How to Clean a Copper Light Fixture
Copper light fixtures are a nice touch around the house. Unfortunately, they only look nice as long as you keep them clean. Although beautiful, copper can tarnish or develop a black or greenish patina. Many copper pieces have a lacquer finish on them, which keeps them from tarnishing. These light fixtures are kept clean with dusting and an occasional wash in warm, soapy water. For light fixtures without a lacquer finish, home cleaning solutions will keep your copper in top shape. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
Paste Cleaner
-
1
Remove the light bulb and lamp shade (if there is one) so that they are out of the way.
-
2
Wipe the copper light fixture with a soft cloth to remove any dust.
-
-
3
Mix equal parts flour, salt and vinegar until they form a paste-like consistency.
-
4
Apply the paste mix to the lamp. Rub it evenly over all the copper parts of the light fixture.
-
5
Set the copper light fixture with the paste on it aside for at least 15 minutes. The acid in the vinegar will set in and begin to dissolve the tarnish. For more severe tarnish, you may want to let the paste sit longer.
-
6
Rinse the paste off with a cloth soaked with warm water.
-
7
Wipe down again with a clean, dry cloth to finish shining the copper light fixture.
Lemon and Salt Cleaner
-
8
Clean the copper light fixture with a cloth to remove any materials on the surface.
-
9
Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle it with salt.
-
10
Rub the lemon halve over the light fixture, applying more salt as needed.
-
11
Take a soft cloth and wipe the light fixture dry.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Never use any cleaner with ammonia when cleaning copper light fixtures. Talk to an expert before cleaning any copper light fixture on your own. If it is an older piece, it could be worth a lot of money. Cleaning it may decrease its value.
Any acidic mixture can be harmful. Don't breathe too closely to the vinegar, flour and salt paste.
