How to Polish Copper

Copper is a non-ferrous metal, which means it is not primarily iron-based. So, unlike iron, it doesn’t rust; it develops a greenish layer called a patina. You might want to remove it to bring back the shine to your beloved copper item, but before you do, here is an interesting titbit about patina: it forms a protective layer that prevents the metal underneath from further corrosion!

Copper is extensively used in electrical wiring and electronics because of its excellent electrical conductivity. This is also one of the reasons it’s so popular for cooking – copper pots and pans distribute heat evenly. The other reason is its natural antibacterial qualities, making it a safe choice for food preparation.

When zinc is added to copper, it forms the alloy brass. Compared to the reddish hue of copper, brass has a more yellowish hue. It is stronger than copper and more malleable, so it can be made into many different forms, including complicated musical instruments, like the trombone and the French horn.

Bronze is an alloy formed by adding tin to copper. The resulting alloy is harder than copper and more resistant to corrosion. Bronze is especially resistant to corrosion caused by seawater, which is why it’s widely used on seafaring vessels.

However, copper is reactive to oxygen and moisture, causing it to tarnish over time. This creates a patina that some appreciate for its aged appearance, while others prefer to maintain copper’s original shine.

If you’re wondering how to clean copper, we have some practical strategies that you can use on copper, brass, and bronze today to restore their signature luster.

Why Copper Tarnishes

Patina forms on copper when the metal atoms react with oxygen in the air in the presence of moisture, forming copper oxide. The patina that ranges from deep green to bright green is not something that always needs to be removed. Depending on the item, the patina is seen as a testament to the durability of the copper item, increasing its value.

But copper items, such as sinks and cookware, and brass items, such as musical instruments, need to be cleaned regularly.

Types of Copper Items

In addition to its extensive use in electrical wiring and electronics due to its high conductivity, copper is also used for plumbing pipes and fittings due to its resistance to corrosion.

In the home, copper brings warmth to cookware and decorative items like vases, wall art, and light fixtures. Copper sinks and faucets have also become popular in modern homes.

Copper, used in jewelry since ancient times, is currently enjoying a renewed interest from designers who are fashioning bracelets, rings, pendants, cufflinks, and tie clip sets from the metal for fashion-conscious buyers.

Due to its excellent malleability, the metal is widely used by artists to create sculptures and outdoor art.

Tools and Materials for Polishing Copper

For the most part, common household items are all that you’ll need to polish copper. These include:

• White vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Ketchup
• Flour
• Cream of tartar
• Microfiber cloths or non-abrasive sponges
• Non-abrasive brush or toothbrush

For tough stains and tarnishes or to clean a large surface of copper wall tiles, a commercial copper cleaner might be a more effective solution.

Natural Methods to Clean Copper

How to Clean Copper with Lemon and Salt

Using lemon and salt is an effective natural way to clean copper. This method is suitable for copper cookware, copper sinks, and copper wall tiles. This method uses the acidity of the lemon and the abrasiveness of salt to remove tarnish.

1. Cut a lemon in half.
2. Sprinkle salt on one of the halves.
3. Use the salted lemon to rub the tarnished copper gently.
4. You will notice the tarnish disappearing gradually. Keep adding salt until all tarnish has disappeared.
5. Rinse the item in warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

How to Clean Copper with Vinegar and Salt

This method uses the acidity of vinegar and the abrasiveness of salt to remove tarnish. Flour is added to make a paste.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon salt and 1 tablespoon flour with enough vinegar to form a paste.
2. Rub the mixture onto the copper surface, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
3. Rinse off and dry with a soft cloth.
4. Rinse copper well after using acidic cleaners like lemon and vinegar that don’t cause long-term damage.

How to Clean Copper with Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent. It is alkaline and gently abrasive.

Using Baking Soda with Water

1. Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste – it will be crumbly.
2. Rub onto the copper with a soft cloth or sponge.
3. Once clean, rinse and buff.

Using Baking Soda with vinegar

When you mix the baking soda with vinegar, there will be a fizzing chemical reaction, which helps loosen oxidation and grime. This method works for decorative items that are lightly tarnished.

1. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the copper item, then drizzle vinegar over it.
2. Let it bubble for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Scrub lightly with a soft brush and rinse.

How to Clean Copper with Cream of Tartar (Tartaric Acid)

Cream of tartar is mildly acidic, but it’s less harsh than vinegar.

Using Cream of Tartar with Water

1. Mix 1 tablespoon cream of tartar with a few drops of water to form a paste.
2. Apply to copper, let sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Using Cream of Tartar with vinegar or lemon juice

Using cream of tartar with vinegar or lemon juice increases the acidity, making the mixture ideal for tougher tarnish.

