How Do You Clean Copper with Lemon?

You can clean copper effectively with lemon by using its natural acidity to remove tarnish.

Here's a breakdown of how to clean copper using lemon:

Method 1: Lemon and Salt

This method utilizes the abrasive power of salt combined with the acidity of lemon.

1. Cut a lemon in half: Take a fresh lemon and slice it in half.
2. Apply salt: Sprinkle a generous amount of table salt onto the cut surface of the lemon half. The salt acts as a mild abrasive to help scrub away the tarnish.
3. Rub the copper: Use the salted lemon half to rub the surface of the copper item. Apply moderate pressure, focusing on areas with heavy tarnish. The lemon juice dissolves the tarnish, while the salt helps to lift it away. Add more salt to the lemon as needed.
4. Rinse with water: Once you've scrubbed the entire surface, rinse the copper item thoroughly with warm water.
5. Dry completely: Use a clean, soft cloth to dry the copper item completely. This prevents water spots and further tarnishing.

Method 2: Lemon Juice and Water

This method is gentler and ideal for lightly tarnished copper.

1. Squeeze lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of one or more lemons into a bowl.
2. Add water: Mix the lemon juice with an equal amount of water.
3. Soak or apply: You can either soak the copper item in the lemon juice mixture for 15-30 minutes, or apply the mixture directly to the surface with a sponge or cloth.
4. Scrub gently (if needed): For stubborn tarnish, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the copper.
5. Rinse and dry: Rinse the copper thoroughly with water and dry it completely with a clean cloth.

Tips for Cleaning Copper with Lemon:

• Test first: Before cleaning the entire item, test the lemon mixture on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't damage the copper.
• Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemons provide the best results due to their higher acidity.
• Polish after cleaning: After cleaning and drying, you can polish the copper with a copper polish for a more lustrous shine.
• Wear gloves: If you have sensitive skin, consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from the acidity of the lemon juice.