Cleaning Copper Pans: Removing Burn Spots

Burnt copper pans can be difficult to clean, but it's not impossible. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean burn spots out of copper pans and restore them to their former glory. First, remove any burnt food particles from the pan by filling the sink with very hot, soapy water and allowing the pan to soak for several hours. Next, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive scrubber to dislodge the burnt-on food. Then, create a natural cleaning solution by mixing vinegar and baking soda, or lemon juice and baking soda, and apply it to the burnt areas. For more stubborn stains, use a commercial copper cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. After applying the cleaning solution, scrub the pan again with a non-abrasive scrubber and rinse it with warm water. Finally, dry the pan with a soft cloth. With these steps, your copper pans will be burn-spot-free and ready to use again!

Removing burnt food from a copper pan

Step 1: Remove the burnt food

Start by removing any large pieces of burnt food from the pan. Then, fill the pan with hot water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Next, add two tablespoons of baking soda and let the pan soak for about an hour.

Step 2: Scrub the burnt food

After soaking, use a non-abrasive scrubber to scrub away the burnt food. If the food is still stuck to the pan, let it soak overnight and then scrub again. Rinse the pan with hot water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Step 3: Treat the burn marks

To remove burn marks, cut a lemon in half and dip it in a dish of kosher salt. Rub the lemon onto the burned areas of the pan. Take a dish scrubber and use it to work the salt and lemon juice deeper into the burns. Rinse the pan with clean water.

Step 4: Soak in vinegar

Fill your kitchen sink with enough white vinegar to cover the remaining burn marks and place the copper pot into the liquid. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse the pan again.

Step 5: Treat with tomato sauce

Cover any remaining burn marks with a generous layer of tomato sauce and let it sit for up to 30 minutes. Wash the pan with dishwashing liquid, rinse, and dry.

Step 6: Apply a vinegar and salt paste

In a bowl, mix ¼ to ½ cup of vinegar with ½ cup of table salt to make a paste. Spread the paste over the burnt areas of the pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a soft cloth to buff the paste away, then rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Using natural cleaning solutions

Natural cleaning solutions are a great option for those who want to avoid using harsh chemicals on their copper pans. Here are some ways to clean burnt copper pans using natural ingredients:

Lemon and Salt

• Cut a lemon in half and dip it in a dish of kosher salt, ensuring the pulp side is covered.
• Rub the lemon onto the burnt areas of the pan. The lemon's acid will help remove stubborn stains.
• Use a dish scrubber to work the salt and lemon juice deeper into the burns.
• Rinse the pan with clean water to remove the remnants of the lemon scrub and the marks.

Salt and Lemon Juice

• Mix a thick paste of salt and lemon juice.
• Apply the paste to the bottom of the pan.
• Scrub in a circular motion with a dish scrubber.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

• Mix equal parts vinegar and water and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Pour the mixture into a large bucket or sink and immerse the copper pan.
• Let the pan sit for several hours.
• Stir in a generous amount of baking soda.
• After soaking, use a dish scrubber to remove any remaining residue.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Lemon and Baking Soda

• Combine lemon juice with baking soda and stir until completely mixed.
• Apply the mixture to the copper surface.
• Buff in a circular motion using a soft and clean cloth.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

White Vinegar and Table Salt

• Create a paste using white vinegar and table salt.
• Apply the paste to the surface of the pan.
• Buff the paste using a soft cloth.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

Ketchup

• Squeeze ketchup onto a cloth and rub it onto the pan.
• The pan should return to its coppery colour in minutes.

Beer

• Pour some beer onto the pan and let it sit for a while.
• Wipe the beer off the pan.

These natural cleaning solutions may require some time and effort, depending on the severity of the burns on your copper pan.

Using chemical cleaning agents

Step 1: Choose the Right Cleaner

Select a commercial copper cleaner designed specifically for copper cookware, such as Bar Keepers Friend. These cleaners typically contain weak acids and long-chain hydrocarbons, which are effective in removing burnt-on stains.

Step 2: Apply the Cleaner

Apply the commercial copper cleaner generously to the bottom of the pan, ensuring that it covers all the burnt areas. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the cleaner onto the surface in a circular motion. Be cautious when using these chemical cleaners as they can be harsh on your hands and possibly on the copper itself.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

After allowing the cleaner to work its magic for a few minutes, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water. Ensure that you remove all traces of the chemical cleaning agent. Finally, dry the copper pan with a soft, clean cloth to prevent water spots and bring back its shine.