Follow the same steps using vinegar or lemon juice instead of water. This method is the best way to clean delicate copper pieces. Thoroughly rinse the piece as soon as the tarnish is gone.

How to Use Ketchup to Clean Copper

Ketchup is an effective copper cleaner due to the acidity of tomatoes.

1. Cover the tarnished copper surface with ketchup.
2. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
3. Using a microfiber cloth, gently rub the ketchup in circular motions to remove the tarnish.
4. Once clean, thoroughly rinse the item with warm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Using Commercial Copper Cleaners

In the case of heavily tarnished copper items, or when you want to get the job done faster, a commercial copper cleaner might suit you better.

Commercial copper cleaners are specifically formulated to remove tough stains without damaging the copper. Commercial copper cleaners come in different strengths, so make sure you buy the right product for your purpose.

Most manufacturers provide similar instructions, which come down to the following:

1. Put some cleaning product on a soft cloth.
2. Cover the object you’re cleaning with the cleaning solution.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rub the object with the solution. Use circular motions, applying gentle pressure to areas that are heavily tarnished.
4. Once all tarnish is gone, rinse the item thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth.

Copper Cleaning Methods Comparison Table

Deep Cleaning Specific Items

Heavily Tarnished Kitchen Utensils

If you have copper kitchenware that is heavily tarnished, you can try these methods:

Use Paste

1. Make a paste with equal parts flour, salt, and vinegar. The salt and vinegar will do the heavy cleaning; the flour is there to help form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the tarnished item, spreading it over the entire surface.
3. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rubbing it with a soft cloth.
4. Rinse thoroughly in warm water and dry immediately.

The liquid Method

1. Mix a cup of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 3 cups of water, and bring it to a boil.
2. Put the copper item in the boiling mixture. The tarnish will gradually vanish.
3. When the tarnish has disappeared, remove the item and allow it to cool before wiping it dry.

Heavily Stained Copper Kitchen Sinks

It’s unlikely that a copper sink that is used every day will become tarnished, since the sink is bound to be cleaned through regular usage. However, stains can develop over time, which won’t disappear with regular soap and water.

To get rid of tough stains on your copper sink:

1. Make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda.
2. Apply the paste to the stained areas and leave it there for about 15 minutes.
3. Use a sponge to rub the stain with the paste. This action should remove the stain completely.
4. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Copper pipes

Exposed copper pipes have become a popular architectural feature in loft-style urban living. Although they are resistant to corrosion, copper plumbing pipes need regular cleaning if you don’t want the feature to spoil your interior environment.

To polish copper pipes:

1. First, remove any dust and debris that might have collected on them.
2. Prepare a paste using lemon juice and baking soda.
3. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the paste to the pipes. Polish copper pipes gently with it until the tarnish is gone. Have a soft-bristled brush ready for areas that are hard to reach,
4. When clean, wipe the pipes off with a cloth soaked in clean water. Dry thoroughly afterward.

How to Clean Special Copper Items

Antique Copper

Cleaning antique copperware requires gentle cleaning methods. The natural patina of old copper adds to the value of these items, so you don’t use harsh cleaners that could strip it away.

To clean antique copper:

1. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or soft brush (like a makeup brush) to remove surface dust.
2. Dip a soft cloth in a bit of vinegar and wipe it gently on the piece you’re cleaning.
3. If necessary, add a tiny bit of salt if the vinegar needs help.
4. Gently wipe the copper surface — don’t rub.
5. Rinse the item thoroughly to remove all traces of salt and vinegar. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Copper Jewelry

You may also need to know how to polish copper Jewelry if you own one or two of these special items.

For gentle copper jewelry cleaning:

1. Add 1 tablespoon baking soda to a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar – the mixture will fizz.
2. Use your fingers or a soft toothbrush to apply the paste to the copper jewelry. Work carefully around fine details.
3. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water to remove all dirt and debris.
5. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

How to Polish Cleaned Copper with Power Tools

When large, decorative, or industrial copper pieces get tarnished, scratched, or oxidized, power tools like rotary buffers and electric polishers are the best tools to get rid of the imperfections on the copper.

Power tools, such as polidores elétricos, may also come in handy for buffing copper door handles, railings, light fixtures, outdoor fixtures, sinks, and bathtubs, helping to shorten the time to restore an item to its former beauty. Large, decorative copper vessels that are not used for food can also be cleaned and buffed using power tools.

However, power tools should never be used to clean cooking utensils, items made with thin copper, or delicately engraved or etched items.

