TOP 27 tools and methods for cleaning copper at home
In modern everyday life, a large number of copper items are used. Over time or in the event of improper use, the products lose their attractive appearance, darken and become stained with oxidation. To restore the shine to the surface, you need to know what can be used to clean copper.
Metallic features
The widespread use of copper and copper-containing alloys is not only associated with the decorative features of products. Copper has a number of positive properties, including:
- thermal conductivity;
- resistance to rust formation;
- increased plasticity.
Why you need to clean regularly
The need for constant cleaning of copper objects arises from the fact that a dark coating and an oxide film quickly develop on the surface. Products heated or used in the open air oxidize particularly quickly. Frequent use of metal products causes tarnishing and blackening.The external condition of jewelry made of this metal depends on external factors with which there is a regular interaction.
Changes in ambient temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure lead to the loss of the original decorative appearance.
Copper cookware, in the absence of cleaning, begins to emit harmful toxic elements. In this case, you cannot use the kitchen utensils for cooking. If all available methods do not allow washing dishes, it is better not to use them for their intended purpose in order to avoid negative consequences.
Plate patterns
Plaque buildup on metal surfaces is caused by external factors. Exposure to metal from the outside changes its condition and reduces its protective characteristics.
Oxidation
When exposed to air, copper products begin to darken and become covered with green spots. Flaws are the result of metal oxidation.
Dermal exposure
Copper jewelry changes its original shade due to constant close contact with the skin. The secreted sweat contains elements that cause the process of oxidation. This process is especially strong in people with problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
high humidity
Direct contact with water and other liquids, as well as high atmospheric humidity, cause plaque formation.In some cases products are deliberately weathered to create a decorative effect, while in other situations it is the result of adverse environmental conditions.
Cleaning rules
Regular wiping and polishing of copper products is recommended to remove plaque. In order not to destroy the coating, you should use specialized cleaning agents or resort to proven folk methods.
Cleaners
There are many products available to remove oxides from copper objects. In most situations, the cleaning products available are suitable for cleaning.
table vinegar
Vinegar is used to remove stubborn dirt that has long formed on the surface. The cleaning process is as follows:
- Vinegar essence is poured into bulky stainless steel dishes and edible salt is added.
- The container is set on fire and the product is placed inside.
- The mixture is brought to a boil, the heating is turned off and the container is kept on the stove until it is completely cooled.
- The object is taken out of the container, washed with plenty of running water and dried.
Liquid soap
In case of slight dulling, the surface can be treated with liquid soap. To do this, the soap is squeezed onto the surface and rubbed with effort into the contaminated areas. After polishing, wash off soap residue with clean water.
Citrus
For convenience, you can cut the citrus fruit in half and rub the coating with it. After removing visible oxides and dirt, it remains to rinse the product with water.
Wine vinegar and flour
A common remedy is vinegar dough, for the preparation of which wine vinegar and flour are mixed in equal proportions.The ingredients are thoroughly mixed until a thick consistency is formed. The resulting mixture is applied to the surface of a metal object and left until a crust forms. Then the dried paste is peeled off and the coating is polished with a soft cloth.
Ketchup
Small objects can be easily cleaned with a simple tomato ketchup. You need to squeeze the ketchup into a deep container and dip a copper object inside. After waiting about 10 minutes, you can remove and rinse the product.
Amidosulfuric acid
A solution of amidosulfuric acid effectively removes blackness and other types of contamination from copper items. To clean in an acid solution, dampen a cloth and rub the surface until the desired result is achieved.
Lemon juice
At home, you can use freshly squeezed lemon juice for cleaning. A cloth is moistened in the juice and the product is wiped off.
Soap solution
Subtle tarnish can be easily removed with a soapy solution. Any soap is diluted in heated water, except for household soap (due to an alkaline composition), then the oxidized areas are rubbed with a solution.
Dish gel
Standard dishwashing detergents are suitable for removing fresh oxides. The gel-like agent is squeezed onto a soft sponge, rubbed into the surface, and then washed off with warm water.
Vegetable oil
Treatment of copper objects with pure vegetable oil effectively removes the formed plaque. After treatment, the remaining oil can be washed off with clean water and soap.
How to restore shine
After wiping off the plate and dirt from the copper product, the original luster should be restored to maintain the decorative properties. There are several polishing options that can be done without any problems at home.
crumpled newspaper
The easiest and most effective way to restore the old shine is to buff with regular newspaper. You need to roll a few sheets of newspaper into a ball and wipe the tarnished areas with it.
Constantly using this method, you can quickly restore the state of products.
Vinegar dough
The paste, mixed with vinegar essence and wheat flour, is suitable not only for combating dirt, but also for polishing. The only difference is that you need to add a pinch of edible salt to the polishing compound. A mixture of these components is applied to the surface of the object and left to dry. To avoid damage to the coating, it is important to ensure that the salt particles are dissolved before application.
Hydrochloric acid solution
It is recommended to use hydrochloric acid in the most advanced situations. The strong solution restores shine after rubbing the surface. For safety reasons, when working with the substance, wear protective gloves and a mask and open the windows of the room for ventilation.
Kerosene and chalk
A mixture of kerosene and chalk shavings is applied to a soft sponge and wiped over the metal coating until a characteristic sheen forms. This processing method is suitable for cleaning and finishing products.
Use toothpaste or powder
Abrasives, including toothpaste and powder, contain ingredients that will help remove tarnish from metal surfaces. The composition is applied to dark areas and rubbed in with light effort with a soft sponge. Then it remains to rinse the remnants with heated water and wipe the coating dry.
