Clean Copper

Cleaning copper can be done in a number of ways, mostly using what you have at home already.

Vinegar and salt method #1
Table salt and vinegar combinations reduce oxidization from copper.
 * 1)  Pour vinegar and salt over the copper.
 * 2)  Rub in. Keep rubbing to remove any tarnishing and grime.
 * 3)  Rinse off.
 * 4)  Polish up with a clean, soft, dry cloth.

Vinegar and salt method #2

 * 1)  Place 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar into a large pot. Fill with water.
 * 2)  Place the copper item into the pot.
 * 3)  Bring to the boil and continue boiling until the tarnish comes off.
 * 4)  Remove item. Once cooled, wash with soap in hot water. Rinse and dry.

Lemon method
Clean tarnish off copper pots, plates, etc. using lemons.
 * 1)  Cut two lemons in halves.
 * 2)  Rub over the tarnished areas until removed. (Add salt to the lemon half if wished.)
 * 3)  Rinse and polish.

Lemon and salt method

 * 1)  Squeeze lemon juice from one lemon.
 * 2)  Add salt and mix to form a paste.
 * 3)  Rub the paste over the copper with a soft cloth.
 * 4)  Rinse off with warm water and polish. Polish with beeswax for a lasting shine.

Salt, vinegar and flour method

 * 1)  Place 1 tablespoon of salt in 1 cup of white vinegar.
 * 2)  Make a paste by adding flour gradually. Mix together well.
 * 3)  Apply the paste to the copper and smear over tarnished areas.
 * 4)  Leave for 15 minutes to one hour.
 * 5)  Rinse with warm water and polish.

Ketchup method

 * 1)  Beleive it or not Ketchup is excellent for removing oxidation from copper.  This method is probably better for small areas due to the mess.
 * 2)  Add the Ketchup in a light to moderate film.
 * 3)  Let sit for a few minutes.
 * 4)  Wash away.  Try it on a penny.

Tips

 * Keep decorative copper items dusted regularly to prevent grime build-up. Use a cold, damp cloth for dusting.
 * There are commercial copper polishes available to purchase.
 * See the wikiHow article How to clean a copper kettle for specifics on copper kettles.
 * Try using ketchup on the surfaces.

Warnings

 * Decorative lacquered items should only be washed in soapy water and dried thoroughly. Polishing or scrubbing such copper items will remove their protective coating.

Things You'll Need

 * Vinegar
 * Salt
 * Lemons
 * Cleaning cloth
 * Polishing cloth
 * Beeswax

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Clean Brass
 * How to Clean Copper Bottoms on Pots and Pans
 * How to Clean Copper Coins in Seconds
 * How to Clean a Copper Kettle
 * How to Clean Bronze