Cleaning Copper Bottom Pans: Pickle Juice To The Rescue

Copper cookware is a great choice for chefs and home cooks alike, thanks to its superior heat conductivity and durability. However, copper is a soft, reactive metal that can easily tarnish, scratch, and corrode, especially when exposed to acidic foods. To clean copper pans, it's important to first identify the type of copper finish. While decorative copper items are often lacquered, most utilitarian copper pans do not have a protective coating, so it's crucial to avoid using abrasive tools and harsh chemicals. Natural ingredients like lemon juice, salt, and vinegar can effectively remove tarnish from copper pans, restoring their shine. For tougher stains, a paste made from a combination of these ingredients or commercial copper cleaners can be used.

Rinse and dry the pan

Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue from the cleaning paste. It is important to remove all traces of the paste, so rinse thoroughly. If you are cleaning a large copper pan, you may need to double the ingredients for the paste.

Use a soft cloth to dry the pan. Make sure the cloth is clean and dry, and gently wipe the pan until it is completely dry. This step is important to prevent water spots from forming on the pan. If you are in a hurry, you can use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process. Just be sure to keep a safe distance from the pan so as not to damage the hairdryer or the pan.

Once the pan is dry, you can use a soft cloth to polish it. This will help to restore the shine of the copper. You can use a commercial copper cleaner or a natural polish like lemon juice to polish the pan. If you are using a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions on the package. If you are using lemon juice, simply pour a small amount onto a soft cloth and rub it onto the pan in a circular motion.

After polishing, your copper pan should be looking like new! It is important to properly care for your copper pan to maintain its shine. Be sure to dry it thoroughly after each use and avoid using high heat, as this can cause the pan to warp and lose its shape. It is also a good idea to use a clean pan when cooking acidic foods, as the acid can react with the copper and cause discolouration. With proper care, your copper pan will last for years and provide delicious meals every time you use it!

Use lemon juice and baking soda

Lemon juice and baking soda are effective for cleaning copper pans, especially when they are badly tarnished. This method is also useful for removing black, yellow, or rainbow oxidation stains and restoring a burnt pan.

To clean your copper pans with lemon juice and baking soda, start by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda may cause a slight fizzing reaction, which is a good sign.

If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to help remove the stains and restore the shine.

For heavily tarnished copper, make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda. Use a sponge to apply the paste to the copper and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. Then, use a damp microfiber cloth to buff the copper in a circular motion. Repeat as needed until the copper regains its shine.

Use vinegar and baking soda

Copper is a soft, malleable metal that conducts heat very well, making it ideal for cookware. However, copper is also a reactive metal that can easily tarnish, corrode, or discolour, especially when exposed to acidic foods. Therefore, it is important to care for and clean your copper cookware properly.

One way to clean copper bottom pans is by using vinegar and baking soda. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Copper Pan

Before cleaning, it is important to assess the severity of any burn marks or discolouration on the pan. If there are only a few burnt-on food particles, these can usually be removed with a soft cloth and some dish soap. For heavier burn marks, more aggressive cleaning methods, such as vinegar and baking soda, may be necessary.

Step 2: Create a Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution

Mix equal parts vinegar and water and bring the mixture to a boil. You can also add a small amount of salt to the solution to enhance its cleaning properties.

Step 3: Apply the Solution to the Pan

Pour the boiling solution into a large bucket or sink and immerse the copper pan, ensuring that it is completely covered by the liquid. Let the pan sit for several hours. The longer you leave the pan to soak, the more time the solution has to work on breaking down the tarnish.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda

After the pan has soaked, stir in a generous amount of baking soda. The vinegar and baking soda will react to create a foaming cleaner that will help to remove stains and burnt-on food.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Use a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth to remove any remaining residue from the pan. Be gentle to avoid scratching the soft copper surface. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining solution.

Step 6: Dry the Pan

Use a clean, soft cloth to thoroughly dry the pan. Any moisture left on the pan can speed up the tarnishing process, so it is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean and restore copper bottom pans using vinegar and baking soda. This method is a great option for those who prefer to use natural, non-toxic household ingredients for cleaning.

Soak the pan in hot, soapy water

Soaking your copper-bottom pans in hot, soapy water is a great way to loosen and remove burnt-on food particles and is a necessary first step in the cleaning process.

Firstly, fill your kitchen sink or a large bucket with very hot, soapy water and let the pan soak for several hours. Replace the water with additional hot water if necessary, depending on how dirty the copper pan is.

After the pan has soaked, scrub it with a non-abrasive scrubber to remove any remaining burnt-on food. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on the sponge to act as a gentle abrasive to scrub away the food.

Once the burnt-on food particles are removed, you can start the cleaning and polishing process. It's important to dry the pan thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots from forming. Use a clean towel to dry the pan, and then use a soft cloth to polish it.

Use a soft cloth to dry the pan

Using a soft cloth to dry your copper pan is an important step in the cleaning process. This is because any moisture left on the pan can speed up the rate at which copper tarnishes, leading to the development of a patina—a greenish-blue or brownish film—that is beloved by some but not by all. Therefore, it is crucial to dry your copper pans immediately after washing them, and a soft cloth is the best tool for the job.

Microfiber cloths are often recommended for drying copper pans, as they are soft and lint-free. You can also use a soft cloth to polish your copper pan after drying it, which will help to restore its shine. If you want to go the extra mile, you can use a specialised copper cleaner, such as Earth Brite, to polish your pan and bring out its shine.

When drying your copper pan, it is important to be gentle to avoid scratching the metal and removing the finish. Copper is a soft metal that scratches easily, so a soft cloth is ideal for this task. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the finish of your pan.

In addition to drying your copper pan with a soft cloth, there are a few other steps you can take to prevent tarnishing. One option is to coat your pan with a light layer of mineral or baby oil, which will protect it from contact with the air. You can also store your pan in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and wrap it in a soft cloth or acid-free tissue paper to prevent contact with other materials, both of which can accelerate the tarnishing process.

Frequently asked questions