Alternative Chemical Solutions:

If you prefer a more natural approach or are unable to find a commercial copper cleaner, there are some alternative chemical solutions you can create at home:

Lemon and Salt:

Cut a lemon in half and dip the cut ends into table salt, ensuring the entire surface is covered. Then, rub the salty lemon onto the burnt areas of the copper pan. The citric acid in the lemon and the abrasive action of the salt will help remove the stains.

Vinegar, Salt, and Flour:

Create a paste by mixing white vinegar, table salt, and flour in a bowl. Apply this paste to the burnt areas of the copper pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a soft cloth to buff the paste away in a circular motion. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

Baking Soda and Vinegar:

Sprinkle baking soda onto the burnt areas of the pan and cover it with water. Boil the solution until it dries, then repeat the process with fresh water a couple of times without heating. Scrub the pan while it's still warm and wet, and repeat the process for harder stains.

Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide):

If the above methods are unsuccessful, you can try using caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, commonly found in drain cleaners). Fill the pan with water and add caustic soda, being very careful as the solution will get warm. Wear gloves and eye protection. This strong chemical will start to etch the copper, so monitor the process closely.

Remember to always exercise caution when using chemical cleaning agents, and avoid using harsh abrasives that can scratch the copper surface. With the right chemical cleaner and a bit of elbow grease, your burnt copper pans will be sparkling like new!

Removing residual stains with salted lemon

Lemon and salt is a natural and effective method for cleaning copper cookware, but it may not be suitable for all types of copper objects. Before using this method, remove any delicate or sensitive finishes, valuable antiques, or decorative elements that could be damaged by scrubbing. Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl, removing any seeds. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of table salt or coarse salt onto half of the lemon.

Gently rub the salted lemon onto the bottom of the pan, focusing on the burnt areas. If necessary, repeat this process with the remaining lemon half. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any lemon juice and salt residue, and dry it with a soft cloth. This method can also be used to remove stubborn stains or tarnish from copper pieces.

For an even more intensive treatment, create a cleaning paste by mixing two parts salt with three parts lemon juice. Apply the paste to the bottom of the pan and let it sit for five to ten minutes before scrubbing. You can also cut a fresh lemon in half and dip it in table salt, then scrub the heavily stained areas. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Lemon and salt can also be used in combination with other natural ingredients for a thorough clean. One option is to combine lemon juice with baking soda to create a thick, grainy paste. Rub this paste into the burn marks until they are completely removed, then wash and dry the pan. Alternatively, mix lemon juice with vinegar and flour to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to the bottom of the pan and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the paste into the burnt areas, then rinse and dry the pan.

Maintaining and preventing tarnish on copper pans

Cleaning Copper Pans:

• Wash your copper pan with hot, soapy water after each use. Use a non-abrasive sponge or dish wand to avoid scratching the surface.
• To remove stuck-on food from the interior, sprinkle some baking soda on the sponge to create a gentle abrasive.
• Dry your copper pan thoroughly with a clean towel after washing. This helps prevent water spots from forming.
• For a deeper clean, remove tarnish with lemons, vinegar, or ketchup. Cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, and rub it over the outside of the pan. Alternatively, make a paste with vinegar, salt, and flour, and apply it to the copper. You can also spread a layer of ketchup over the tarnished areas.
• Always avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, harsh chemicals, and the dishwasher when cleaning copper pans.

Preventing Tarnish:

• Keep your copper pans dry. Moisture speeds up the tarnishing process, so be sure to dry your pans immediately after washing.
• Coat your copper pans with a light layer of mineral or baby oil. This will protect the copper from air exposure and slow the tarnishing process.
• Store your copper pans properly. Sunlight and contact with other cookware can speed up tarnishing. Keep them out of direct sunlight and separate them from other cookware with soft cloths or acid-free tissue paper.
• Polish your copper pans with a specialty copper cleaner and a microfiber cloth every six months to keep them tarnish-free.

By following these simple steps, you can maintain the beauty and performance of your copper pans for years to come.

Frequently asked questions