Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 6/19/2020 to
Guides
Copper cookware is aesthetically pleasing as many hang copper pots to add warmth to a kitchen but copper also conducts heat well which has made it a popular metal to use for cookware over the years. Because it is a softer metal however, it does require a little more maintenance than other cookware pieces. If not properly cared for, copper loses its sheen and will begin to turn a darker color. But, if properly maintained, copper cookware can last for years.
Before getting into how to polish your copper pots, it is important to note a few things you should not do. Copper pieces should not be placed in the dishwasher. This is because the detergents typically used to clean dishes in the dishwasher are too harsh for copper. The same goes for bleach--avoid using any cleaners that contain bleach as this could leave your copper scarred and pockmarked.
Despite advising against the dishwasher, you should wash your copper pot prior to polishing it. This can be done by hand using warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge. Since most copper pots are lined on the inside with another metal, this method is gentle enough to use on either surface. For unlined pots, using either a lemon and salt or vinegar and salt solution is typically recommended.
Once rinsed and dry, it's time to polish the copper outside to prevent it from tarnishing. While there are specialty creams or cleaners you can purchase to do this, there are also several homemade remedies that work just as well. You can combine lemon juice and baking soda or vinegar and salt to create a paste. Apply this paste to the copper surface and buff using a soft cloth before rinsing and drying. Likewise, you can apply ketchup and rub it across the surface before rinsing and drying. This works because ketchup is made with tomatoes which contain an acid that can remove tarnish. The last homemade remedy is one that was mentioned in our previous post, 10 Ways to Clean your Kitchen with Lemons. Take half of a lemon and dip the cut end in salt before rubbing it over the copper surface. Then rinse and dry. Make sure not to scour the pan if you choose this method however, and rinse thoroughly, as too much pressure can grind the salt into the pan and leave it pockmarked.
