How to Polish Copper

Copper is a beautiful metal, whether it is in the form of a plant pot, decorative art or cookware. Copper that is not polished regularly will darken and take on a greenish hue as oxidization sets in. If you prefer the copper to have the beautiful orangey shine, then you will need to clean and polish your copper regularly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Copper cleanser
• Dish soap
• Vinegar or lemon juice
• Soft cloth

1. Keep your copper pieces dusted to avoid a build up of dirt that will quicken oxidization. Wipe with a clean dry cloth and buff or polish to a beautiful sheen.

2. Remove build up of dirt and dust by washing your copper pieces in mild dish soap, rinse and dry completely with a soft cloth. Then, again, buff or polish to a sheen.

3. Avoid using abrasive cleansers to clean copper pieces as copper is a soft metal. Use copper cleansers that are available at hardware stores and antique stores depending upon the type of piece you are cleaning. After using the commercial cleanser, rinse, dry completely and polish and buff your copper piece to a bright sheen.

4. Clean and polish your copper cookware in much the same way as other copper pots and decorative items. When using a commercial copper cleanser, be sure that it is safe for copper cookware. Do not put your copper cookware in the dishwasher. Copper must be hand washed, rinsed, dried completely and polished. Any wet spots left on the copper will spot and eventually turn darker as the oxidization has set in.

Tips & Warnings

• Copper pieces that have not been cleaned in years and have turned dark and green with oxidization, will have to be soaked in solutions of lemon juice and water or vinegar and water to help with removing the oxidization.
• Determine if your copper pieces are covered in a lacquer coating before they are used for cooking. This would need to be removed per the manufacturer's recommendations.