How to Repair Scorched Copper Pans

Copper pans have rich color and shine but tarnish and discolor easily.

Copper pans have a rich color and brilliant shine, but they also hold and distribute heat more quickly and evenly than other metals. Unfortunately, they are also more susceptible to tarnishing and discoloration. Whether spillage from the pan cooked and burned the copper surface or you accidentally heated the empty pan, there are ways to bring back the shine to your scorched copper.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool soap pad
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/2 cup white flour
• Vinegar
• Fresh lemons

Instructions

1. Start by rubbing the scorched areas with a steel wool soap pad. This will help take off the outer layer of burned food and discoloration. You should start to see the shiny copper color emerging almost immediately. Rinse with warm water once the worst discoloration has been removed.

2. Follow with a vinegar solution. Use 1/2 cup of salt, 1/2 cup white flour and enough warm vinegar to make a paste. Spread the paste on the copper, let dry then wipe with a soft cloth. This should remove the heavier dark tarnish.

3. Try lemon juice for more subtle discoloration. Dip lemon halves in salt, and rub them against the copper surface. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

4. Consider replacing the stainless steel or aluminum pan liner if it has become warped or damaged. Contact the manufacturer for information on obtaining a replacement.

Tips & Warnings

• Tarnished copper pans work just as well as the shiny new ones, so polishing the surface is for purely aesthetic reasons.

• Using steel wool can create scratch marks in the copper, so consider less abrasive cleaning methods first for heirloom or antique copper pans.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Recipes for a Healthy Home
• Michigan State University Extension: Homemade Cleaners 1992
• Real Simple: The Only Pots and Pans You'll Need