Cleaning Copper Pans: Easy Tips For Sparkling Cookware

Copper cookware is a sight to behold, but it requires more care than other metals. Copper is delicate and reactive, so you can't scrub it with steel wool. The good news is that there are several ways to clean copper without damaging it, and many of these methods use pantry staples. Before cleaning copper, check if it has a lacquer finish, as the cleaning method will differ depending on whether it is lacquered or unlacquered. For lacquered copper, use warm water and a mild dish soap, and dry with a soft cloth. For unlacquered copper, a combination of an acid and salt is often used, such as lemon and salt, or vinegar and salt. Commercial copper cleaners are also available, but these tend to be more expensive.

Clean with lemon and salt

Lemon and salt are a great combination for cleaning copper pans. The citric acid in lemon juice reacts with the tarnish to break its bond with the surface of the copper, while the salt acts as a mild abrasive to scrub away the tarnish without damaging the metal. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning a copper pan with lemon and salt:

Step 1: Wash the Pan

Start by washing the pan in warm soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth. This will remove any dust, greasy film, or burnt-on food particles on the surface. For burnt-on food, fill the sink or a bucket with very hot, soapy water and let the pan soak for several hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon and Salt

Cut a fresh lemon in half. Sprinkle or dip the lemon half into table salt, coating the pulp. The salted lemon becomes a natural abrasive sponge.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Gently rub the salted lemon onto the tarnished areas of the copper pan. The lemon juice and salt will start to break down the tarnish and bring back the copper's shine. For stubborn stains, squeeze lemon juice into a bowl, add salt, and mix to form a paste. Apply the paste to the pan and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once the pan is clean, rinse it with warm water to remove any residue. Dry the pan thoroughly with a lint-free towel or cloth. Avoid air-drying as this can cause water stains or further tarnishing.

Tips and Precautions:

• If you are worried about scratching delicate copper, squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl and mix with salt to form a paste. Apply the paste with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Lemon and salt are not recommended for lacquered copper or items with delicate finishes.
• Always dry copper thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots and slow down the tarnishing process.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals on copper as it is a soft, reactive metal that can scratch easily.

Use vinegar and salt

If your copper pan is looking a little worse for wear, a simple and natural way to clean it is by using vinegar and salt. This method is especially useful for a copper sink or countertop.

Firstly, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and add 1 tablespoon of salt. You can adjust the measurements depending on the size of your pan. Next, dip a microfiber cloth into the vinegar solution, ensuring it is well-saturated but not dripping. Then, gently rub the cloth onto the tarnished areas of the 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. Finally, rinse the pan with water to remove any vinegar residue, and dry with a microfiber cloth.

As vinegar is an acidic solution, prolonged exposure or excessive use can potentially dull certain types of copper finishes. Therefore, it is recommended to test the vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the pan before applying it to the entire surface.

Try a commercial cleaner

If your copper pan has a lacquered finish, it's best to avoid commercial cleaners as they may be too harsh for the varnish. Instead, wash the pan in warm, soapy water, dry it with a soft cloth, and buff it with a microfiber cloth to keep it shiny.

However, if your copper pan is unlacquered, you can use a commercial cleaner to remove tarnish and restore its shine. Here are some tips for using a commercial cleaner on your copper pan:

• Choose a specialty copper cleaner: Look for products specifically designed for cleaning copper, such as Wright's Copper Cream, Matfer Bourgeat Bistro Copper Cleaning Paste, Mauviel Copperbrill, or Flitz Paste Polish. These cleaners typically contain a combination of mild acids and long-chain hydrocarbons that are safe for copper.
• Spot-test the cleaner: Before applying the commercial cleaner to the entire pan, test it on a small area to ensure it doesn't cause any damage. Follow the directions carefully, as leaving the product on for too long or rubbing too vigorously can harm the finish.
• Apply the cleaner: Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the commercial cleaner to your copper pan, working it into the metal in circular motions. Pay particular attention to any heavily tarnished areas.
• Rinse and dry: After applying the cleaner, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue. Dry the pan completely with a soft, clean cloth.
• Buff to a shine: For an extra glossy finish, use a second dry cloth to buff the copper in circular motions. The more you buff, the shinier your copper pan will become.
• Reapply varnish: If you wish to slow down future tarnishing, you can apply a clear coat varnish designed for copper, such as Guardsman Weather Defense, after cleaning and polishing.

Remember always to follow the instructions on the commercial cleaner's packaging and avoid using abrasive tools that could scratch or damage the copper surface. With the right care, your copper pan will maintain its beautiful shine for years to come.

Polish with ketchup

Copper pans are beautiful, but they can be a pain to keep clean. Luckily, there's an easy, inexpensive solution: ketchup!

Copper oxide, which forms when copper reacts with air, is the reason your copper pans lose their shine over time. This copper oxide dissolves in a mixture of weak acid and table salt, which are both found in ketchup.

To polish your copper pans with ketchup, first decant some ketchup into a small pot. Then, apply a liberal coating of ketchup to your copper pan. Leave the ketchup on the pan for 10 to 20 minutes. Finally, wipe the pan clean and rinse it in warm water. That's it! Your pan will be shiny and clean.

You can also make a paste by mixing two parts ketchup to one part fine sea salt. Apply the paste to your pan and let it sit for several minutes before washing it off with cold water. Then, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cotton cloth.

If your pan has tough, stuck-on food, you can try letting the pan soak in hot, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing it with a sponge. Just be sure to avoid using anything too abrasive, like steel wool, on your copper pan, as copper is a delicate metal.

Wash with dish soap

To clean copper pans with dish soap, start by filling your pan with hot, soapy water. Let the pan soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, use a sponge, soft brush, or washcloth to scrub away any remaining food residue. Be sure to use a gentle hand and avoid steel wool or other abrasive materials, as these can damage the copper. After scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly. It's important to dry copper completely after washing to prevent water spots and slow down the oxidation process.

If you're dealing with stuck-on food, you can try bringing the soapy water to a boil in the pan before letting it soak. For very stubborn stains, repeat the process, but be sure to dry the pan after each attempt to prevent water damage.

While dish soap and warm water are safe for everyday cleaning, it's important to avoid putting copper pans in the dishwasher. The heat and harsh detergents can damage the metal.

Frequently asked questions