How to Clean Copper and Restore its Shine

Method 5: Use Baking Soda and Lemon

before after cleaning copper

A baking soda and lemon paste can also be used to get rid of the tarnish from a copper surface. Baking soda acts as an abrasive agent and also helps the acidic lemon to break the surface corrosion.

Things you’ll need:

things need for cleaning copper

Baking soda (abrasive agent)
Lemon (acidic properties)
Kitchen towel

Step 1. Combine baking soda and lemon juice

clean copperware with baking soda and lemon

Put some baking soda in a bowl.
Squeeze enough lemon juice into it to make a thin paste.
Don’t fret over the bubbling and fizzing. It will settle as you mix the ingredients into a paste.

Step 2. Brush the copper surface with the paste

brush copper surface with lemon and baking soda paste

Brush the paste over the tarnished surface of the copperware.
Let it sit for about 30 minutes. For stubborn tarnish, you can reapply the coating halfway through.

Step 3. Buff the copper item with a kitchen towel

buff with a kitchen towel

Buff your copperware with a sturdy kitchen towel for a glossy finish.
clean copper ware

Tips
Cream of tartar can be used in place of salt or baking soda with lemon or vinegar.
Avoid excess exposure to moisture to keep your copperware from turning black.
The natural polish can used on alloys of copper like bronze and brass as well.
Lacquered copper ornaments can be cleaned easily with any mild dish soap.
Polish your copperware with a dab of any vegetable oil and a kitchen towel to keep them from becoming tarnished for a long time.