How to Clean Copper
Cleaning Copper Jewelry
What You’ll Need:
Lemon juice
Salt
Soft cloth or sponge
Step-by-Step Process:
Prepare the Solution: In a small bowl, combine enough lemon juice to submerge most of the jewelry piece with a teaspoon of salt, creating a mild acidic solution that reacts with tarnish.
Soak the Jewelry: Let your jewelry sit in this solution for about 30–60 seconds. The citric acid in lemon helps dissolve tarnish, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive.
Scrub Lightly: If needed, add a pinch more salt directly to the piece and gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge to remove stubborn tarnish. Avoid using anything too abrasive, as it may scratch the metal.
Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, rinse your jewelry thoroughly with warm water and dry it immediately with a lint-free cloth to prevent water spots.
To keep copper looking polished, repeat this cleaning process every few months, or more often if you prefer a brighter shine. Avoid letting the piece air dry, as water minerals can create new tarnish spots.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
Vinegar and Salt Solution:
This combination is another effective method, especially if you’re out of lemon juice. Mix three parts white vinegar with one part salt, apply to the piece with a cloth, and let sit for 30–60 seconds before scrubbing gently and rinsing thoroughly.
Ketchup:
Believe it or not, ketchup can also clean copper! The mild acidity of tomato paste and vinegar breaks down tarnish. Simply apply a thin layer of ketchup to the jewelry, leave it for about a minute, scrub gently, and rinse.
Cleaning Copper Trays
The method above works well for small copper trays. For larger trays:
Use Lemon Wedges: Dip a fresh lemon wedge in salt and scrub the surface directly. This method works well for larger areas and gives you more control.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse with warm water and dry immediately to prevent streaking and water spots.
Important Tips
Patina Preservation:: If a copper piece has a colored patina, avoid acidic cleaners, as they will strip this layer. Instead, use fine steel wool or polishing cloth to gently buff away tarnish without damaging the patina.
