How to Polish Copper

Co-authored by Elias Weston

Copper plates, decorations, and jewelry can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, copper can become dull with time and requires regular polishing. You can polish copper fairly easily with household supplies like lemon and flour. You can also use a commercial polish on copper. When you're done, your copper polish will shine like it's brand new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Lemon and Salt

1
Sprinkle half a lemon with table salt. Cut a lemon in half. Then, sprinkle half the lemon with a generous amount of salt.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Rub the lemon onto the copper's surface. For mildly tarnished jewelry, you can simply rub down the surface with the lemon. Rub the surface the same way you would rub it with a sponge or cloth. Rub as much as necessary to remove the tarnish.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Make a paste with lemon juice and salt. If you can't remove tarnish using a lemon, squeeze out some juice from the lemon into a bowl. Add salt. Mix salt with the lemon until you've formed a thick paste.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Apply the paste to tougher areas. Use a spoon to apply your paste to the stubborn areas on your copper piece. Let the paste sit on for a few minutes. Long exposure to the lemon paste will result in more tarnish being removed.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You do not need to rub the paste in too hard. Simply applying the paste should polish your copper.
5
Rinse and dry your copper. After your copper is polished to your liking, rinse off any lingering lemon and salt residue by rinsing your copper with clean, warm water. Make sure to pat the copper dry afterwards with a soft rag or cloth. You do not want copper to stay wet for long, as this can cause rust.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Vinegar, Salt, and Flour

1
Combine your flour and salt. In a large bowl, combine equal parts flour and salt. The amount you use depends on how much copper you have to polish. Mix with a spoon until everything is evenly mixed.^{[6]
X
Research source}
2
Add your vinegar. Pour vinegar into your flour/salt mixture slowly. Add enough vinegar to create a thick, spreadable paste. The amount of vinegar depends on how much flour and salt you used.^{[7]
X
Research source}
3
Apply your paste to the copper. Dip a cloth in your paste. Rub the paste into your copper, targeting any tarnished or dull areas in particular. Keep rubbing the copper until it has a nice shine.^{[8]
X
Research source}
4
Rinse and dry your copper. Rinse the copper in clean water. Make sure to get rid of any residue. Then, gently pat the copper dry.^{[9]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Commercial Polisher

1
Choose a polish made for copper.^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Mark Sandler
Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser
Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.} Copper is a specific type of material and needs to be treated with a specific polish. Things like silver or metal polish can easily damage copper. When selecting a commercial polish, make sure it's a polish specifically made for copper.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- You can buy copper polish online or at a hardware store.^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mark Sandler
  Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser
  Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
2
Dust off the copper. Use a soft cloth to wipe any dust off your copper. Dust can get plastered onto copper if it's not wiped off before the polishing process. This is especially important for copper that's been stored in a dusty area, like an attic, for a prolonged period.^{[13]
X
Research source}
3
Apply your polish to a rag. Apply your polish to a polish cloth. The amount you need varies. Use a generous amount of polish for very tarnished pieces and only a light amount for copper that only requires a light polishing.^{[14]
X
Research source}
4
Buff the copper's surface with a cloth. Use your polishing cloth to buff your polish into your copper. Apply a decent amount of pressure to remove any tarnish. Keep polishing until your copper shines.^{[15]
X
Research source}
5
Rinse and dry your copper. Use clean water to rinse off any remaining polish after you're done. Then, gently pat your copper dry. Make sure to get the copper completely dry as water can cause copper to rust.^{[16]
X
Research source}

How Should You Clean A Copper Kettle?

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you remove oxidation from copper?

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Use acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar. These can help dissolve the oxidization on your copper.
Question

Can I use baking soda for this?

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes! Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of vinegar (or lemon juice) to form a paste. Using a microfiber cloth, apply the paste and buff the copper. Rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
Question

How do you clean badly tarnished copper?

Mark Sandler
Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser
Mark Sandler is a Graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, and a Jeweler with over 30 years of experience. His family business, Designer Jewels, has been designing handmade jewelry for five generations. Mark is a member of the American Society of Appraisers and the American Gem Society.

Mark Sandler

Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser

Expert Answer

Try using copper polish to clean your badly tarnished copper. You can buy it from a hardware store or online.