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How do you remove oxidation from copper?

Kadi Dulude
House Cleaning Professional
Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine.

Kadi Dulude

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Try using vinegar! Vinegar may be enough to remove oxidization on your piece of copper.

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Question

How do you remove oxidation from copper?

Kadi Dulude
House Cleaning Professional
Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine.

Kadi Dulude

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

If your copper item got oxidized, try to wet the copper surface and then scrub it with salt.

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Question

How can I stop a copper bracelet from tarnishing?

Community Answer

Apply several thin coats of lacquer.

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Question

I tried these methods on my copper kettle, but it started removing the copper color as well, and it left some pink spots. How can I clean my kettle without removing the copper itself?

Community Answer

Solid copper will not behave in this way. You are attempting to clean copper plate. This is very thin generally, so don't use an abrasive cleaner or harsh acids. A product such as Tarnoff is probably your best bet. Otherwise, just use a very light vinegar solution and lots and lots of very gentle rubbing.

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What are some good ways to clean a valuable old coin?

Community Answer

I've heard that polishing certain antiques can reduce their value. The actual patina can help with the authenticity. So, if you're planning on selling it, I'd be careful and get an expert's opinion first.

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I used the lemon/salt method of cleaning some exposed copper pipe. It worked beautifully at first, but one day later, the copper now has a dull dark finish. What went wrong?

Community Answer

To stop the continued "erosion" by your lemon (or vinegar) mix on the metal, you need to neutralize the copper surface. Usually, "painting" a mix of a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda mixed with a liter of water and then enthusiastically rinsing with water will do the job.

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Question

How can I polish a copper pipe?

Community Answer

You can polish the copper by simply applying metal polishers to a cotton cloth, and rubbing the copper until it becomes shiny. The methods here should also work.

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Question

Do you have any other suggestions if the salt and vinegar doesn't remove the spots completely?

Thorlaug Borg

Community Answer

You could use a name-brand copper polish product. They are usually found at large supermarkets next to silver and brass polish products.

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Question

How do I polish a copper penny?

Community Answer

Coin cleaning with vinegar and salt formula will do a fine job on your copper coins. Simply put vinegar and salt in a container, put the penny in for 5 - 10 minutes, then rub it with a non-abrasive cloth. Rinse well with distilled water and air dry.

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What can I use to prevent copper from becoming tarnished?

Community Answer

Use soap, vinegar, and water. Mix them together and paint it on. Use gloves and put the piece of copper on an outdoor table, or on a paper towel on an indoor table.

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Question

Can you save a copper pot someone used as a planter?

Community Answer

Find a brass and copper restorer product in liquid form, it's much easier to use than a cream or paste and doesn't require scrubbing. The tarnish is washed away easily. Check that the product is non-toxic and easy to use, then give the copper pot a good rinse-clean following the manufacturer's instructions.

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Question

How do I clean the tarnish off a large item like an apple butter kettle?

Community Answer

Tartaric acid. Soak in the sink with this for awhile and your copper will come out shining, no rubbing necessary.

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Question

Is there an easy way to clean sticky tape residue off of copper pipes?

Community Answer

I'm a professional HVAC tech, and I use brake cleaner to clean the sticky film left when I remove pipe insulation before soldering or brazing.

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How do I preserve the old tarnished look on copper?

Community Answer

Scrub with vinegar and salt. Use a steel wool pad or Scotchbrite, and be sure to go with the grain of the copper. Use a tablespoon of salt with a cup or so of white vinegar.

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If I used vinegar and salt on what must be a copper plated necklace and now it won't polish, what can I do?

Community Answer

Electroplated items cannot be polished with an abrasive like salt. You probably removed the copper electroplate and are now looking at the brass base metal.

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