How to Clean Copper Pans and Kitchenware
Tips and hacks for the perfect shine.
Inspired by top chefs and the material’s classic appeal, copper has made a comeback as a must-have cookware staple. These glimmering pots and pans look great dangling from a hanging rack, and they’re also renowned for their superior heating quality that allows professional chefs—and home cooks alike—to prepare food quickly and evenly.
The only downside? Cleaning copper pans. While they're beautiful in any state, this durable material tarnishes and needs frequent TLC to keep on glowing. With varying amounts of elbow grease required, there are many ways to clean copper and bring warmth back into your kitchen.
What to Know Before You Clean
Most solid copper pans come lined with stainless steel or tin, which can erode and become toxic with improper cleaning. Keep the lining (and your family and friends) healthy with these rules:
- A soft sponge, mild soap, and water works for a basic cleaning.
- Don’t let pans soak overnight.
- Avoid the dishwasher and harsh detergents that contain bleach.
How to Clean Copper Pans (The Natural Way)
Give tarnished pans an organic shimmer with nontraditional cleaning essentials that already live in your kitchen (hint: this combo also makes the perfect garnish for your margarita).
What You’ll Need:
- A lemon or lime
- Coarse sea salt
Instructions:
1. Slice fruit in half and apply coarse salt. Use the fruit to scrub the surface of the copper. The combination of acidic citrus and rough salt will gently lift the tarnish from the surface of the pan. Running short on these items? Substitute vinegar for lemon juice, and baking soda for salt.
2. For stubborn stains, form a paste. Squeeze one part lemon juice and two parts salt onto the cookware. For the most noticeable results, let the paste sit for a couple hours before removing.
3. Rinse and dry. Using warm water, rinse the pot clean and be sure to remove all salt, which can degrade the lining of your pan. Dry thoroughly.
4. Shine and buff. Gently buff the pan with a clean rag or kitchen towel for a polished finish.
Tip!
Give your favorite condiment a shot! The acid and sugar combo found in ketchup has been known to dissolve copper tarnish. Simply apply directly to the cookware, let sit for a couple of minutes, buff in a circular motion with a sponge or paper towel, and rinse with warm water.
Alternative Cleaning Solutions
If you're looking to use less elbow grease when cleaning copper pans, opt for one of these different methods (or lack thereof):
Use a Synthetic Cleaner: A variety of gels, powders, and solvents are available at your local hardware store to easily bring life back to your copper cookware. With various cleaning times required, the hardest part of this process is waiting!
Apply Lacquer: If your copper pots and pans are more for decorating than cooking, consider coating the pieces with a silicone or epoxy finish to keep them tarnishfree.
Keep the Patina: Both practical and aesthetically pleasing, many people opt not to polish their copper cookware. This lessens your maintenance and allows the copper surface to become harder and more thermally efficient as it ages.
