Soap-Man Cleaning Supplies
Kitchen

How to Clean Copper Pans

Keeping your copper pans clean isn't just about appearance -- it's about hygiene and performance. Here's how to do it right, with the supplies you probably already have at home.

What You'll Need

  • Lemon halves
  • Coarse salt
  • Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
  • Soft cloth
  • Baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Wash with gentle dish soap

    Start by washing the copper pan with warm water and Lemon Glow Dish Soap to remove surface food and grease.

  2. 2

    Polish with lemon and salt

    Cut a lemon in half, dip the cut side in coarse salt, and rub it over the copper surface. The citric acid and salt work together to dissolve tarnish and oxidation.

  3. 3

    Tackle stubborn tarnish

    For heavy tarnish, make a paste of equal parts lemon juice, salt, and baking soda. Apply it to the affected areas and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Rinse and dry immediately

    Rinse under warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth right away. Any water left on copper will create new spots.

Pro Tips

  • TIPKetchup is a surprisingly effective copper polish in a pinch -- the acetic acid and tomato acid dissolve tarnish. Apply, wait 5 minutes, then rinse.
  • TIPIf you prefer the natural patina, just wash with soap and water -- polishing is aesthetic, not functional.
  • TIPHang copper pans rather than stacking them to prevent scratches on the soft copper surface.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XUsing abrasive scrubbers on copper, which scratch the soft metal and create dull patches that are hard to polish out.
  • XPutting copper pans in the dishwasher, which causes rapid and uneven tarnishing from harsh detergents.
  • XUsing copper polish on the cooking surface of lined copper pans -- the interior is tin or stainless steel and should be cleaned differently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Copper tarnish (patina) on the exterior is purely cosmetic and safe. However, if the tin or stainless steel lining inside the pan is worn through, stop cooking with it until re-lined.