How to Clean Copper Utensils
Copper's efficiency at conducting heat makes it a choice material for kitchen utensils. Copper possesses 10 times the heat conductivity of stainless steel, and twice that of aluminum. Copper utensils require both basic and periodic care. Cleaning copper utensils after each use prevents them from tarnishing. Polishing tarnished copper restores the metal's lustrous appearance. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Wash each of the copper utensils in soap and warm water. Use a cloth to dry each of the utensils.
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2
Combine 1 tsp of salt, 1 cup of vinegar and just enough flour in a mixing bowl to create a paste. Depending on the number of utensils being cleaned, double the recipe, if necessary.
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3
Use a cloth to apply the mixture directly to the copper utensils, coating each utensil thoroughly.
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4
Allow the paste to air dry, a process that may take anywhere between 15 minutes to 1 hour. Check the paste for dryness periodically.
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5
Rinse each of the copper utensils thoroughly in warm water, until all traces of the paste have been removed.
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6
Use a soft cloth to buff each utensil to a shine.
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Tips & Warnings
Rinse copper utensils with soap and warm water after every use. Polish the utensils, using the salt, vinegar and flour combination, as needed.
Never use copper utensils with acidic food -- foods with a pH of 6.0 or below. Copper reacts with acidic food to create compounds that are toxic and dangerous to consume.
