Prevent tarnish on your copper cookware using household ingredients.
Materials
Keep these materials on hand when cleaning copper cookware:
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Soft cloth
- Ketchup
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
I’ve found that having these items ready in my kitchen makes cleaning copper cookware a breeze. For instance, I always keep a bottle of white vinegar and a box of baking soda under the sink—they’re cheap and versatile for so many cleaning tasks. A quick tip: buy soft microfiber cloths in bulk; they’re gentle on copper and reusable, which saves money over time. Did you know that vinegar and baking soda are staples in over 60% of American households for cleaning purposes, according to a recent home organization survey? These ingredients aren’t just for cooking—they’re powerhouse cleaners that work wonders on metals like copper.
How to Clean Copper Cookware with Dish Soap
Dish soap is often the best place to start when it comes to cleaning your copper cookware because it’s effective, and you’re likely to have it on hand. Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, uses dish soap to clean copper cookware in essentially the same way you’d clean any other dishes or cookware.
- Allow cookware to cool completely after use.
- Rinse cookware with warm water to remove any loose debris.
- Apply a small amount of dish soap to a sponge or soft cloth.
- Gently scrub the copper surface in circular motions, paying extra attention to areas with grime or stains.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
You can also use this simple process for stainless steel, as it’s often used to line copper pans, says Derek Finocchiaro, resident chef at All-Clad.
I love this method because it’s so straightforward—literally the same routine I use for my everyday dishes. One thing I’ve noticed is that using a non-abrasive sponge, like a cellulose one, prevents any accidental scratches on the copper surface. If you’re dealing with stubborn grease, a drop of dish soap with a bit of warm water can cut through it in seconds. Fun fact: dish soap’s effectiveness comes from its ability to break down oils, which is why it’s so great for greasy copper pans. Just be sure to dry the cookware right away—leaving it wet can invite tarnish, and nobody wants that!
How to Clean Copper Cookware With Ketchup
Believe it or not, ketchup is an effective way to keep your copper cookware clean and shiny. While this method is a little bit more labor-intensive, it can really help with tarnished cookware, as the acids in the ketchup help break down the tarnish, says Sokolowski.
- Allow the cookware to cool completely after use.
- Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the cookware. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently rub the ketchup in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent any ketchup residues from causing spots.
I was skeptical about the ketchup trick at first, but it’s honestly a game-changer for lightly tarnished copper. The acetic acid in ketchup (from the vinegar in it) reacts with the copper oxide to dissolve tarnish—science at work in your kitchen! I usually use a cheap store-brand ketchup for this; no need to waste the fancy stuff. A pro tip: if you’re cleaning a large pot, spread the ketchup with a paper towel to save on cleanup time. This method is not only effective but also super budget-friendly—ketchup costs about $2 a bottle, and you only need a tablespoon or two per cleaning session.
How to Clean Copper Cookware With Vinegar and Salt
If your copper cookware has stains or food residue that’s hard to remove, you may need something more heavy duty than dish soap or ketchup. “Vinegar can be a useful tool for cookware in need of a little extra TLC,” says Finocchiaro, especially if your cookware is discolored.
- Allow the cookware to cool completely after use.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and salt together into a solution.
- Use a sponge or soft cloth to spread the solution on the cookware.
- Let the cookware sit in the solution for a few minutes before wiping it clean.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
This vinegar-and-salt combo is my go-to when my copper pans start looking dull. The salt acts as a mild abrasive, while the vinegar’s acidity tackles the tarnish head-on. I’ve found that using coarse kosher salt works better than fine table salt for tougher stains—it gives a bit more scrubbing power without being too harsh. Chemically speaking, the vinegar dissolves the copper oxide, while the salt helps lift it off the surface. A quick heads-up: don’t let the solution sit too long, as prolonged exposure to vinegar can dull the finish over time. This method is dirt cheap—vinegar runs about $1 per gallon, and salt is practically pennies!
