How To Polish Copper

Posted by Flitz Premium Polishing Products on 25th Feb 2015

How to Clean and Polish Copper

Copper can develop tarnish, discoloration and a dull finish as it reacts with air, moisture and oils from everyday handling. Fortunately, cleaning and polishing copper can remove that buildup and restore its warm, bright shine.

The best method depends on the copper item and its condition. Below, we'll cover several simple ways to clean and polish copper, remove tarnish and bring back its shine using common household ingredients.

Simple Methods for Cleaning and Polishing Copper

Cleaning copper can be quick and simple if you have a few items from your kitchen on hand. Here’s a guide with various methods on polishing your copper items.

Salt and Vinegar

What you’ll need:

Salt
Vinegar
Microfiber cloth

Step 1: Pour table salt and vinegar over the copper object.

Step 2: Using a microfiber cloth, rub the salt and vinegar into the item to remove tarnishing

Step 3: Rinse the object and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

Ketchup

What you’ll need:

Ketchup
Non-scratch pad
Microfiber cloth

Step 1: Using ketchup, create a light layer on the object.

Step 2: Let the layer of ketchup sit for a few minutes.

Step 3: Rub the copper item with a non-scratch pad to remove the tarnish.

Step 4: Rinse any remaining ketchup off the object and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

Lemon

What you’ll need:

Lemon
Microfiber cloth

Step 1: Cut a lemon in half and rub one half on the item until all tarnishing is removed.

Step 2: Rinse the object and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Salt, Vinegar and Flour

What you’ll need:

Newspaper
Flour
Salt
Vinegar

Step 1: Mix one tablespoon of salt with one cup of vinegar.

Step 2: Gradually add flour to the salt and vinegar mix until you make a thick paste.

Step 3: Apply a coat of paste to the tarnished item and let it sit on newspaper for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse object until paste is removed and wipe dry with microfiber cloth.

For heavier tarnish or oxidation, Flitz Brass & Copper Tarnish Remover provides another option when household cleaning methods aren't enough. It removes tarnish and oxidation from bare copper without the repeated rubbing required by the methods above.