6 Simple Ways to Clean Oxidation Off Copper

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Restore the shine of your copper cookware, jewelry, and décor
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Even in a dry, non-humid area, copper naturally tarnishes and develops a green patina over time. Luckily, you can easily remove this oxidation with just a few ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now. We consulted cleaning specialists as well as a gemologist and jeweler to find the best ways to clean and polish your copper pieces. We’ll also tell you how often to clean them, how to protect them from future damage, and which store-bought products are best to use if the oxidation just isn’t coming off. Keep reading for more!

Best Ways to Clean Oxidized Copper

  1. Rub a mixture of salt and vinegar on the oxidized area.
  2. Apply a baking soda and vinegar paste to the surface.
  3. Cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, and rub it on the area.
  4. Rub ketchup or Worcestershire sauce on the surface with a soft cloth.
  5. Polish copper jewelry with Brasso or a similar product.
Section 1 of 8:

Cleaning Lacquered or Plated Copper with Dish Soap

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  1. Position a magnet close to the copper—if it sticks to the metal, the item you are cleaning is copper-plated. If the magnet doesn't react, your item is likely copper. To check if the surface has been lacquered, dap a little white vinegar and baking soda on an unseen area. [1]
    • If the metal cleans after rubbing the baking soda and vinegar on it, then there is no lacquer on the surface—clean it using the other methods. [2] If it is lacquered, follow these steps.
    • Lacquer is frequently applied to copper to prevent tarnish. However, this can crack and cause copper to tarnish unevenly. [3]
    • Pure copper can be cleaned with the other methods below, while plated copper is cleaned best with regular dish soap and warm water.
  2. Dip a microfiber cloth in warm water and wring it out. Apply a small drop of regular dish soap to any dirty areas and rub it into the metal with the cloth until it comes away clean. Dry your item thoroughly. [4]
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  3. To remove tarnish from copper plate or lacquered copper, mix together 3 parts flour, 1 part white distilled vinegar, and 1 part salt. Apply the paste to the oxidized area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Using a new microfiber cloth, polish the copper until it shines. [5]
    • Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to polish hard-to-reach areas in the copper.
    • To remove the excess paste, rinse the area with water and buff it with a new clean cloth.
  4. To get that iconic shiny copper look, you’ll need to remove the lacquer on top. Add water to a large pot until there is enough to completely submerge the copper item. For each 1 US qt (950 mL) of water, add 1 tbsp (17 g) baking soda. [6] Boil the solution and place the item in for 30 minutes.
    • Cracked or damaged lacquer can also cause the copper to age unevenly, making it oxidize in odd places. Some people prefer to remove it so they can clean the surface evenly.
    • Large items can be boiled in sections. It may be easiest to use a lacquer remover or acetone to remove lacquer from very large items.
    • Use a pair of tongs, ladle, or spoon to remove copper from the water. Place it on a wooden cutting board or towel until cool.
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Section 2 of 8:

Removing Oxidation with Salt & Vinegar

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  1. Mix 1 tbsp (18 g) table salt with 1  c (240 mL) white vinegar and scoop up the mixture with a soft cloth. Rub the cloth over the tarnished area in the direction of the grain until it comes clean. Once you’re done, rinse the item with water and dry it completely. [7]
    • Alternatively, submerge the item in a pot with water and the salt and vinegar mixture. Bring it to a boil and let the item sit until the tarnish comes off. Wash it with soap and water, then dry.
    • The salt acts as a natural abrasive, stripping away the tarnished layer.
    • If the oxidation sticks around, repeat this method or try a different approach in this article.
Section 3 of 8:

Using Baking Soda & Vinegar

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  1. To clean oxidized copper, Green cleaning specialist Alicia Sokolowski recommends mixing “3 parts of baking soda with one part vinegar.” Then, “Use microfiber cloth to apply the paste. Rinse [the area] with water, [and] dry with microfiber cloth for extra shine.” [8]
    • To remove heavier oxidation, leave the paste on for up to an hour.
    • Alternatively, combine baking soda with lemon juice or sprinkle the baking soda alone on the copper surface. [9]
    • When polishing the copper , try to follow the grain (direction) of the metal. Use brisk motions when polishing.
    • If oxidation remains after removing the paste, repeat this step again until it’s gone or try another method.
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Section 4 of 8:

Removing Oxidation with Lemon & Salt

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  1. House cleaning professional Raymond Chiu recommends “cutting a lemon in half, dipping the exposed area in salt, and rubbing it over the copper piece you are cleaning.” [10] Rinse with water, then dry and buff the item with a clean cloth.
    • Alternatively, mix equal parts lemon juice, table salt, and baking soda or cornstarch. Rub it on the copper item with a soft cloth until it shines. [11]
    • You can also create a paste with 1 ⁄ 2   c (120 mL) lemon juice, 1 tbsp (18 g) table salt, and 1 ⁄ 8   c (30 mL) flour. Rub it onto the copper, then rinse and buff it with a clean cloth. [12]
Section 5 of 8:

Using Ketchup or Worcestershire Sauce

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  1. Although it may sound strange, modern ketchups and Worcestershire sauces contain salt and vinegar (a natural preservative), which can help clean the tarnish off copper. [13] Simply apply a little bit to a microfiber cloth and rub the tarnished area until it shines. [14]
    • Rinse the copper piece with clean water and dry with a cloth.
    • Alternatively, combine 2 parts ketchup or Worcestershire sauce with 1 part fine sea salt. Apply the paste to the oxidized areas, let it sit for several minutes, then wash with cold water and dry. [15]
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Section 6 of 8:

