Cleaning Copper: Removing Black Marks From Your Pan

Copper pans are a stylish and highly functional addition to any kitchen, but they can be a little high-maintenance. The chemical reaction between oxygen and copper (oxidation) can cause the reddish-brown sheen of your cookware to turn black. The good news is that there are several ways to remove tarnish from copper and restore its shine.

Lemon juice and salt

To clean your copper pan using lemon and salt, start by washing the pan in warm soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth. This will remove any dust or greasy film on the surface. Next, cut a lemon in half and sprinkle a generous amount of table salt or coarse salt onto the lemon. Gently rub the salted lemon onto the tarnished areas of the pan. Repeat with the remaining lemon half if needed. Finally, rinse the pan with water to remove any residue and dry it with a microfiber or lint-free cloth.

For stubborn stains, you can create a paste by mixing lemon juice and salt. Apply the paste to the stained areas and let it sit for five to ten minutes before scrubbing with a sponge. You can also cut a fresh lemon in half and dip it in table salt to clean heavily stained areas.

Lemon and salt are a great natural alternative to commercial copper cleaners, which often contain harsh chemicals. However, it's important to note that this method may not be suitable for copper items with delicate or sensitive finishes.

Ketchup

If you want to remove black marks from your copper pan, one of the best methods is to use ketchup.

Copper is a soft metal that scratches easily, so it's important to avoid using abrasive materials when cleaning it. The oxalic acid in tomatoes makes ketchup an excellent, readily available medium for getting your copper nice and polished.

Here's how to do it:

• Squirt ketchup onto the bottom of the copper pan.
• Use a nylon mesh scrubber or soft cotton cloth to spread the ketchup over the entire bottom of the pan.
• Allow the ketchup to sit on the surface for 15-30 minutes to remove black tarnish.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove the ketchup.
• Wash the pan with dishwashing detergent and warm water.
• Rinse again and dry the pan with a clean kitchen towel.

For more heavily tarnished copper, you can also try making a paste out of ketchup, flour, and a little lemon juice. Apply this paste to the pan and let it sit for a while before wiping it away. This method may give your pan an even better shine.

Vinegar and salt

Step 1: Create a Vinegar and Salt Solution

Mix equal parts vinegar and salt to form a paste. You can adjust the measurements as needed, but aim for a consistency that is easy to apply and spread. White vinegar is typically used for this purpose.

Step 2: Apply the Solution to the Pan

Use a clean cloth or towel to apply the paste to the copper pan. Make sure to coat the areas with black marks or tarnish generously. You can also use a toothbrush to work the paste into any dents or crevices on the pan.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Use the cloth to scrub the paste into the pan, applying firm and even pressure. For more delicate surfaces, use a softer cloth or paper towel, and scrub gently without applying too much pressure. You can also use a soft-bristled brush if needed.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan with warm water to remove the paste and any remaining vinegar and salt. Use your fingers to gently wipe away any excess paste, then dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth. You can also use a soft, dry cloth to buff the pan to a shine.

Additional Tips:

• Always test the vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the pan before applying it to the entire surface, especially if your pan has a delicate finish.
• For tougher stains, let the vinegar and salt paste sit on the pan for a few minutes before scrubbing.
• If there are still marks on the pan after scrubbing, try using fine-grit sandpaper to lightly scrub the surface.
• You can also try boiling the vinegar, water, and salt solution and submerging the pan in it for a deeper clean. Bring the solution to a boil, then let the pan soak for about 15 minutes. Remove the pan and let it cool before scrubbing and rinsing.
• Always dry your copper pans thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots and slow down the tarnishing process.

Baking soda

The Deglazing Technique

• Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Put the pan back on the stove and heat until a droplet of water sizzles.
• Add one cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the hot pan and allow to boil. Use more liquid for a larger pan.
• As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening bits of burnt food.
• Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool.
• Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously.
• Wash and dry as normal once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.

The Baking Soda and Water Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try one cup of baking soda and one-third cup of water.
• Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the pan.
• Alternatively, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then add enough baking soda to create a paste.
• Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight, then add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.
• If you don't want to wait, add another one-quarter to one-half cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly—you don't want it to burn again! Let the pan cool and wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid.
• Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove from heat and add one cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction. It might be best to do this in the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

The Baking Soda and Lemon Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Keep a thin layer of water in the pan, then sprinkle the bottom 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 the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly.
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has gotten blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to help remove the stains and restore the shine.
• Remove burnt food and stains, then rinse and dry the pan.

Commercial copper cleaner

If you're looking for a commercial copper cleaner, there are several options available. Here are some of the most popular products:

Wright's Copper and Brass Cream Cleaner

This product is designed to gently clean and remove tarnish from copper and brass items without scratching. It is safe to use on jewellery and leaves behind a protective coating to prevent future tarnishing. It is easy to use and only requires a few seconds to polish, rinse and dry your copper items.

Flitz Brass and Copper Tarnish Remover

This spray-on formula is a highly effective tarnish remover. It quickly removes tarnish with minimal scrubbing, making it a time-saving option. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including copper, brass, fiberglass, glass, porcelain, brick and stucco. However, it is important to note that it is not a polish and will not restore shine to your copper items.

Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser

This multipurpose cleaner is suitable for a range of surfaces, including copper, brass, glass, aluminium, porcelain, steel, bronze and ceramic. It is a pre-mixed formula that clings to surfaces, making it ideal for vertical surfaces. It effectively removes rust, stains and grime without leaving scratches.

Brasso Metal Polish

The Brasso Metal Polish is a versatile product that can be used on most metals, including copper, brass, steel, aluminium, chrome and bronze. It cuts through grime and leaves a lasting sheen on your copper items. It is easy to use and can be applied with a cloth or sponge.

Weiman Brass and Copper Polish and Cleaner

This ammonia-free formula is safe to use on jewellery and fine brass objects. It effectively removes tarnish and grime without scratching the surface. It also acts as a polish, leaving a mirror-like finish on your copper items. It is fast-acting and can be used for both home and professional buffing and cleaning.

Rolite Brass & Copper Cleaner

This industrial-grade cleaner is suitable for a wide range of copper and brass surfaces, including railings, elevators, fixtures, pipes and more. It cleans, shines and protects, producing a brilliant shine. It is easy to use and only requires a microfiber cloth and gentle circular motions to achieve a lustrous shine.

In addition to these commercial copper cleaners, there are also several homemade remedies that you can use to clean your copper pans, such as lemon juice and salt, or vinegar and salt. However, for heavily stained copper items, a commercial cleaner may be more effective.

Frequently asked questions