How to Clean Copper

Copper is one of the most versatile metal in the world, which is used in production of several things, ranging from coins and jewelry to utensils and sinks. Found in abundance, the use of copper has been increasing day by day. The credit of this, undoubtedly goes to its astounding chemical properties. The metal, however, does tarnish when it comes in contact with certain gases in the atmosphere, but it doesn't rust like other metals, such as iron.

Tips to Clean Copper

The thin layer of tarnish present on copper tends to give the metal a reddish brown color. In some metals, including copper, the tarnish acts as a protective layer for the actual metal. However, it gives the metal an undesirable look, which not many people like, and hence prefer to get rid of it. Discussed below are some simple methods by which you can clean different copper items using readily available ingredients, such as salt and vinegar.

Copper Jewelry: Though copper jewelry has become a thing of past, its vintage touch still makes it desirable for many. Cleaning copper jewelry with lemon and salt can enhance its luster and thus, make it more appealing. Though it may seem like a difficult task, cleaning copper jewelry is quite an easy task to execute. Prepare a solution of warm water, a teaspoon of salt and a few drops of lime juice. Put the jewelry you want to clean into this solution, and keep it there for a few minutes. After some time, remove it from the solution and rinse it thoroughly, before wiping it dry. The luster of your jewelry is bound to make some people envy of your possession.

Copper Cookware: With time, copper cookware tends to get discolored and tarnished, and hence one has to make sure that it is cleaned, once in a while. In order to clean copper cookware, cut a lemon into two halves and apply some salt on the inner portion of it and rub it on the tarnished area of the utensil. The salt will act as an abrasive, while lemon will act as a cleaner, and the combination of both will clean the tarnished area. You can also clean these utensils by putting them in boiling water, with a tablespoon of salt and a cup of white vinegar. After boiling them for a few hours, wash them with warm water and wipe them dry with a soft cloth. Cleaning copper pots in this way, once in a while will make sure that the luster of the metal stays, and your copper pots look attractive.

Copper Sinks: Though copper sinks are meant to add to the elegance of your kitchen, if they are not cleaned properly, they don't just look unattractive, but also start to deteriorate. Cleaning these sinks with copper cleaner is not recommended, as it is known to harm the metal. The best method to clean copper sinks is using soap and water. More importantly, by taking some precautions to keep your sink clean, and not using it to disposing the leftovers, which are acidic in nature, you can ensure that they do not discolor or deteriorate.

Copper Coins: Copper coins are prized collection for many, but the tarnish on these copper coins robs them of the luster and makes them look unattractive. In such a scenario, you are left with no option but to clean these copper coins. Cleaning copper coins is a simple task. You just require some table salt and vinegar. Prepare a paste of table salt and vinegar, and apply it on the coins. Let it stay on for some time, and then remove it, your coins will look just like new. However, make sure that you don't use this method with valuable coins, as it may result in undesirable tone of luster to the coin.

Whilst going through these tips to clean copper or copper products, you must have realized that it is not as tedious task as it seems to be. More importantly, you can clean it using some of the most simple ingredients, readily available in your kitchen.