Polishing Copper with Cleaning Products

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  1. To keep copper pots and pans shiny and clean, cleaning expert Ryan Santos says to use Bar Keepers Friend . “This product is specifically designed to remove tarnish and stains from copper without causing any damage,” he says. [16]
    • To use it, Santos says to “wet the surface of the copper, apply a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend, and use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the area. Be sure to rinse the surface thoroughly with water afterwards and dry it completely to prevent any water spots.” [17]
    • Bar Keepers Friend is also a great cleaner for any copper items that are severely tarnished or oxidized. [18]
  2. Gemologist, jeweler, and appraiser Mark Sandler says that for copper jewelry, it’s best to use “ Brasso or related products.” Follow the instructions on the product and “wear rubber gloves and in [a] well ventilated area” while you’re cleaning. [19]
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Section 7 of 8:

How Often to Clean Copper

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  1. Copper sinks can be cleaned daily with mild soap, warm water, and a soft sponge. [20] You can clean copper pots, pans, and utensils the same way, but make sure to dry every copper item as soon as it’s clean to avoid hard water spots. [21]
    • These items probably don’t need to be cleaned using the methods above until they start to get a green or brown patina (about every 8 months or so).
    • Try to avoid putting copper utensils, pans, or pots in the dishwasher—this can cause tarnishing.
  2. Since decorations are handled less frequently than copper pots and utensils, they don’t need to be polished as often. If you like the bright, shiny, polished look of copper, aim to clean any indoor decorations every 3 months. For a more dark, tarnished look, clean it every 6 months. [22]
    • Depending on the level of humidity, outdoor copper decorations may have to be cleaned more frequently. Aim to clean them once a month or every few weeks.
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Section 8 of 8:

Preventing Copper from Oxidizing

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  1. Dampen a microfiber cloth with olive or mineral oil . Add a small amount to the oil to the surface of your copper and buff it into the surface. The oil can form a protective barrier from the air, preventing oxidation and slowing the tarnishing process. [23]
    • Copper doesn’t rust, so any brown spots you might see on your items come from the oxidization process. [24]
    • Clean your items as soon as you notice tarnish starting to appear on them.
  2. Copper starts to grow a green or brown film, or patina, when it’s exposed to oxygen and water over time. [25] To keep your copper items from tarnishing faster, try to keep them out of humid or wet areas.
    • If you’re storing a copper item, try wrapping it in cling wrap. The wrap can prevent oxygen (which causes oxidation) from getting to the metal. [26]
    • Protect copper sinks from oxidation by drying it after each use. If you see any green or brown patina, apply a baking soda and water paste to the area and use a soft cloth to buff it off. [27]
  3. Copper lacquer can give your piece a high-gloss finish and protect it from oxidizing. [28] However, it may crack over time, leading to uneven tarnishing. Find a food-safe (or non food-safe) lacquer and apply it according to the directions.
    • Only apply lacquer to copper that's been well cleaned and polished. Once the lacquer is applied, any remaining oxidation or dirtiness will be preserved under the lacquer.
    • Many copper lacquers have spray applicators. Spray an even layer of lacquer onto all copper surfaces. Be careful when drying lacquer; paper or fuzz may stick to the lacquer.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the best solution to clean copper?
    Alicia Sokolowski
    Green Cleaning Specialist
    Alicia Sokolowski is a Green Cleaning Specialist and the President and co-CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company in Vancouver, British Columbia. With over 2 decades of experience, Alicia specializes in creating a healthier, green alternative to chemical-based cleaning products and services. AspenClean develops and manufactures its own line of 100% Natural, EcoCert® certified, and EWG verified™ cleaning products. AspenClean’s glass cleaner was voted Parent’s Green Pick 2020 by readers of the Parents’ magazine. Alicia holds a CPA designation and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto.
    Alicia Sokolowski
    Green Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    I suggest making a paste from 3 parts baking soda and 1 part white vinegar.
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      • You also may be able to clean copper with Coca Cola. Submerge the copper item in the soda for an hour, then rinse and dry. [29]
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      • Try not to use paper towels to dry copper—some kinds can leave scratches in the polished surface. [30]
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      • When buffing copper items, move in the direction of the grain, either up and down or left and right. [31]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-copper/
      2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-copper-281474979530484/
      3. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-copper-281474979530484/
      4. ↑ https://howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-copper/
      5. ↑ https://howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-copper/
      6. ↑ https://howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-copper/
      7. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-clean-copper-naturally-4864294
      8. ↑ Alicia Sokolowski. Green Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-clean-copper-naturally-4864294
      1. ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-clean-copper-naturally-4864294
      3. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-clean-copper-naturally-4864294
      4. ↑ https://www.history.com/news/ketchup-surprising-ancient-history
      5. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-clean-copper-naturally-4864294
      6. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-copper-cookware/
      7. ↑ Ryan Santos. Cleaning Expert. Expert Interview. 24 March 2023.
      8. ↑ Ryan Santos. Cleaning Expert. Expert Interview. 24 March 2023.
      9. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-copper-cookware/
      10. ↑ Mark Sandler. Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
      11. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-a-copper-sink/
      12. ↑ https://food52.com/blog/20885-coppermill-kitchen-beth-sweeney-interview-how-to-care-tips
      13. ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/cleaning-tips/a45987141/how-to-clean-polish-copper/
      14. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/21304474/how-to-clean-copper
      15. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/does-copper-rust/
      16. ↑ https://www.science.org.au/curious/technology-future/why-does-copper-turn-green
      17. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-copper-7101123
      18. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-a-copper-si
      19. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/21304474/how-to-clean-copper
      20. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-clean-copper-naturally-4864294
      21. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-copper-cookware/
      22. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/21304474/how-to-clean-copper

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