Should i clean antique copper

Apply a layer of ketchup to your copper pan and rub across the surface. The tomatoes in ketchup contain an acid that helps to clean off tarnish. Rinse and dry. Cut a lemon in half and apply table salt to the cut section. Rub the lemon on the surface and add more salt as needed. Create a paste using vinegar or lemon juice and salt. Let the polish dry completely. With a new clean cloth, rub off the polish.

You should see some improvement. If green and brown stains remain, repeat. Apply it to delicate surface details, like incising, and rims or edges that do not respond well to metal polish. Use Q-tips to apply and gently rub ketchup onto hard-to-clean areas. Leave ketchup in place for 2 to 4 minutes. Wait until the tarnish begins to fall away from the copper. Careful, let the copper cool down before removing it from the pot.

Buff and dry: Just as important as learning how to clean copper the right way is how to dry it properly. Copper must always be rinsed and dried thoroughly after being cleaned.

At this point, any acid, abrasive, or water left on the piece will create uneven splotches and water marks. To get a glistening finish, use one soft cloth to carefully dry and a second cloth to buff.

By Marla Christiansen Updated March 18, Save FB Tweet More. Trending Discussions. Jewish Sweet Potato Side Dish. Updated 21 hours ago 14 comments. Sauces Butter. Thanksgiving Holidays Main Dish. Updated 3 days ago 23 comments.