Polishing Perfection: How To Clean Copper Cookware

Oh, the beauty of copper cookware! It makes for a stunning presentation, is perfect for impressing guests, and brings some old-school nostalgia to cooking. It’s timeless and classic, but many feel that it looks and performs its best when it’s sparklingly clean. 

There is something charming and comforting about older, well-loved copper pans with an aged look. However, when properly cleaned, copper is both supremely functional and gorgeous. We’ll walk through the five best ways to clean your copper cookware at home. 

Believe us when we say it’s easy and will become second nature in no time.

Why Cleaning Copper Matters

Copper cookware is a must-have in the kitchen because of its luster and unique properties. It’s also a durable heat distributor. 

Keeping copper working well requires maintenance. Chefs and home cooks clean copper pans to extend their lifespan and ensure optimal performance. There’s a myth that cleaning copper will remove the patina and harm the cookware’s ability to perform optimally. This is patently untrue. 

Cleaning copper is necessary to prevent corrosion (permanent pitting on the copper exterior). It’s true that cleaning can remove tarnish, otherwise known as the patina. However, this doesn’t harm the cookware, and the cleaning process is necessary to prevent corrosion. If you prefer a bit of protective patina, then polish your copper less often. 

Gathering Your Cleaning Arsenal

When you clean stainless steel it’s best to get steel wool involved and prepare for some intense scrubbing. Copper is a softer metal, so you can forgo harsh materials and chemicals.

Here are the DIY cleaning supplies that are ideal for copper cookware:

• We recommend gentle cleaners like a mixture of vinegar and salt or lemon and salt
• Only use mild dish soap in more severe cases

• Gather clean cloths, soft sponges, or brushes with soft bristles for gentle cleaning
• Remember, metal scouring pads will scratch your copper cookware

• There are natural polishers like ketchup, though a specialized copper cleaner will always work best
• Apply a thin layer of polish over the entire surface of the pan. Use a circular motion to buff polish into the copper, removing buildup as you work. 

When you polish copper using these methods, you’ll achieve a lustrous lacquer-like finish.

How To Clean Copper Cookware

The de Buyer Way 

As producers of beautiful copper cookware, we’re invested in keeping your copper pots and pans polished and stunning. We developed a Copper Cleaning Paste that is perfect for buffing, polishing, and cleaning any copper pans, pots, mugs, or kitchen appliances. 

It easily and effectively restores any copper to its original beauty, natural color, and shine. The paste is made from a mild formula that removes tarnishes and erases discoloration. 

To use, simply wet the included sponge or a washcloth with hot water, dip it into the cleaner container, and spread a little bit of the cleaner onto the copper.

Rub the surface of the copper and rinse it dry with hot water. This cleaner works well on both the insides and outside of your copper cookware. 

The Water and White Vinegar Combo

Cleaning copper cookware with water and vinegar requires an unexpected ingredient: heat. Adding heat into the mix helps to break down the tarnish and make your copper shine again. Follow the simple steps listed below. 

1. Boil a ratio of 1:3 white vinegar to water in a large stock pot with a pinch of salt.
2.  Add your copper cookware and bring the liquid to a boil. The tarnish comes right off. 
3. Once cleaned, rinse with water. If needed, follow up with de Buyer’s Copper Cleaning paste or use one of the following methods to remove any additional tarnish. 

The Power of Lemon Juice

Now that we have mentioned the de Buyer Copper Cleaning Paste and a combination of water and white vinegar, we need to cover the impressive cleaning properties of lemons.  

Interestingly, acidic fruits like lemons help remove the tarnish that builds up on copper over time. There are a few main ways people use lemons to clean their copper cookware, so let’s explore them. 

First, lemon juice's natural acidity can be combined with Cream of Tartar or baking soda to make an almost magical paste. 

Use equal parts of both ingredients and create a paste that’s thick enough to stick onto the cookware but thin enough to spread over it. Apply your chosen paste to the copper surface and let it sit on your pots for at least five minutes. To clean, use a cloth to scrub the paste into the copper cookware and then wash copper pieces with soap and warm water. After a quick rinse, you’ll have sparkling copper cookware!

Follow with some copper polish for an extra shiny appearance. 

A Pinch of Table Salt and Fresh Lemon

If you don’t have Cream of Tartar or baking soda, you’re bound to have salt. The combination of salt and lemons also works wonders when it comes to cleaning copper cookware. 

To use this method, pour a hefty amount of salt over the outside cookware and then squeeze lemon juice over the salt. Allow for this to sit for a minute or two. 

Cleaning copper pots often requires a bit of elbow grease, and this method is no exception. Be sure to scrub the cookware to remove any tarnish or grime. Alternatively, pour some table salt onto a plate, cut a lemon in half, and dip it into the salt. You can use the lemon as a scrubber to clean the outside of the cookware. 

In either method, the salt acts as an abrasive component to help scrub off any stains. Once done, clean your cookware with soapy water and rinse. You’ll be shocked by the result!

Maintaining Copper Longevity: Tips for Ongoing Care

Now that you know how to clean your copper cookware, let's briefly touch on caring for it between cleanings if you don't want to embrace the natural patina that copper builds up. 

1. No Dishwasher: Never put copper in the dishwasher; while this can be tempting, it can ruin your cookware. In addition, never leave it wet; wetness speeds up the oxidation process and creates unsightly water spots. 
2. Store Properly: It is ideal to store them in an area where they can avoid water and spillage. Store neatly using one of the following methods so that your copper items stay scratch-free. 
1. Use a pot rack
2. Use soft pot nesting materials
3. Use a vertical pot storage system 

Regular maintenance routines keep copper pots and pans looking like new. If you use your pots weekly, then you should clean them every month or so. 

There is something comforting and beautiful about copper cookware. Embrace its vintage look and reminisce about all of the tasty food it has provided!

Prolong Your Copper Cookware’s Life with Porterist

When cared for properly, copper cookware is not only stunning to look at but also makes absolutely delicious food. Follow the instructions and insights from this article to confidently clean your new copper cookware. With lemon, salt, polish, and a soft sponge on your side, it's simple. 

Good cookware requires care, but soon enough, it will become part of your cooking routine. de Buyer's copper cookware not only adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen but also delivers exceptional performance and durability. 

Don't settle for anything less than perfection. Treat yourself to the brilliance of de Buyer copper cookware and keep it in top condition with our specially formulated Copper Cleaning Paste. Explore our collection and discover the quality of French-crafted cookware today!