How to Clean Copper With Ketchup

Pass the ketchup, please

Oxidation happens. Having to clean your special copper pots, pans, and jewelry can be a messy pain. Many folks wish to avoid the caustic ingredients that exist in most metal cleaners. Versatile, edible ketchup works equally as well and with a little elbow grease, the copper appointments will look like new. Now it's clear what to do with that year old bottle of ketchup buried out of sight in the back of the refrigerator.

Things You'll Need

• Ketchup
• Salt
• Small mixing bowl
• Soft towel
• Fresh squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

1. Use a soft dish towel or your fingers. Generously apply ketchup to the offending pot, pan or bracelet. Allow the ketchup to set for an hour.

2. Pour some table salt onto the same cloth and begin gently rubbing it in circles on the copper item. For engraved items, use a soft toothbrush to get into the groove.

3. Rinse the copper item with warm water and dry it with a dry soft cloth. To prevent oxygen from tarnishing the pieces when they are not in use, keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or a sealable plastic bag.

Tips & Warnings

• It makes no difference what brand or style of ketchup. Tomato sauce will work, too. Add a little lemon juice to the salt procedure if you want.

• Do not use a scouring pad. Soft metals like copper are very easliy scratched.

• Discard the ketchup as it's inedible at this point.