Cleaning Copper Pan Bottoms: Simple Tips For Sparkling Results

Copper pans are desirable because copper is a great conductor of heat. However, they can be tricky to clean, especially when burnt-on fat and oil residue are involved. It's important to first identify whether your copper pan has a lacquer coating or not, as this will determine the best method for cleaning it. Lacquered copper pans can be cleaned with hot water and mild dish soap, while unlacquered pans will require a bit more elbow grease. To remove tarnish from unlacquered copper pans, you can use natural acids like lemon juice, white vinegar, or even ketchup, combined with table salt to create a natural abrasive. You can also try boiling water with baking soda or washing soda, or even caustic soda for more stubborn stains. Just be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing pads, as these can damage the pan's surface.

How to Clean Copper Pan Bottoms

Use lemon and salt to clean copper pans

Lemon and salt are effective ingredients to clean copper pans. The acid in the lemon and the abrasiveness of the salt combine to remove tarnish from copper pans, restoring their shine.

To use lemon and salt to clean copper pans, start by cutting a lemon in half. Next, dip the lemon in kosher salt or dip the cut ends in table salt. Then, rub the lemon and salt onto the copper pan. You can also squeeze the lemon to release its juice and use a sponge to apply the mixture to the pan. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two, and you should see the copper colour returning.

If the tarnish is heavy, you can make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste to the copper and let it sit for at least five minutes. Then, use a damp microfiber cloth to buff the copper in a circular motion. Repeat as needed until the copper glows.

After removing the tarnish, rinse the pan in warm water and dry it with a lint-free microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and slow down the tarnishing process.

How to clean copper pans with vinegar

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 and corrode, especially when exposed to acidic foods. Therefore, it is important to clean and care for copper pans properly to maintain their shine and performance. Here is a guide on how to clean copper pans with vinegar:

Cleaning Copper Pans with Vinegar and Salt:

Start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl. Add one tablespoon of salt and stir the mixture until it forms a paste. You can adjust the amounts and double the ingredients if you have a large copper pan.

Using a sponge or soft microfiber cloth, apply the paste to the tarnished areas of the copper pan. Work the paste into the copper in a circular motion, gently covering the affected areas. Allow the paste to sit on the pan for about 5 minutes.

After the mixture has had time to work, use a damp, soft cloth to buff the copper in a circular motion. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue and dry it thoroughly with a lint-free or microfiber cloth to prevent water spots from forming.

Boiling in Vinegar:

For smaller copper pans or items, such as a gratin dish or kettle, you can try this method. Mix one cup of vinegar, three cups of water, and one tablespoon of salt in a large stockpot or saucepan. Place your tarnished copper pan into the larger pot, ensuring it is fully submerged. If needed, you can add more water to cover the copper.

Place the stockpot on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue boiling until you notice the tarnish starting to loosen and fall off the copper pan. Once the desired results are achieved, remove the stockpot from the heat and allow the water to cool.

Remove the copper pan from the stockpot and use one of the other methods mentioned above to remove any remaining tarnish. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly to restore its shine.

Vinegar and Baking Soda:

Another option for cleaning copper pans with vinegar is to use a vinegar and baking soda solution. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in the copper pan and place it on the stove. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, carefully pour the hot liquid into a large bucket or sink, ensuring the copper pan is fully immersed. Allow the pan to soak for several hours. Then, stir in a generous amount of baking soda—you may need to use the whole box.

After the pan has soaked, use a non-abrasive scrubber or sponge to remove any remaining residue. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Precautions and Tips:

When cleaning copper pans with vinegar, it is important to avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or scrubbers, as copper is a soft metal that can scratch easily. Always use a soft sponge, cloth, or brush when cleaning copper.

Additionally, never put copper pans in the dishwasher or use harsh chemicals like bleach when cleaning them. Always dry your copper pans immediately after washing to prevent moisture buildup, which can accelerate the tarnishing process.

To maintain the shine of your copper pans, you can coat them with a light layer of mineral or baby oil after cleaning. This will help protect the copper from contact with air, slowing down the tarnishing process.

