Cleaning Copper-Super Easy

Did you know you can clean copper with 2 simple ingredients  you probably have around the house? It’s very easy and eco-friendly, too.

I remember when I was a kid my Father would polish Mom’s copper cookware from time to time. He had a bottle of some stuff that didn’t smell very good, but it did the job. I always loved the way the teakettle looked right after he was done. While I love when my own copper cookware is all shiny I am not a fan of the smelly chemicals. I wanted shiny copper without the smell.

So what is the big secret? Lemons and salt. You can clean your copper by dipping a piece of cut lemon in salt and rubbing over the tarnished copper. It becomes bright and shiny right away- with no smelly goop. Costs only a few pennies, too.

Dip a piece of lemon in salt

Rub gently to remove tarnish

Before and after- what a difference

As you work, keep dipping the lemon in the salt. Once the copper is clean just rinse with warm water and dry with a soft towel.

If you don’t have a lemon you can also use lemon juice and salt, but I seem to get faster results when I dip an actual piece of lemon. It is its own little scrubby pad.  If you are using lemon juice instead of a lemon, dip the tip of a soft cloth in lemon juice and then dip it in the salt. Repeat as needed until finished.

Super easy, fast and no smelly mess. I love it when stuff works out that way.