Soap-Man Cleaning Supplies
Jewelry

How to Clean Copper

Your copper will sparkle like the day you got them with the right cleaning technique. Here's the safe way that jewelers recommend.

What You'll Need

  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Baking soda
  • Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
  • Soft cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Wash with soapy water

    Clean the copper item with warm water and Lemon Glow Dish Soap to remove surface dirt and grease.

  2. 2

    Apply lemon and salt

    Cut a lemon in half, dip in salt, and rub over the copper. The citric acid and salt dissolve tarnish and oxidation.

  3. 3

    Treat heavy tarnish

    For stubborn spots, make a paste of lemon juice, salt, and baking soda. Apply and let sit 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Rinse and dry immediately

    Rinse under warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth right away. Water left on copper creates new spots.

Pro Tips

  • TIPVinegar and salt works just as well as lemon and salt for cleaning copper.
  • TIPThe green patina (verdigris) that forms on copper is a natural protective layer. Some people prefer to keep it.
  • TIPApply beeswax or mineral oil after polishing to slow re-tarnishing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XUsing abrasive scrubbers on copper, which scratch the soft metal surface.
  • XLeaving copper wet after cleaning, which immediately starts new oxidation spots.
  • XUsing bleach on copper, which causes rapid and uneven discoloration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply clear lacquer, beeswax, or mineral oil after polishing. Store in a dry environment.