How to Prevent Future Tarnish

The best way to deal with copper tarnish is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

• As far as possible, store copper items in dry places. It’s obviously not possible with items like pipes, light fittings, and door knobs, but you can keep your cooking utensils and jewelry away from moisture.
• Slow the tarnish process by cleaning your copper items regularly, depending on how often you use it, how tarnished it is, and the ambient humidity.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your copper. Even using natural ingredients like salt, vinegar, and lemon juice can harm copper. Always rinse these off thoroughly after cleaning an item. If you decide to use a commercial cleaner, choose one specially formulated for copper.
• Consider using a protective coating for your copper items to protect them from oxidation. There are several options available on the market, including brand-name clear coats, waxes, and lacquers.

Special Tips for Specific Items

Copper Cookware: Polish the outer surface, but never the inside of cookware. It’s not safe to clean the cooking surface with harsh chemicals. The inside of copper cookware is usually made of tin or stainless steel, which can be damaged by aggressive cleaning.

Dica: Wash your copper utensils regularly with mild soap and dry them immediately to maintain their luster and prevent tarnish.

Jewelry and Small Items: Be gentle with your copper rings, bracelets, and pendants. Clean them with mild, non-abrasive methods using a soft toothbrush, mild soap, or natural cleaners like lemon juice diluted with water. Avoid soaking for too long and pat completely dry before storing.

Dica: Use anti-tarnish strips or pouches for your copper jewelry.

Outdoor Fixtures: Outdoor copper fixtures, such as light fixtures, sculptures, or garden décor, pose special problems since they are exposed to the elements, which accelerates oxidation. A patina suits items like sculptures, but light fittings look neglected and sad if they are allowed to grow a blue-green patina.

Dica: Consider a protective sealant like a clear lacquer or wax to slow down tarnishing and maintain the beauty of the copper.

Safety Precautions When Polishing Copper

While cleaning and polishing copper is not dangerous, you may want to take a few basic safety precautions to protect both yourself and the item you’re cleaning.

1. Wear Gloves

Wear gloves when polishing copper to protect your skin against acids like vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. The gloves will also prevent green stains on your skin from the copper oxidation.

2. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area

If you decide to use a commercial copper cleaner, make sure you work in a properly ventilated space. In a small space with poor airflow, you might inhale chemical fumes that can cause headaches, nausea, and eye irritation. There is also a risk of inhaling dust, especially if you work with a ferramenta elétrica to polish copper.

3. Protect Your Work Surface

Cover the surface you are working on with plastic sheeting, a towel, or a silicone mat. Some cleaning agents, like lemon juice, are strong and can stain countertops and wooden surfaces.

4. Test the Cleaning Agent on a Small Area First

You never know how a copper item might react to a cleaning agent. Test your chosen cleaning agent on a small, unobtrusive area of the item first to see if it works.

5. Remove All Acidic or Abrasive Residue

Any traces of lemon juice, vinegar or salt left on a copper item will continue to corrode the surface. Ensure that you rinse and dry the item thoroughly.

Perguntas frequentes

Why does copper become dull?

It’s natural for copper to become dull. It is a sign that the metallic compounds are interacting with air and moisture in the environment.

Can I put copper items in the dishwasher?

No, copper items are not dishwasher safe. Dishwashers can cause discoloration, spotting, and accelerate tarnishing. Always wash copper items by hand with mild soap and water.

What is the fastest way to clean copper?

The quickest and best way to polish copper is to rub a cut lemon dipped in salt directly onto the copper surface. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. This method often removes tarnish instantly.

Is tarnish on copper harmful?

Tarnish is a natural result of oxidation and isn’t harmful. However, green-blue corrosion (verdigris) can be toxic if ingested and should be removed from cookware.

Should I clean my antique copper items?

Yes, you can, but remember, the patina on antique copper is often considered part of its charm and value. If unsure, consult a restoration expert to help you decide.

Conclusão

It’s important to know how to clean copper. It isn’t just about appearance; polishing copper helps preserve the metal, prevent corrosion, and extend the life of copper items.

Whether you’re restoring antique pieces, polishing cookware, or brightening up jewelry, cleaning copper is not complicated. From natural solutions like lemon and salt to more intensive power tool buffing for outdoor fixtures, there’s a safe and effective way to restore a warm glow to all copper items.

Follow the suggestions in this article to preserve the beauty and value of your copper pieces. Should you own large copper pieces, MaxXT has the necessary power tools to ensure they keep their alluring luster.

Feel free to contact our team for more information on the MaxXT range of superior power tools available to individuals and dealers.