Copper is a metal with many qualities: it is strong, resistant, conductive and aesthetically pleasing. It is used to make a wide variety of objects, from pots and pans to jewelry, vases, statues and musical instruments. Copper cookware, such as pots and pans, also requires regular maintenance to preserve its charm and lustre. However, copper also has a drawback: it tarnishes and oxidizes easily on contact with air, water or certain products. It then loses its shine and color, and becomes covered with a greenish or black layer. How can we clean copper objects and restore their original shine, without using chemicals that are harmful to the environment and our health? Fortunately, there are some simple and effective grandmotherly tricks for cleaning copper, using natural ingredients that are often readily available. In this article, we’ll explain why it’s important to clean copper objects, what are the best grandmotherly tricks to make them shine, and what are the practical tips for looking after your copper objects.
Why should you regularly clean your copper objects?
Regular cleaning of copper objects is essential to maintain their appearance and quality. Copper, though robust and attractive, tends to tarnish and oxidize over time. This oxidation can not only alter the appearance of your copper objects, but also affect their functionality. By regularly cleaning your copper objects, you prevent the build-up of dirt and deposits that can be difficult to remove later. What’s more, regular maintenance preserves copper’s original lustre, keeping your objects looking as attractive and shiny as ever. Whether for pots and pans, jewelry or decorations, frequent cleaning is the key to preserving the beauty and longevity of your copper objects.
How do I clean copper naturally?
Copper is a metal that reacts easily with oxygen, humidity or certain acids present in the air or in products. The result is a surface layer called patina, which can be green, blue, red or black in color. This patina can have a decorative or protective effect on copper, but it can also make it dull, dirty or corroded. To clean copper and restore its original shine, simply use natural products that have an acidic, abrasive or polishing action on the metal. Here are just a few of Grandma’s tricks for cleaning copper:
1. Lemon and salt
Lemon and salt are acidic products that dissolve the patina covering copper. Simply cut a lemon in half, then sprinkle fine salt over half the lemon. Then rub the lemon over the copper object, paying particular attention to tarnished or oxidized areas. Use two tablespoons of fine salt for best results. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
2. Lemon and baking soda
Lemon and bicarbonate of soda are also acidic products for cleaning and shining copper. Simply mix lemon juice and baking soda in a bowl to form a thick paste. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to guarantee the effectiveness of the mixture. Apply the paste to the copper object with a soft cloth and leave for a few minutes. Rub with a dry cloth to remove the paste and patina, then polish with a soft cloth.
3. White vinegar and coarse salt
White vinegar and coarse salt are also acidic products for removing copper patina. Simply mix white vinegar and coarse salt in a bowl, then soak a soft cloth in the mixture. The cloth is then rubbed over the copper object in a circular motion. This method is also effective for cleaning brass. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
4. Soap
Soap cleans and degreases copper. Simply rub the stain with a damp piece of soap, then rinse with a cloth soaked in lukewarm water. Or melt soap in hot water, dip a cloth in the mixture and wipe over the stain. Dry with a soft cloth.
5. Newsprint
Newsprint can be used to polish copper without leaving any marks. Simply crumple up a sheet of newspaper, then moisten it lightly with water or white vinegar. Then rub the paper over the copper object in circular motions. Finish by wiping with another sheet of dry newspaper.
6. An onion
An onion is a product that cleans and disinfects copper. Simply cut an onion in half, then rub half the onion over the copper object. Alternatively, squeeze the juice from the onion and apply to the stain with a cotton bud or cloth. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
7. Ketchup
Ketchup is a product containing vinegar and sugar, which are natural cleaning agents for copper. Simply spread ketchup on the copper object with a brush or sponge, then leave it to act for a few minutes. Then scrub with a soft brush or sponge to remove the ketchup and patina, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
8. Soda crystals
Soda crystals can be used to clean and descale copper. Simply dissolve soda crystals in hot water, then soak the copper object in the mixture for a few minutes. Scrub with a soft brush or sponge to remove residues, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
9. Red wine and chicory
Red wine and chicory clean and shine copper. Simply mix red wine and chicory in a saucepan, then heat the mixture until it boils. Immerse the copper object in the mixture for a few minutes, then remove and rub with a soft cloth.
10. Cola Soda
Cola soda contains sugar and phosphoric acids, which are natural copper cleaners. Simply pour the soda into a container, then immerse the copper object in it for a few hours. Then remove the object and rub it with a soft cloth.