Removing copper pan tarnish with ketchup

Copper pans are a great choice for cookware due to their impressive ability to conduct heat. They are also quite easy to clean and maintain. While decorative copper items are often lacquered, most utilitarian copper pans do not have a protective coating to prevent tarnish. The good news is that it's pretty simple to keep copper in great shape.

Ketchup can be used to effectively clean copper pans and remove tarnish from their outer surfaces. Copper pans will quickly lose their shine, but you can use a few simple ingredients to clean them without the need for a Downton Abbey-sized crew!

The key ingredients in ketchup that help to dissolve copper oxide and remove tarnish are weak acid and table salt. Simply spread ketchup over the tarnished areas of the copper pan with a sponge. Let the ketchup work its magic for at least 10 minutes. Then, use a sponge to wipe away the tarnish. If the tarnish is particularly stubborn, you can add a little baking soda to the ketchup and scrub gently. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

For an even more powerful cleaning solution, you can combine equal parts of kosher salt and ketchup. Squeeze out a generous amount of ketchup and add an equal amount of salt. Spread this mixture onto the copper pan and work it in with a soft cotton or hemp cloth. Be sure to avoid using polyester or synthetic cloths, as these can scratch the surface of the pan. Finish by buffing the pan with another soft, natural cloth.

How to clean copper pans in the oven

To clean copper pans in the oven, you will need to create a boiling mixture of vinegar, water, and salt. This method is particularly effective for smaller copper items, such as pans, gratin dishes, or kettles.

Start by preheating your oven to around 150-200°C (300-400°F). While the oven is preheating, create your mixture by mixing one cup of vinegar, three cups of water, and one tablespoon of salt in an oven-safe container, such as a glass or ceramic bowl. Place your copper pan into the container, ensuring that it is fully submerged in the liquid. If necessary, adjust the amounts of water and vinegar to fully cover the pan.

Once the oven has preheated, place the container with the pan and the liquid mixture inside. Let it bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure that the liquid does not boil dry, and remove it from the oven when the tarnish starts to fall off.

Let the liquid cool down before removing your copper pan. Use tongs or heat-resistant gloves to take the pan out of the container and rinse it with warm water. You can then use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining tarnish. Finally, dry the pan thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.

Note: This method involves using an oven and hot liquids, so please exercise caution to avoid burns. Ensure that you use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot items, and always be cautious when working with hot liquids.

What not to do when cleaning copper pans

Keeping your copper pans in good condition doesn't have to be a chore, but there are some things to avoid when cleaning them. Here are some tips on what not to do when cleaning copper pans:

Don't use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads

Abrasive cleaners and scrubbing pads can scratch the surface of your copper pans and damage them. Instead, opt for non-abrasive sponges or soft cloths when cleaning. If you need a little extra scrubbing power, try using a gentle abrasive like baking soda or salt.

Never put copper pans in the dishwasher

The heat and detergent used in a dishwasher can ruin your copper pans by removing the seasoned surface and heat-conducting properties. Always wash copper pans by hand with mild dish soap and warm water.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach should be avoided when cleaning copper. These can damage the copper surface and be dangerous if not used properly. Stick to natural, mild cleaning products or homemade solutions like lemon juice, vinegar, or ketchup.

Don't ignore the lining

Copper pans are usually lined with stainless steel or tin, and it's important to consider this when cleaning. Some cleaning methods, like boiling water and baking soda, can be too harsh for the lining. Always choose a cleaning method that is safe for both the copper and the lining.

Don't forget to dry

Copper pans should be dried immediately after washing to prevent moisture buildup, which can speed up the tarnishing process. Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to dry your pans thoroughly.

Don't expose to sunlight

Sunlight can accelerate the tarnishing process, so it's best to avoid storing your copper pans in direct sunlight. Keep them in a cool, dry place, and if storing them in a cabinet, separate them with soft cloths or acid-free tissue paper to prevent contact with other cookware, which can also accelerate tarnishing.

Frequently asked questions