What is the Best Way to Clean Copper?
Copper may be tough, but it’s also temperamental and changeable. The greenish verdigris patina that looks so distinguished on a copper roof or statue may not seem as attractive on the copper bottom of a pot. Or that same pot that is impervious to water may react with the oxygen in the air and turn a dark-brown hue that leaves the familiar copper shine only a memory. To clean copper, however, it isn’t necessary to go as far as the hardware store. Most of the supplies to do the job can be found in your pantry, and what sound like folk remedies often turn out to be quite effective. Ketchup, lemon, vinegar, and salt? All come highly recommended as agents to clean copper, when used in the right way. The three culprits that cause copper tarnishing are cupric sulfide, copper sulfate and copper chloride. All are susceptible to the action of acid influences, especially mild household acids. To clean copper, think vinegar, or lemon juice. Of course, because this metal has so many practical appli