How to shine copper with natural products?
Once you’ve cleaned your copper, you can add even more shine with natural products that have a polishing action on the metal. Here are a few examples of grandmotherly tips for shining copper:
1. Lemon
Lemon is a product that shines copper thanks to its acidity. Simply rub half a lemon over the copper object, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
2. Cabbage leaf
Cabbage leaf is an excellent product for shining copper, thanks to its high vitamin C content. Simply rub a cabbage leaf over the copper object, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
3. Sorrel and leek
Thanks to their oxalic acid content, sorrel and leeks can be used to shine copper. Simply boil sorrel leaves or leek stems in water, then immerse the copper object in the water for a few minutes. Then remove the object and rub it with a soft cloth.
4. Baking soda and lemon
Baking soda and lemon help to shine copper thanks to their abrasive and acidic action. Simply mix baking soda and lemon juice in a bowl to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the copper object with a soft cloth and leave for a few minutes. Rub with a dry cloth to remove the paste and patina, then polish with a soft cloth.
5. Lemon and salt
Lemon and salt shine copper thanks to their abrasive and acidic action. Simply sprinkle fine salt over half a lemon, then rub the lemon over the copper object. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
Our practical tips for caring for your copper objects and jewelry
As well as using grandma’s tricks to clean and shine copper objects, it’s also important to adopt a few precautions to prevent copper from tarnishing or oxidizing too quickly. Here are a few practical tips for looking after your copper objects: Pay particular attention to copper cookware, which requires regular maintenance to preserve its charm and shine.
1. Avoid exposure to moisture
Humidity is one of the main factors promoting copper oxidation. It is therefore advisable to avoid exposing copper objects to moisture, whether in the kitchen, bathroom or outdoors. They should also be carefully wiped dry after washing or rinsing.
2. Avoid scratches
Scratches are a source of corrosion for copper, as they create cracks that facilitate the penetration of oxygen or corrosive products. So avoid rubbing copper objects with abrasive objects such as steel wool or sandpaper. You should also avoid bumping or scratching them with pointed or sharp objects.
3. Store your copper objects properly
Storage is also important to preserve the quality and beauty of copper objects. Stacking or piling them up should be avoided, as this can lead to scratching or distortion. They must also be protected from dust, which can tarnish copper or promote oxidation. It’s best to store them in boxes or cloth bags, or to cover them with a soft cloth.
Recovering badly damaged copper
If your copper objects are badly damaged or oxidized, don’t despair! There are effective ways to bring them back to life. Here are a few of grandma’s tricks for recovering badly damaged copper:
- White vinegar and salt: Mix white vinegar with salt to form a paste. Apply this paste to the oxidized areas of your copper objects and leave for a few minutes. Then scrub with a soft brush and rinse with clean water. This method is particularly effective for removing stubborn stains and verdigris deposits.
- Baking soda and lemon: Prepare a paste by mixing baking soda with lemon juice. Apply this paste to the damaged parts of your copper objects and leave for a few minutes. Then rub with a soft cloth to remove the paste and any oxidation residue. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth.
- Soda crystals: Dissolve soda crystals in hot water and immerse your copper objects in this solution for a few minutes. Use a soft brush to scrub oxidized areas, then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Soda crystals are very effective for removing stubborn stains and deposits.
- Red wine and chicory: Heat a mixture of red wine and chicory to boiling point. Immerse your copper objects in this mixture for a few minutes, then remove and wipe with a soft cloth. This method may seem surprising, but it’s highly effective in restoring shine to badly damaged copper.
It’s important to note that recovering badly damaged copper may require several applications of these methods. Be patient and persistent, and your copper objects will be restored to their former glory. To avoid having to resort to these drastic methods, remember to regularly maintain your copper objects by following the practical tips mentioned above.
How to clean copper
Cleaning copper objects using grandma’s tricks is a simple, economical and ecological solution for restoring them to their original lustre, without damaging the metal or harming your health. Using natural products such as vinegar, salt, lemon, ketchup, bicarbonate, cornstarch, red wine, chicory or soda, you can effectively and easily clean your copper objects, whether antique or modern. By following a few practical tips, such as avoiding damp, scratches and mess, you can also prolong the life and beauty of your copper objects.
