How to Polish Copper

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Copper plates, decorations, and jewelry can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, copper can become dull with time and requires regular polishing. You can polish copper fairly easily with household supplies like lemon and flour. You can also use a commercial polish on copper. When you're done, your copper polish will shine like it's brand new.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Lemon and Salt

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    Cut a lemon in half. Then, sprinkle half the lemon with a generous amount of salt. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    For mildly tarnished jewelry, you can simply rub down the surface with the lemon. Rub the surface the same way you would rub it with a sponge or cloth. Rub as much as necessary to remove the tarnish. [2]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    If you can't remove tarnish using a lemon, squeeze out some juice from the lemon into a bowl. Add salt. Mix salt with the lemon until you've formed a thick paste. [3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    Use a spoon to apply your paste to the stubborn areas on your copper piece. Let the paste sit on for a few minutes. Long exposure to the lemon paste will result in more tarnish being removed. [4]
    • You do not need to rub the paste in too hard. Simply applying the paste should polish your copper.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    After your copper is polished to your liking, rinse off any lingering lemon and salt residue by rinsing your copper with clean, warm water. Make sure to pat the copper dry afterwards with a soft rag or cloth. You do not want copper to stay wet for long, as this can cause rust. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Vinegar, Salt, and Flour

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    In a large bowl, combine equal parts flour and salt. The amount you use depends on how much copper you have to polish. Mix with a spoon until everything is evenly mixed. [6]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    Pour vinegar into your flour/salt mixture slowly. Add enough vinegar to create a thick, spreadable paste. The amount of vinegar depends on how much flour and salt you used. [7]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    Dip a cloth in your paste. Rub the paste into your copper, targeting any tarnished or dull areas in particular. Keep rubbing the copper until it has a nice shine. [8]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    Rinse the copper in clean water. Make sure to get rid of any residue. Then, gently pat the copper dry. [9]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using a Commercial Polisher

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    [10] Copper is a specific type of material and needs to be treated with a specific polish. Things like silver or metal polish can easily damage copper. When selecting a commercial polish, make sure it's a polish specifically made for copper. [11]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    Use a soft cloth to wipe any dust off your copper. Dust can get plastered onto copper if it's not wiped off before the polishing process. This is especially important for copper that's been stored in a dusty area, like an attic, for a prolonged period. [13]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    Apply your polish to a polish cloth. The amount you need varies. Use a generous amount of polish for very tarnished pieces and only a light amount for copper that only requires a light polishing. [14]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Polish Copper
    Use your polishing cloth to buff your polish into your copper. Apply a decent amount of pressure to remove any tarnish. Keep polishing until your copper shines. [15]
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    Use clean water to rinse off any remaining polish after you're done. Then, gently pat your copper dry. Make sure to get the copper completely dry as water can cause copper to rust. [16]
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How Should You Clean A Copper Kettle?


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you remove oxidation from copper?
    Elias Weston
    Cleaning Specialist
    Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
    Elias Weston
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Use acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar. These can help dissolve the oxidization on your copper.
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  • Question
    Can I use baking soda for this?
    Elias Weston
    Cleaning Specialist
    Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
    Elias Weston
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes! Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of vinegar (or lemon juice) to form a paste. Using a microfiber cloth, apply the paste and buff the copper. Rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    How do you clean badly tarnished copper?
    Mark Sandler
    Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser
    Mark Sandler is a Graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, and a Jeweler with over 30 years of experience. His family business, Designer Jewels, has been designing handmade jewelry for five generations. Mark is a member of the American Society of Appraisers and the American Gem Society.
    Mark Sandler
    Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser
    Expert Answer
    Try using copper polish to clean your badly tarnished copper. You can buy it from a hardware store or online.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-and-polish-copper-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-216573
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-and-polish-copper-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-216573
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-and-polish-copper-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-216573
      4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-and-polish-copper-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-216573
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-and-polish-copper-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-216573
      6. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-ecopolish-your-copper-p-131194
      7. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-ecopolish-your-copper-p-131194
      8. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-ecopolish-your-copper-p-131194
      9. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-ecopolish-your-copper-p-131194
      1. ↑ Mark Sandler. Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.oldcopper.org/special_topics/surface_finishes.php#_Toc432441507
      3. ↑ Mark Sandler. Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
      4. ↑ https://www.oldcopper.org/special_topics/surface_finishes.php#_Toc432441507
      5. ↑ https://www.oldcopper.org/special_topics/surface_finishes.php#_Toc432441507
      6. ↑ https://www.oldcopper.org/special_topics/surface_finishes.php#_Toc432441507
      7. ↑ https://www.oldcopper.org/special_topics/surface_finishes.php#_Toc432441507

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To polish copper with natural ingredients, sprinkle half a lemon with table salt and rub the lemon lightly on the surface. For stubborn tarnish, mix salt and lemon juice together to make a thick paste and let it sit on the surface for a few minutes. Rinse with water and dry the copper with a soft cloth. If you want to try a commercial polish, choose one made specifically for copper. Buff the polish into the surface with a rag until the tarnish disappears. Rinse with water and use a soft cloth to dry the surface. If you want to learn how to use vinegar or a store-bought polish, keep reading!

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