Removing Scratches From Copper Pans: Easy And Effective Methods

Copper pans are a beautiful addition to any kitchen, but they can be delicate and prone to scratching. Luckily, there are several ways to remove scratches and restore their shine. One method is to use sandpaper, starting with a higher grit size like 320 or 400 and gradually moving to finer grades until you reach 1500 or 2000. Another option is to create a paste or slurry with household ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and flour, and apply it to the copper before rinsing and drying. Commercial copper cleaners, such as Wright's Copper Cream, can also be effective in removing scratches and restoring shine. With a bit of time and effort, your copper pans can look as good as new!

Lemon and salt scrub

Step 1: Wash the Pan

First, wash the copper pan in warm soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth. This will remove any dust, grease, or food residue from the surface. Make sure to dry the pan thoroughly after washing, as moisture can speed up the tarnishing process.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon and Salt

Cut a fresh lemon in half. You can either squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl, removing any seeds, or use the lemon halves as they are. If you squeezed the lemon, sprinkle a generous amount of table salt or coarse salt onto one half of the lemon. If you're using the lemon halves, dip them into a dish of salt so that the cut side is covered with salt.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Use the salted lemon to gently scrub the surface of the pan. For larger pans, you may need to cut another lemon half and repeat the process. The citric acid in the lemon juice will react with the tarnish, breaking its bond with the copper surface, while the salt acts as a mild abrasive to scrub away the scratches and tarnish without damaging the metal.

Step 4: Treat Stubborn Stains

For stubborn stains or a heavy coat of tarnish, you can make a paste by mixing the juice of one lemon with salt. Apply this paste to the affected areas and let it sit for 5 to 30 minutes, occasionally scrubbing the area.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once the pan is free of scratches and tarnish, rinse it thoroughly in warm water to remove any residue. Then, use a lint-free or microfiber cloth to dry the pan completely. Avoid air-drying, as this can lead to water spots or further tarnishing.

Additional Tips:

• If your pan has heavy oxidation, you can also try using lemon juice with a little water and a low-abrasive Scotch-Brite pad. Dip the pad into the solution and gently rub the pan in the same direction until it's shiny.
• Always rinse and dry your copper pan after using this method, as leaving lemon juice on the pan for an extended period may cause further discolouration.
• Lemon and salt scrub may not be suitable for copper items with delicate or sensitive finishes, valuable antiques, or decorative elements that could be damaged by scrubbing.
• For regular maintenance, you can apply a thin layer of mineral oil or wax after cleaning to protect the copper from oxidation and slow down future tarnishing.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove scratches and restore the shine to your copper pans using a lemon and salt scrub.

Vinegar and salt paste

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar and Salt Solution

Combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and salt in a small bowl. You can also add a bit of warm water to the mixture. The vinegar contains acetic acid, which reacts with the copper tarnish and helps to break its bond with the copper surface. The salt acts as a mild abrasive that scrubs away the tarnish without damaging the metal.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Pan

Using a soft sponge or cloth, spread the vinegar and salt paste evenly over the surface of the copper pan. Make sure to cover all the scratched areas.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Allow the paste to sit on the pan for a few minutes. This gives the solution time to work on breaking down the tarnish and any corrosion.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After a few minutes, use your sponge or cloth to gently scrub the pan in small circles. If the scratches are particularly stubborn, you can add a bit of baking soda to the paste to increase its abrasive effect. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can scratch the metal.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you're finished scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue from the paste. Then, use a lint-free or microfiber cloth to dry the pan completely. Avoid air-drying, as this can cause water spots or tarnish due to the minerals in the water.

Additional Tips:

• For an even simpler method, you can dip a halved lemon into salt and use it as a scrubber to apply the acid and salt directly to the pan.
• To prevent scratches in the future, hand-wash your copper pans in the sink alone, using warm water and a mild dish soap. Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, and always dry the pan with a soft cloth.
• You can also apply a thin layer of mineral oil or baby oil to your copper pans after cleaning to protect them from oxidation and slow down the tarnishing process.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove scratches from your copper pans using a vinegar and salt paste, restoring their shine and beauty.

Commercial copper cleaners

• Wright's Copper Cream: This is a popular option that effectively cleans and polishes copper items, from cookware to jewellery. It's known for giving copper a beautiful glow and is also suitable for cleaning brass and bronze items.
• Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser: This cleanser contains oxalic acid, which brightens copper, and feldspar, which helps scrub away cooked-on food. It's recommended for removing severe tarnish and is more abrasive than other options, so it should be used sparingly.
• JAX Instant Brass and Copper Cleaner: This heavy-duty cleaner removes tarnish and oxidation from heavily discoloured copper. It's important to note that it's not recommended for thinly plated metals. When using this product, always wear gloves and eye protection.
• Matfer Bourgeat Bistro Copper Cleaning Paste: This product is recommended for tackling tough tarnish on copper.
• Mauviel Copperbrill: This is another commercial copper cleaner suggested for removing severe tarnish.
• Flitz Paste Polish: This polish is suggested for use on heavily tarnished copper items.
• Red Bear Copper and Brass Polish: This polish is recommended for excessively tarnished copper. However, it contains caustic compounds, so it's important to wear protective gloves when using it.

When using commercial copper cleaners, always follow the instructions on the product label. These products are strong, so it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the protection of your copper items. Additionally, always test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the surface.

Sandpaper

Firstly, determine the depth of the scratches. For deep scratches, start with a higher grit size, such as 320 or 400. For lighter scratches or tarnish, a finer grit size of around 600 may be more appropriate. Always start with the grade that easily removes the scratches.

When sanding, alternate the direction of your strokes with each change in grit size. Work your way down to successively finer grades of sandpaper until you reach a grit size of 1500 or 2000. Continue sanding until there are no visible marks from the previous grit size.

Once you have finished sanding, your copper pan will be ready for polishing. Remember to always exercise caution when working with sandpaper and metal, as improper use can cause damage to the surface.

Baking soda paste

Baking soda is a versatile natural cleaner that can be used to remove scratches from copper pans. Here is a detailed guide on how to use baking soda paste to achieve this:

Step 1: Create the Baking Soda Paste

For this method, you will need to create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of liquid. The exact proportions may vary, but a common recommendation is to use three parts baking soda to one part water. Adjust the amounts as needed to create a thick paste that can be easily applied to the surface of your copper pan.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Pan

Once you have prepared the baking soda paste, it is time to apply it to the scratched areas of your copper pan. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently spread the paste over the scratches, ensuring that they are thoroughly covered. You can also use a nylon brush or non-scratch sponge for this step, being careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid further scratching the pan.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

After applying the paste, let it sit for a few hours or even overnight. This extended contact time will allow the baking soda to work on breaking down the scratches and restoring the copper's shine. If you are in a hurry, you can shorten this step by adding a small amount of warm water to the pan and placing it on the stove over low heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse the Pan

Once the paste has had sufficient time to work, it's time to scrub the pan. Use a soft nylon brush, sponge, or non-scratch scouring pad to gently work the paste into the scratches, moving in the direction of the scratches. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove the paste and any loosened particles.

Step 5: Dry and Buff the Pan

After rinsing, thoroughly dry the copper pan with a clean cloth. Finally, take a soft, dry cloth and buff the copper surface to a beautiful shine. Your pan should now be scratch-free and glowing!

This method is effective because baking soda has mild abrasive properties and an alkaline pH, which can help neutralise acidic burnt-on food and restore the copper's shine. Always be gentle when using this method, as copper is a soft metal that can be easily scratched.

Frequently asked questions