When one buys copper cookware it is most likely to be used for decorative purposes. However, that does not mean that there aren’t any who use copper cookware for preparing dishes. If you are planning or have used copper for cooking then you might wonder just how to clean copper and give it its original shine.
Cleaning Tools/Materials
Here are the following items you’ll need on how to clean copper:
Lemon
Salt
Soft cloth
How to Clean Copper
Bring out your lemon and cut it in half. Grab some salt and then sprinkle them on the open half of the lemon. Using this salted side of your lemon, rub off the tarnished areas on your copper cookware. Copper pots will be your most likely object when doing the rough cleaning. The salt will act as your abrasive that deals with the tough stains while the lemon will act as your cleanser.
That is the cheaper way on how to clean copper. However, if you do not want to deal with lemons and salt, an alternative would be to use tarnish removers sold commercially. Do take note that you are going to spend a lot more than you would have when using such products.
Tarnished copper utensils should be boiled in a pot of water with a tablespoon of salt and a cup of vinegar. Boil these utensils for couple or so hours. Wash these items with warm water and soap and then rinse them. Dry your copper utensils using a soft cloth.
Dealing with Ordinary Dirt
Now, here’s what you do on how to clean copper if you don’t really have to deal with tough tarnishes and stains. Create a paste made of salt and lemon juice. Apply this paste using a soft cloth on the entire copper surface or your copper cookware. Rinse it with warm water and wipe dry with a soft towel.
Grease and Burned/Stuck Food
You’ll definitely encounter grease and bits of burned or otherwise stuck food on your copper cookware. Sometimes these will not be easily removed by the usual methods. Here’s how to clean copper with sticky grease and other stuck or burned food. Fill your kitchen sink, or a large enough container if that is not available, with soapy water.
Soak your copper cookware in this solution overnight. Once you’re done soaking, grab a soft cloth and dip it in warm soapy water. Rub off grease and other burned or stuck food. Never scrape your copper cookware with scouring pads and other abrasive materials. You’ll be rubbing off the plating if you use these items and can prove to be a health hazard.
