Discover the power of natural cleaning agents and learn how to remove rust from copper with household items, including lemon, vinegar, ketchup, and more.
How to Clean Copper With Lemon, Vinegar or Ketchup
Copper is a useful and eye-catching material, but like many surfaces, it needs care if it’s going to look and function at its best. Exposure to heat, air, and humidity can quickly change the appearance of copper, causing oxidation that leads to a deeper orange color, purple, and blue streaks.
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29.
It is a soft, ductile metal with high thermal and electrical conductivity.
Copper has been used by humans for thousands of years due to its unique properties.
It is an essential component in many industries, including electronics, architecture, and transportation.
The global copper market is projected to reach $233 billion by 2025, driven by increasing demand from emerging markets.
Copper is also a vital resource for renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines.
Different Methods for Cleaning Copper
There are several methods for cleaning copper, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular methods:
Cleaning Copper Cookware
If you have copper pots, pans, or other vessels in your kitchen, there are a few different ways to clean them. None of these methods is necessarily better than any other; the best choice for you will likely depend on what you already have in your kitchen.
Copper cookware is known for its exceptional heat conductivity, allowing for efficient and even cooking.
It also has a high thermal mass, meaning it can retain heat well, reducing the need for constant stirring.
Additionally, copper cookware is resistant to corrosion and can be polished to maintain its appearance.
However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent oxidation and maintain its non-stick properties.
Method A: Scrub With Lemon
Sprinkle salt on half a lemon and rub the salted side of the lemon on the tarnished area. The salt acts as an abrasive, while the lemon acts as the cleanser. This combination is effective for cleaning tarnished areas of copper pans.
Native to Asia, lemons are a hybrid of sour orange and citron.
They're an excellent source of vitamin C, with one lemon providing up to 38mg of the essential nutrient.
Lemons have various uses, from culinary applications like marinades and dressings to their antibacterial properties in cleaning products.
The peel's essential oils are also used in aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief.
Method B: Use a Cloth With Lemon Juice
Squeeze a lemon and add some salt to the juice. Pour the mixture onto a cloth and rub it on the pot. The combination of salt and lemon juice will clean the area.
Method C: Soak in Vinegar
Make a mixture of water and white vinegar in equal proportions, then add a tablespoon of salt. Use a soft cloth to soak in some of the mixture and gently rub it into the copper surface. If the tarnish is heavy, wait just a few minutes before rubbing.
Cleaning Copper Coins
For cleaning copper coins like pennies, try this method:
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Make a paste with salt and white vinegar
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Rub the paste on the coins with a toothbrush
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Let the paste sit for a while (or leave it overnight for heavily tarnished coins)
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Wash the paste off the coins to reveal a shiny new surface
Polishing Copper
If you want an extra level of polish and shine, consider using a specially formulated cleaner like Wright’s Copper Cream. Make sure your copper item is clean before applying the cream, then cover the entire surface with it. Use a soft sponge or washcloth to apply the cream, and rinse thoroughly with soap and water.
Other Methods That Work Surprisingly Well
There are plenty of unconventional methods for cleaning copper that might surprise you:
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Ketchup: Believe it or not, ketchup works! Apply a layer of plain ketchup, let it sit for several minutes, and then wipe it off.
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Bar Keepers Friend: This consumer-grade kitchen cleaner can be used to reduce elbow grease, although some users have reported mixed results.
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Salt and flour: Make a paste with equal parts salt and flour and add your chosen acid (white vinegar or lemon juice). Apply the paste to the copper items you want to clean.
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Baking soda and vinegar: This method isn’t as popular as others, but it can still produce a foamy effect. However, some users have reported that it’s not effective enough for thorough cleaning.
Why Copper Surfaces Change
Copper surfaces change due to oxidation, a chemical reaction between the copper and oxygen in the air. When exposed to heat, air, and humidity, the copper loses protons and changes color to a deeper orange. If left unchecked, oxidation can cause blue-green ‘salts’ to form on copper cookware.
Maintaining Copper
To maintain your copper pieces, remember that they will naturally develop a patina over time. Regular cleaning with soap and water can help keep the surface looking good. If you want to restore your copper to its original luster, use one of the polishing methods mentioned earlier. To prevent tarnish from developing in the future, rub your copper pieces with mineral oil.
After cleaning your copper pieces, apply a layer of mineral oil to create a barrier between the copper surface and the air, reducing the amount of tarnish that starts to develop.
- howstuffworks.com | How to Clean Copper With Lemon, Vinegar or Ketchup
