Soap-Man Cleaning Supplies
Kitchen

How to Clean Copper Pots

Keeping your copper pots 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
  • Salt
  • Soft cloth
  • Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
  • Warm water

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Wash with dish soap first

    Wash the copper pot with warm water and dish soap to remove food residue. Rinse and dry.

  2. 2

    Cut a lemon in half

    Cut a fresh lemon in half. The citric acid is excellent for removing tarnish from copper.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle the lemon with salt

    Sprinkle coarse salt on the cut side of the lemon. The salt acts as a mild abrasive.

  4. 4

    Rub the copper

    Rub the lemon and salt all over the copper surface in circular motions. Watch the tarnish lift in seconds.

  5. 5

    Rinse and buff

    Rinse with warm water to remove all lemon juice and salt. Buff dry with a soft cloth for a brilliant shine.

Pro Tips

  • TIPDry copper pots immediately after washing -- water spots and tarnish form quickly on wet copper.
  • TIPUse only the unlined exterior on lined copper pots -- never let acidic foods touch the copper directly inside lined pans.
  • TIPPolish copper monthly to maintain the shine, or let it develop a patina for a rustic look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XUsing harsh chemical polishes on antique copper, which can damage the surface and reduce value.
  • XLetting copper air dry, which causes water spots and tarnish.
  • XCooking acidic foods directly on bare copper, which dissolves the metal into food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lemon and salt is the best natural method. For severe tarnish, use a copper-specific polish.