Cleaning Rusty Copper Pans: Tips And Tricks

Cleaning a rusty copper pan can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and a little patience, it can be restored to its former glory. Copper is a soft and reactive metal that can easily tarnish and corrode, especially when exposed to acidic foods, water, and air. To clean a rusty copper pan, you need to follow specific steps and use appropriate cleaning agents to remove the rust and restore the pan's shine. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean a rusty copper pan and maintain its luster.

Lemon and salt

Step 1: Cut and Squeeze Lemon

Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl, removing any seeds that may fall out.

Step 2: Add Salt to Lemon

Sprinkle a generous amount of table salt or coarse salt onto half of the lemon. The salt will create a natural abrasive effect when combined with the lemon.

Step 3: Scrub with Lemon and Salt

Gently rub the salted lemon onto the rusty or tarnished areas of the copper pan. The acid in the lemon will help to break down the rust and tarnish, while the salt will provide a mild abrasive action to help lift it off the pan.

For more delicate pans or to avoid scratching, squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl, add salt, and mix to form a paste. Then, use a soft cloth to apply the paste to the pan, gently rubbing it onto the rusty areas.

Step 4: Repeat if Needed

If necessary, repeat the process with the remaining lemon half to ensure you have treated all the rusty areas effectively.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After treating the rusty areas, rinse the copper pan with warm water to remove any remaining lemon juice and salt residue. Dry the pan thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or a soft towel to prevent water spots and promote a shiny finish.

Tips:

• For more stubborn stains, apply the lemon and salt paste and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the area periodically during this time.
• If you are concerned about scratching, avoid using a coarse salt, and opt for fine table salt instead.
• This method may not be effective for stains caused by high heat.
• Always dry your copper pan thoroughly after cleaning to prevent moisture buildup, which can accelerate tarnishing.

Vinegar and salt

To clean your copper pan with vinegar and salt, start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl, adding 1 tablespoon of salt. You can adjust the measurements depending on the size of your pan. Next, dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture, ensuring it's well-saturated but not dripping. Then, gently rub the cloth onto the tarnished areas of your pan, applying light pressure and moving in a circular motion.

For stubborn tarnish, let the solution sit on the surface for a few minutes before scrubbing. After treating the tarnished areas, rinse the pan with water to remove any vinegar residue, and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

For extra-tough spots, such as the bottom of a copper pan that experiences a lot of wear and tear, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the dirty spots. Apply warm water with a cloth or sponge and lightly buff the area, being careful not to apply too much pressure as this can easily scratch copper.

You can also try a different approach by sprinkling salt over the item you want to clean and then pouring vinegar directly over the salt. You may see it begin to work immediately! Scrub with a cloth or pad in a circular motion, adding more vinegar as needed. Repeat this process until the object is at your desired level of shine.

For a less messy approach, soak a clean cloth in vinegar and scrub the object. Rinse with water afterward.

Ketchup

If your copper pan has a lacquer finish, you should not need to worry about rust. Simply wash it with mild dish soap and dry with a cloth.

If your copper pan does not have a lacquer finish, it will need to be polished to remove tarnish and prevent rust. Copper reacts with oxygen over time, resulting in copper oxide forming on the exterior of the pan. This copper oxide is what many people refer to as "tarnish". If left, the chemical reaction will continue, forming a patina that results in a bluish-green hue.

To prevent this, you can polish your copper pan with ketchup. The acid in the tomatoes will remove the tarnish. Cover the surface of the pan with ketchup and gently use a microfiber cloth to rub it all over the surface. Then, thoroughly rinse the pan with water to remove the ketchup and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

You can also use other household items to clean copper, such as lemon and salt, or vinegar and salt.

Baking soda and water

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Start by scraping off as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a non-abrasive tool such as a wooden spatula or a soft cloth to avoid scratching the copper.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste

Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water in a ratio of 3:1 or 4:1, depending on the size of your pan. You want a thick paste that will coat the rusty areas of the pan. Adjust the amounts as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 3: Apply the Paste to the Pan

Generously apply the baking soda and water paste to the rusty areas of the pan. Make sure the paste is thick enough to fully coat the affected areas. You can use a brush, sponge, or your hands to apply the paste.

Step 4: Let the Paste Sit

Allow the paste to sit on the pan for several hours or even overnight. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be at loosening the rust and stains. If you're in a hurry, you can shorten this step, but it may require more elbow grease in the next steps.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After the paste has had time to work its magic, it's time to scrub. Use a nylon brush, non-abrasive scouring sponge, or soft cloth to scrub the paste and rust away. Be gentle but firm, and scrub in a circular motion. If needed, add more baking soda and water to keep the paste effective.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed the rust and stains, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water. Dry the pan immediately with a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth. This step is important to prevent water spots and to restore the shine to your copper pan.

Additional Tips:

• If your copper pan has a tin lining, be extra gentle when scrubbing to avoid damaging the lining.
• For extremely tough rust or burnt-on food, you can create a stronger cleaning solution by adding vinegar or lemon juice to the baking soda and water paste. However, be cautious when using acidic ingredients on copper, as they can cause discolouration.
• Always dry your copper pan thoroughly after washing to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to tarnishing.

Commercial copper cleaner

Step 1: Choose the Right Commercial Copper Cleaner

Select a reputable brand of commercial copper cleaner, such as Wright's Copper Cream, Bar Keepers Friend, or Flitz Brass and Copper Tarnish Remover. These products are known for their effectiveness in removing stains and tarnish.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Before applying the commercial copper cleaner, remove any burnt food particles or residue from the pan. Fill your sink or a large bucket with very hot, soapy water and allow the pan to soak for several hours. This will soften and loosen any stubborn burnt-on food or grease. Use a soft cloth or a non-abrasive scrubber to gently scrub away the residue.

Step 3: Apply the Commercial Copper Cleaner

Follow the instructions on the selected commercial copper cleaner for proper application. Typically, you will apply a small amount of the cleaner directly to the bottom of the pan or onto a soft cloth. Some products come in spray bottles, making it easy to apply the cleaner evenly.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the pan in a circular motion. The commercial copper cleaner will start to break down the tarnish and stains, making it easier to remove them. You may need to apply a little elbow grease, especially for heavily burnt or stained areas.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Pan

After scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue from the commercial copper cleaner. Dry the pan immediately with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots and slow down the oxidation process.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

If there are still stubborn stains or burnt-on food, you may need to repeat the process. Reapply the commercial copper cleaner and scrub again until the pan is restored to its former glory.

Tips for Using Commercial Copper Cleaners:

• Always read the instructions on the commercial copper cleaner before use and follow any safety precautions.
• Some commercial copper cleaners can be harsh on your hands, so consider wearing gloves during the cleaning process.
• Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as they can scratch the delicate copper surface.
• For heavily burnt or stained pans, you may need to let the commercial copper cleaner sit on the surface for a few minutes before scrubbing.
• For maintenance, clean your copper pan after each use with hot soapy water and dry it thoroughly to prevent tarnish and discolouration.

Frequently asked questions