Homemade Copper Cleaner For Antiques
HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE COPPER CLEANER THAT IS SAFE FOR ANTIQUES AND WON’T RUIN THE PATINA
At an estate sale recently, I found an old kettle with an interesting shape. At first look, I thought it was brass but when I looked closer I realized it was copper. Over time, it got so dirty you could barely see the copper anymore. Here is the before photo.
Having never cleaned copper before, I looked into different methods and found several different suggestions. My concern was that I didn’t want to ruin the copper underneath nor did I want to strip it of all patina.
Using ketchup was one suggestion but I was afraid that might actually stain the copper. Lemon juice was another but it’s so acidic I was afraid it might strip the patina.
Homemade Copper Cleaner Ingredients
You can make your own homemade copper cleaner using things you already have around the house, so this was the method I decided to try.
First, mix equal parts salt and white vinegar. I used about a half cup of each. Next, spoon in flour slowly. Keep mixing in flour until it forms a thick paste. It took about 4 or 5 tablespoons of flour to get that consistency.
How TO Clean Antique Copper
I used my reusable cleaning cloths to apply the solution to my copper kettle. After only a minute or two I could see the copper shining through before I even began wiping it.
Look at that, isn’t that crazy?!
After doing one half, I rinsed it with water because I was afraid to let the vinegar sit on there too long. Then began the other side.
Because I was afraid to leave the solution sitting on the copper too long I worked quickly. The homemade cleaner works fast so it didn’t take long.
I noticed when the copper was wet the solution didn’t work as fast as when it was dry. I don’t know if that matters either way but it’s worth mentioning. Regardless, the homemade copper cleaner worked well and quickly without damage and without stripping the antique of its patina.
Here’s the kettle all cleaned up.
I didn’t take photos of the inside, but I did clean that the same way as the outside. I let it sit much longer on the inside because it was harder to access for scrubbing.
Vinegar is great in so many homemade cleaning solutions, I also use it when mixing up my DIY cleaner for cleaning antique wood furniture. It really helps get the musty smell out of antiques.
Removing Water Stains From Upholstery
Thank you for sharing this solution for cleaning coper.
Wow! The before and after are amazing. I love this copper kettle!
I’ve always loved copper pieces but didn’t know how to clean it. Thank you for this info! Your kettle is beautiful!
I am so excited to try this! My Mother inlaw had quite the copper collection well, my husband wanted it all when she passed and the house had sold. So we just acquired this collection and I plan to be putting it on display in our home. #thisweekendsproject 🖤
Ketchup works very well. I’ve been using it for at least 30 years and have never had a problem with staining or damage to my collection.
I’ve used just vinegar & salt, which is quickly lost. Adding the flour seems to hold the mixture in place on the copper. I’m anxious to try this method.
That’s a great idea for cleaning copper. But I have always used Barkeepers Friend and it takes off all the dingy dirt and grime. I have actually waited to clean my copper which I have a lot of until it was so built up that I didn’t know if it would come clean and shiny again but it works fast and great you can see the grime and discolor come off immediately I love Barkeepers Friend.