How to Clean Copper?

Copper is a popular material used to decorate the homes in the world. The shine and polish of these copper pieces can become gloomy when they come in contact with the dust and dirt particles. To bring the copper back to life, you may clean copper. Read the article to learn the steps to clean copper in a proper manner.

Clean Copper

Methods to Clean Copper

1.) Salt Water to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Salt Water:

  • Regain the look of tarnished copper items by soaking them in a mixture of salt, fabric softener and the water.
  • Boil three to four cups of water in a pan on the stove, and pour three teaspoons of salt in it.
  • Mix the ingredients well until they dissolve fully.
  • Now, add a spoon of fabric softener to make the solution full of lather.
  • Soak the copper items in the pan for an hour, and after taking it out, clean under tap water.
  • Use a soft, clean and dry cloth to gently rub clean.

2.) Tape to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Tape:

  • Tape is usually used to bind, but it can also be used to clean and protect the copper from getting dirty.
  • To stop the copper items from getting dirty while you are not using them or placing them in the store-room. Just wrap it with the transparent tape.
  • This is also a great remedy to ensure that copper items don’t get tanned for a long period of time.
  • You can also use tape with the copper jewelry.
  • Tape also helps to put a bracelet in an easy way.
  • Fasten the bracelet to your arm with a small slice of tape.
  • Simply pull off the tape, after clutching the bracelet.

3.) Ammonia to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Ammonia:

  • A solution made out of one cup of ammonia and two cups of lukewarm water can clean copper pieces.
  • This solution can also clean silver and gold jewelry.
  • Simply allow your copper items to steep inside the solution for a few minutes before softly ribbing with a soft cloth.
  • Make sure you dry it before placing or storing.
  • Do not use this method on copper items having pearls as it will damage their soft surface.

4.) Baking Soda to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Baking Soda:

  • Baking soda when mixed with the vinegar can clean copper instantly.
  • Polish copper items by covering the copper with a light layer of the baking soda.
  • Drop a spoon of raw vinegar over the baking soda, and then rub to clean.
  • Avoid the use of this method on copper stuff having gemstones and pearls.
  • The reason is when you pour it on the gemstones and pearls; it will loosen the bond of the copper with pearls.

5.) Ketchup to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Ketchup:

  • Tarnished copper jewelry can be treated easily with the ketchup.
  • The acid present in the ketchup will decompose the stains.
  • Dip your copper piece into a bowl having ketchup for a few minutes.
  • Take an old toothbrush to rub down the copper.
  • Rub in such a way that it covers all the gaps of the copper item.
  • Rinse the copper clean, and dry.

6.) Alcohol to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Alcohol:

  • Applying alcohol to copper can remove the stain that comes from dirt.
  • On copper jewelry, the skin causes scums on rings and necklaces.
  • Over time, dirt and dust attach to the copper, a thin layer forms over it that makes it look dull in color.
  • Soak your copper in rubbing alcohol to remove the dirt and loosen the grime.
  • Repeat the earlier steps, is some stains are still left on the copper.

7.) Toothpaste to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Toothpaste:

  • Toothpaste also helps to clean copper instantly.
  • A small drop of toothpaste slowly scrubbed onto your copper pieces can remove the layer that forms on your copper pieces.
  • Go for the natural toothpaste that does not have any sort of harsh qualities.
  • Gel toothpaste should be avoided as it will leave scratches on your copper.
  • Use a toothbrush that have soft-bristled for the cleaning.

8.) Dish Soap to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Dish Soap:

  • Add a few drops of mild dish soap or liquid to a small tub filled with lukewarm water.
  • Take a soft toothbrush to take away the tarnish from your copper items.
  • Clean all the surfaces with a good scrub even the gaps and small openings.
  • Rinse the copper in lukewarm water until the water becomes clear.
  • Next, take a soft cloth to rub the copper dry until it begins to shine.

9.) Tartar to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Tartar:

  • Tartar also helps to remove tough stains from copper to regain its lost shine.
  • Mix the tartar with two cups of water to form a paste, scrub it softly to the stain and let it to rest for a few minutes.
  • Take a clean washcloth or sponge, slowly rub the copper item and then wash with clear water.
  • You will see that the stain is removed after one or two applications.

10.) Raw Vinegar to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Raw Vinegar:

  • Raw vinegar contains acidic properties that can clear the stains and layer of dirt coating easily.
  • Apply raw vinegar on a sponge and rub it to the stain.
  • As you rub the stain, you will see the dirt coating is transferring to the sponge.
  • When most of the dirt is gone, clean the copper carefully.
  • If you see any stains, repeat the process.

11.) Borax to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Borax:

  • Borax can be used to clean copper as well as other metals.
  • Just mix a spoon of borax and with two spoons of lemon juice to make a paste.
  • Apply the paste on the stains with a brush and rub thoroughly. Rinse well.
  • Borax when mixed with lemon is one of the effective home remedies for copper stains.
  • If you see any stains, repeat the process.

12.) Lemon to Clean Copper

Steps to Use Lemon:

  • Mix one tablespoon of salt to two tablespoons of lemon juice then apply onto the copper area.
  • For strong stains, try adding a 50/50 combination of lemon juice and water.
  • Wait for around thirty minutes before rinsing.
  • If you still see any tough stains, repeat the process.