Copper pots, mugs and residential decor objects are each stunning and useful. Exposing your copper to on a regular basis use like water, cooking oils and even air could cause it to tarnish or patina.
Patina is when a inexperienced or brown movie seems on the floor of metals like copper, brass, or silver. When copper patinas, it might naturally turn out to be darker or noticed, and in some circumstances it might develop a stunning turquoise patina.
Many individuals embrace the pure patina of copper, however what if you wish to restore it to its authentic shining end? There are various methods to scrub copper, bringing it again to its former glory.
On this publish, I’ll present examples of most of the hottest cleansing options for copper, together with vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, ketchup, and cleaners like Bar Keepers Pal.
It is possible for you to to see the outcomes and select which one is finest for you and hopefully discover a answer to make use of with elements you have already got at house.
Earlier than starting my exams, I assumed that the chemical-based cleaner would carry out one of the best—however I used to be shocked by the outcomes and can by no means return!
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Cleansing Copper Pots with Vinegar
In a cup, combine 2 tablespoons salt, 2 tablespoons flour and sufficient white vinegar to create a paste.
Use a spoon or your finger to unfold the paste over the copper floor you wish to clear. Use a moist fabric to rub it off and rinse with water when you’re accomplished.
As you’ll be able to see under, the outcomes of this methodology are superb. As quickly as I utilized the paste, the colour started to alter immediately. For darkish spots, do a second utility and permit it to take a seat a couple of minutes earlier than wiping off.
My evaluation of this methodology is a ten/10 as a result of these are elements I at all times have readily available, the outcomes have been nice and I used to be in a position to keep away from any harsh chemical substances. If in case you have these elements, that is the primary methodology I’d suggest attempting!
Cleansing Copper with Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
The subsequent methodology I needed to strive is lemon juice with baking soda. I used to be very optimistic about this methodology as a result of the elements have labored nice for me in different cleansing contexts.
The outcomes, nonetheless, have been fairly disappointing. You possibly can see within the second picture that the baking soda makes a giant bubble mess (remember to do that in a sink). I blended equal components recent lemon juice and baking soda.
As soon as the bubbles settled, the combination was very watery, so I attempted pouring it straight on the floor and rubbing it on utilizing a paper towel.
I’d fee this methodology a 4/10. You possibly can see that it did make some shade change on the floor of the copper, but it surely didn’t clear deeply the way in which the vinegar variations did.
I’d solely suggest this methodology for those who don’t have any of the opposite elements readily available.
Cleansing Copper with Ketchup
I attempted cleansing copper with ketchup. I had seen this accomplished earlier than, so I assumed it will work. However I used to be curious how it will examine to the vinegar methodology.
I squirted some ketchup straight onto the copper and unfold it on the floor with my finger. I let it sit on the copper for a full minute earlier than scrubbing it with a fabric and rinsing it.
This methodology labored nice! If you need a barely extra delicate cleansing that leaves extra patina texture, I’d suggest it. It’s not as highly effective because the vinegar methodology, but it surely works rather well.
I additionally love that ketchup is a simple ingredient to search out and many people have already got it readily available! 8/10
Cleansing Copper with Bar Keepers Pal
I’ve used Bar Keepers Pal many instances up to now to scrub my copper pots. They make a liquid and a powder model, which is beneficial for various issues. I like that it’s efficient and quick.
I don’t love that it has dangerous elements and isn’t protected to maintain round a kid-friendly home. It’s vital to make use of gloves whereas cleansing with Bar Keepers Pal.
Earlier than attempting these different strategies, I totally anticipated Bar Keepers Pal to be the clear winner. After doing this check, I can actually say that the vinegar combination works simply as nicely for cleansing copper.
So whereas Bar Keepers Pal is totally efficient, you must remember to put on gloves and maintain it saved safely away from young children. It cleans equally nicely, however is extra poisonous, so I give it a 7/10.
One final advantage of Bar Keepers pal is that it cleans many several types of surfaces. I truly use it to take away small stains from my quartz counter tops.
I hope this publish has offered you with multiple good possibility for cleansing your copper at house. Tell us within the feedback in case you have a way that has labored nicely for you!
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