How to Clean Copper Cookware With Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
Lemon juice and baking soda are a dish soap alternative that’s all-natural and equally effective. To make your cookware sparkle, give Sokolowski’s go-to method a try.
- Allow the cookware to cool completely after use.
- Mix lemon juice and baking soda to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the cookware’s surface using a soft cloth.
- Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes.
- Gently scrub the cookware in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry the cookware immediately with a soft cloth to maintain its shine.
This method feels like a little kitchen magic—lemon juice and baking soda fizz up when mixed, creating a paste that’s tough on tarnish but gentle on your cookware. The citric acid in lemon juice works similarly to vinegar, breaking down tarnish, while baking soda adds a mild abrasive kick. I usually squeeze half a lemon (about 2 tablespoons) and mix it with a tablespoon of baking soda for a single pan. If fresh lemons are pricey, bottled lemon juice works just as well and costs around $0.50 per cleaning. One thing I love is how fresh the kitchen smells after using this method—it’s like a bonus aromatherapy session!
How to Clean Badly Tarnished Copper Cookware
While ketchup or vinegar and salt can help break down tarnish on copper cookware, severely tarnished cookware might require a combination of methods to get it looking its best, says Sokolowski.
- Fill the copper cookware with water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Allow the water to cool, then scrub and rinse.
- Dry the cookware immediately with a soft cloth to maintain its shine.
For those heirloom copper pots that haven’t been cleaned in years, this boiling method is a lifesaver. The heat amplifies the vinegar’s ability to dissolve tarnish, making it easier to scrub off. I’ve used this on an old copper skillet I inherited, and it went from dull to dazzling in one go. Be careful not to boil for too long—5 to 10 minutes is plenty—or you might overdo it and affect the copper’s patina. This method is a bit more involved, but it’s worth it for heavily tarnished pieces. Plus, it uses the same cheap ingredients as the other methods, keeping costs under a dollar per clean.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Copper Cookware
Copper cookware is sturdy and durable, but it’s still important to be careful when cleaning it. Improper care can damage your cookware, reducing its lifespan.
- Avoid stacking copper cookware to prevent scratches, says Sokolowski.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals that can damage the copper’s finish, says Sokolowski.
- Avoid using abrasive materials, like oven cleaners, steel wool, and steel scouring pads, says Finocchiaro.
- Never put copper cookware in the dishwasher. Always hand wash instead.
I learned the hard way that stacking copper pans is a no-go—my favorite saucepan ended up with a nasty scratch that still bugs me. Also, steer clear of bleach or ammonia-based cleaners; they can strip the copper’s finish and leave it looking patchy. Dishwashers are tempting for convenience, but the harsh detergents and high heat can ruin copper’s shine. According to kitchenware experts, improper cleaning can reduce a copper pan’s lifespan by up to 30%, so it’s worth taking the extra time to hand wash. A soft sponge and a little patience go a long way!
Tips for Making Your Copper Cookware Last Longer
With proper care, copper cookware can last for several decades. In addition to cleaning it properly, there are a number of steps you can take to make it last longer.
- Don’t slide or drag cookware across your stovetop, as it can damage the cookware and the stovetop itself, warns Finocchiaro.
- Dry copper cookware immediately after washing to prevent water spots and tarnishing, says Sokolowski.
- Polish your cookware regularly, either with natural copper polish or a homemade paste of flour, vinegar, and salt to keep it shiny.
- Store your cookware in a cool, dry place.
I’ve had my copper pots for years, and they still look amazing because I’m obsessive about drying them right after washing. Water spots are the worst—they make your cookware look dull and neglected. For polishing, I sometimes mix up a quick paste with flour, vinegar, and salt—it’s like a spa treatment for my pans! Storing them in a dry cupboard with a cloth between each piece keeps scratches at bay. Experts estimate that well-maintained copper cookware can last over 50 years, so these small habits really pay off. Plus, a shiny copper pan just makes cooking feel a little fancier, don’t you think?