Cleaning characteristics of various copper products
The processing of various copper alloy products should be carried out taking into account a number of characteristics. Observance of simple rules and the choice of suitable products will allow to restore the decorative properties of products.
Coins
If visible plaque begins to form on copper parts due to liquid ingress or during prolonged storage, it can be removed in several ways.
For an effective procedure, you must prepare the instrument and an appropriate cleaning agent.
Tool
As a device for cleaning coins, it is enough to prepare a shallow container, a soft cloth and a sponge. If you need to mix the ingredients while preparing the cleanser, you can use a spoon for convenience.
Professional remedies
The greatest effect is provided by the use of specially developed means for combating dirt and polishing metal coatings. As part of professional products, there are components that remove plaque, regardless of the age of its appearance.
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali which eats away at the plate and restores the product to its original state. Safety precautions and protective gloves should be worn when using sodium hydroxide, as skin contact will result in burns. To restore shine, the product is applied to a sponge and wiped off with copper coins.
"Reference"
Etalon cleaner is a ready-to-use solution of a special complex of reagents for cleaning copper. To restore the previous shine with the help of "Etalon" is possible by soaking. For processing, the product is placed in a solution for 5-10 seconds, after which it is washed off with hot water and wiped dry.
Trilon-B
Trilon-B effectively removes plaque from copper and copper containing alloys. To prepare a cleaning solution at a 10% concentration, mix 100 g of Trilon-B and 1 liter of lukewarm water. Depending on the state of oxidation of the parts, they are soaked in a prepared solution for a few minutes to several hours. Periodically remove the products from the solution and spray with water to check the condition.
"Nanotrilan"
"Nanotrilan" is produced in the form of a paste and is specially designed for cleaning metal objects. Instructions for use are as follows:
- a small amount of dough is stirred until homogeneous, if necessary, diluted with water;
- the substance is applied to coins and smeared with a brush or rag;
- after waiting a few minutes, the dough is washed off and the products are wiped dry.
Folk remedies
In addition to specialized means, folk methods help to remove plaque from coins. Using these techniques allows you to perform the procedure at home.
Soap solution
Using soapy water to clean metal products is the most affordable way. To prepare the solution, mix liquid soap or shavings of a lumpy product in water.
It is important not to use laundry soap, because due to alkaline components it can lead to deterioration in the appearance of processed products.
lemon acid
Exposure to citric acid on copper coins helps to absorb plaque and fight tarnish. Acid is mixed with vinegar essence, a sponge is dipped in the solution and the parts are rubbed. As an alternative to citric acid, you can use fresh lemon. A slice is cut from a citrus fruit and coins are made with it.To improve the result of the treatment, you can sprinkle a pinch of table salt on the lemon.
Ammonia
The chemical action of ammonia on copper oxides contributes to their efficient elimination. For this purpose, an ammonia solution with a concentration of 5-15% is used. You can freely buy the substance at the pharmacy. The treatment process is no different from using soapy water and citric acid. Since ammonia has a strong smell, a respirator should be worn when working.
How to clean a bowl of jam
It is best to treat a tarnished copper bowl for jam using traditional methods that do not involve the use of chemicals. The ingress of caustic substances into the jam due to poor-quality rinsing can be harmful to health.
Turkish
Turkish coffees are made from a copper alloy that often oxidizes and tarnishes. There are several techniques that are most appropriate in practice for cleaning turkeys. All options require the use of only available tools.
Vinegar and salt
A mixture of gasoline and salt is applied to the Turk, rubbed and washed off with water. Dissolving the salt in the liquid is important because undissolved granules can scratch the coating.
serum milk
After diluting a few tablespoons of salt in a glass of whey, a solution is obtained to remove oxides from a copper turkey. A soft cloth or sponge is moistened in liquid and rubbed into the product from all sides. After completing the treatment, rinse off the remaining serum under water pressure and wipe it off.
lemon acid
The use of citric acid is suitable for removing oxides, stains and restoring shine.To restore shine to a Turkish coffee, it is necessary:
- dissolve 4 tablespoons of acid in 2 glasses of warm water;
- pour the liquid mixture into a deep container and dip the Turk inside;
- wait 10 minutes for the dirt to soften;
- wipe the surface with a brush or cloth.
Salt water
To clean a copper turkey with brine, it is applied to the product and left for 3-4 minutes. The effect is achieved when using any brine, for example, cucumbers or sauerkraut. After polishing, traces of brine are washed off and the Turk is wiped with a soft cloth.
Dry cleaning
The dry cleaning method involves the use of mild abrasive substances and is used in case of stubborn dirt. Chalk shavings or coarse flour are used as abrasives. A dry abrasive is applied to a flannel towel and the Turk is polished in a circular motion.
What to do with rust
In some situations, copper products are not only oxidized, but also covered with a layer of rust. Treatment with acidic compounds eliminates traces of corrosion. Immediately after removing the rust, the object is immersed in a solution of water and soda in order to neutralize the acid reaction.
Precautionary measures
When cleaning objects with a copper surface from oxides and rust with aggressive acidic substances, gloves and a respirator should be worn for protection. For processing, do not use metal brushes, which can leave scratches. Before using strong cleaning products, it is recommended to check the reaction on an inconspicuous area.
Copper cookware care rules
Regular polishing of products helps prolong life and preserve shine.It is also important to provide a favorable environment to avoid high humidity and constant contact with liquid.