait for the solution to work, wipe it down, and ensure it's properly dried.
What You Need
- Lemon juice
- Cream of tartar
- Small bowl
- Sponge
- Warm water
- Toothbrush
- Soft cloths
- Salt (optional)
- Measuring spoons (optional)
- Lemon halves (optional)
- Tomato juice, spaghetti sauce, or ketchup (optional)
- Vinegar (optional)
- Flour (optional)
How To Clean Copper With Lemon Juice
For smaller copper items, creating a paste to manage the intricate details is beneficial. With the aid of a toothbrush, you can easily target and clean the problem areas.
Step 1: Make A Paste
Create a paste with the consistency of toothpaste using equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar.
Step 2: Apply The Paste
Spread the paste over the tarnished area of the copper item and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Scrub
Using circular motions, use your sponge to scrub the product into the copper and observing as the patina is removed. Continue this process until the copper is restored.
Step 4: Rinse
Within approximately a minute of finishing your scrubbing, transition to rinsing. This can be accomplished through various methods such as toothbrushing and warm water, soaking a cloth in warm water and wiping the product down, or immersing the item directly into warm water. The primary objective here is to eliminate all traces of cleaning solution before proceeding to drying.
Step 5: Dry
Complete the drying process of your copper article using your secondary, lint-free cloth. This cloth should be employed to eliminate any remaining moisture and polish the item until it shines without any streaks. Note that water is copper's enemy, and even the tiniest drop left unattended can result in corrosion and unsightly water spots over time.
An alternative option for making a lemon-based paste comprises lemon juice, salt, and cornmeal. Cornmeal aids in easier application, while lemon juice and salt are the primary cleaners. Spread the paste, let it sit, and subsequently clean off using warm water and a soft cloth.
How to Clean Copper with Lemon Juice and Salt
Various approaches incorporate citrus, particularly lemons and salt.
- To eliminate tarnish, cut a lemon in half.
- Sprinkle the lemon's surface with salt.
- Alternatively, you can spray lemon juice on the copper surface and sprinkle salt over it.
- Rub the surface using lemon halves covered in salt or a soft sponge to rub the salt over lemon juice.
- Rinse with warm water and a clean, soft cloth.
- Dry with a clean, soft cloth.
How to Clean Copper with Tomato Acid
If you prefer to maintain simplicity and utilize readily available resources, turn to acid as your ally. Nearly every type will do, including ketchup, tomato juice, or spaghetti sauce.
- Apply the tomato acid of your choice to the copper.
- Let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Use a sponge to scrub the copper with circular motions.
- Clean it off using warm water and a soft cloth.
- Thoroughly dry the piece using a soft cloth.
How to Clean Copper with Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most accessible household acids, making it an ideal choice when maintaining your copper. Consider the following strategies if you only have vinegar available or time for a few extra cleaning strokes.
Cleaning Small Items
- Combine one teaspoon of salt, one tablespoon of flour, and enough vinegar to create a thick paste.
- Rub the paste onto the copper surface and allow it to dry completely.
- Rinse with warm soapy water and buff with a clean, soft cloth.
Cleaning Large, Free-Standing Copper Pieces
Vinegar is an excellent choice for addressing larger surface areas.
- Fill a spray bottle with one pint of vinegar and three tablespoons of salt.
- Spray the surface liberally with the solution, then let the item sit for half an hour.
- Rub the surface clean using a dry, soft cloth.
If your copper stains prove particularly stubborn, you might need to subject the item to a high boil. Learn how even the most tenacious patina can be addressed below.
How to Clean Copper by Boiling
In some cases, a more aggressive approach is necessary. While vinegar continues to be your ally, the addition of boiling water increases the intensity to ensure that your prized kitchen item emerges spotless. Gather a large stainless steel pot, water, vinegar, and 1 to 3 tablespoons of salt.
- Mix three parts water, one part vinegar, and 1 to 3 tablespoons of salt in a stainless steel pot to create a sufficient cleaning solution. McAllister recommends using a stainless steel pot to protect the copper during the cleaning process. Once you've determined the required amount of cleaning solution, fill the pot (enough to submerge the item), place the copper product inside, and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Monitor the item carefully as tarnish begins to lift. Remove it from heat and allow it to cool once the tarnish has been removed. Over-boiling can cause copper products to slightly deform, so it's crucial to remove them from heat as soon as the tarnish has been eliminated and allow them to cool before proceeding.
- Dry and polish the piece using the same instructions provided above.
Tips to Keep Copper Clean Longer
McAllister shared her wisdom on maintaining the longevity of copper items. These tips minimize cleaning and scrubbing in the future.
Protect with Plastic Cling Wrap
If you own a copper item that isn't on display, such as servingware or seasonal copper mint julep cups, wrap them to prevent oxygen from reaching the metal. This basic action serves as a barrier, preserving the lustrous shine you've worked so hard to achieve.
To enhance the shine and provide some extra love, you can conclude the polishing of your copper by applying mineral oil. McAllister advises her customers to ensure that the item is completely dry prior to this stage. "Give your metals a decent 10 minutes, at the very least, to dry before adding mineral oil. Allowing the piece to dry completely prevents the oil from blending with any water leftovers from your cleaning process. Visualize the metal absorbing the oil – it requires that time to dry properly to absorb well." The mineral oil serves to safeguard the copper from oxidation by forming another barrier that oxygen needs to pass through to reach the copper.
Storage Tips
If you're showcasing your copper items, remember to keep them away from direct sunlight and humidity. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and moisture can expedite tarnishing. For items stored in cabinets, using plastic wrap, cloth, or tarnish-free paper can help prevent tarnishing.
Take pleasure in your pieces more frequently by maintaining them regularly, and before you know it, you'll be proudly displaying your freshly polished copper items.
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To protect your copper items from tarnish during storage, you can wrap them with plastic cling wrap or use tarnish-free paper. This will help create a barrier against direct sunlight and humidity, which can expedite tarnishing.
In Southern Living magazine, you'll find a step-by-step guide to cleaning copper with household items such as lemon juice, cream of tartar, salt, tomato juice, spaghetti sauce, ketchup, or vinegar. The frequency of cleaning depends on the use, storage location, and desired shine of the item.
To maintain your copper in its best state, it is essential to determine whether your copper is sealed or natural, select an appropriate cleaning solution, and test the cleaner to ensure it's safe for your item. Sealed copper can appear shinier than raw, or natural, copper, and older copper items may require more frequent cleaning due to oxidization.
