Shinny copper is easier to maintain than you think! If you have bought that eye-popping pan set, wine glass, or tequila set to decorate your kitchen, you want to make sure it looks amazing even after using it. Your family and guests will be in for a treat. We will show you two easy tricks to restore it's amazing shine:
- Lime, salt and baking soda
- Copper cleaner & polisher
Kitchen decorated with 100% copper items from Santa Clara del Cobre
What happens to copper
When bare copper gets exposed to the elements it corrodes and begins to change color. Don't fret: this is a natural process!
Without going too deep into the science, the oxygen in the air will cause the outer layer of a copper piece to begin to slightly corrode. This is a process that takes time, so it will not happen over night.
Keep in mind that jewelry and some decorative pieces will be coated, and hence will resist the impact of the elements.
On the other hand, kitchenware will not be coated as this will be used for cooking or drinking.
Solid copper, 3-piece pan set
Lets make it shine!
No doubt copper's beautiful shine will make your kitchen look amazing. The first method to bring back the shine to your copperware is simple:
- Wash your kitchenware with water and soap - never use a wire sponge or steel wool to clean your copper kitchenware!
- Cut a lime in half, pour some salt, and scrub! Repeat as necessary
- Wipe clean with a soft towel
Organic method: lime and salt
Copper plate with corrosion
Cleaning with a lime and salt
Clean and shinny again!
Note: When using copper pans and pots, never let your food sit on them after cooking.
You may use baking soda as well along with, or in place of salt.
This method is also effective for pans that are used for cooking, so not just for corrosion stains.
Stubborn spots that just wont go away
If after trying the lime & salt method you still have a stubborn stain that just wont go away, you can use a metal cleaner & polisher such as Brasso. Simply pour a few drops on the stain itself and rub firmly. You can polish off the excess with a soft towel.
Our copper collection
Our Santa Clara del Cobre collection features decorative items such as vases, jewelry, and kitchenware. Each item is made by one of our artisan families living there.
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