Method 2: Use Lemon and Salt
before after cleaning copper
There are few cleaning jobs that lemon can’t accomplish. You can get rid of any tarnish stain with the dynamic duo of lemon and salt. The acidic nature of lemon combined with salt can break up surface corrosion, allowing you to completely clean your copperware.
Things you’ll need:
things need to clean copper
Lemon, cut in halves (acidic properties)
Salt (abrasive in nature)
Towel
Step 1. Scrub the copper surface with lemon and salt
scrub copper with lemon and salt
Dip the cut side of the lemon in salt, so that the salt coats the entire lemon surface.
Scrub the tarnished copper with the salted lemon to reveal the shining metal underneath.
When you run out of salt on the lemon, dip the lemon in the salt again before moving on to the next spot.
Go over the entire copper surface to clean any remaining tarnish stains.
Step 2. Buff the copper item with a towel to restore its shine
buff the copper with towel to restore shine
When all the tarnish stains are removed, wipe the mess clean with a towel.
Buff the metal with a dry face of the towel for a glossy finish.
clean copper surface
Method 3: Use Vinegar and Salt
before after cleaning copper
If you don’t have flour at hand, you can also make do with a simple vinegar and salt paste. The basic working principle is the same, just without the added benefit of flour. You may need to use more elbow grease.
Things you’ll need:
things need to clean copper
Salt (abrasive in nature)
White vinegar (acidic nature)
Kitchen towel
Step 1. Make a salt and vinegar paste
make a paste with salt and vinegar
Put some baking soda in a bowl.
Add an equal amount of white vinegar to it.
The bubbling will settle down as you mix the ingredients.
Step 2. Brush the copper surface with the paste
brush the surface with the paste
Use a brush to cover the entire surface of the copper item with the salt and vinegar paste.
Let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the paste to work.
Step 3. Buff the copper item with a towel to remove the tarnish
buff the surface with a towel
Start rubbing the surface of the metal with a kitchen towel. You’ll notice that the tarnish-free metal starts surfacing.
Burnish the entire copper surface to reveal the shining surface underneath.
copper surface after cleaning
Method 4: Use Ketchup
before after cleaning copperware
The image of ketchup remains untarnished when it comes to removing tarnish from metals. The salt and vinegar present in the ketchup are responsible for its tarnish-removing capability.
The only downside is that it can be a sticky, gooey mess. You may not want to put it on your prized antiques.
You can also make a natural polish to lacquer your newly cleaned copperware with beeswax and olive oil to protect it from further corrosion. This is the basic formula polish that can also be used as a wood polish. Beeswax has long been used as a natural sealant for metals. It will give your metal a warm and earthy finish.
Things you’ll need:
things need to clean copperware
Ketchup (tarnish removing property)
Olive oil (prevents further corrosion) – 1 tablespoon
Beeswax (natural sealant) – 1 teaspoon
Kitchen towel
Step 1. Brush the copper surface with ketchup and leave it for 1 hour
brush copperware with ketchup
Coat the copper item with ketchup using any brush.
Let it sit for 1 hour to allow it to work.
Step 2. Wipe the copperware clean with a kitchen towel
wipe the copperware clean with a towel
Simply wipe off the ketchup with a kitchen towel. You’ll find that the tarnish comes off along with the ketchup.
Step 3. Make a natural polish with beeswax and olive oil
make a natural polish with beeswax and olive oil
Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into 1 teaspoon of melted beeswax and mix thoroughly.
You can melt beeswax in a microwave or a double boiler. You can also melt it in a water bath over a stove.
Once taken off the heat, the wax will solidify pretty quickly. So, you’ll need to be swift in adding the olive oil. After mixing in the oil, it won’t solidify as quickly.
Step 4. Coat your copperware with the natural polish
coat the copperware with natural polish
Brush a light coating of the natural polish over the entire copper surface.
You can also use a cotton cloth to buff the surface with this natural polish. Keep buffing until you achieve the shine you desire.
cleaned copper surface
Method 5: Use Baking Soda and Lemon
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