You clean copper vessels with lemon by using the citric acid in the lemon to dissolve tarnish and grime, often boosted by the abrasive action of salt. Here's a breakdown of the method:
Steps to Clean Copper with Lemon:
- Cut the Lemon: Slice a lemon in half.
- Add Salt: Generously sprinkle salt (table salt or coarse salt works) onto the cut surface of one lemon half. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive to help scrub away tarnish.
- Rub the Copper: Rub the salted lemon half directly onto the surface of the copper vessel. Apply gentle pressure and scrub in circular motions. Focus on areas with heavy tarnish.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Once you've scrubbed the entire surface, rinse the copper vessel thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry Completely: Use a clean, soft cloth to dry the copper vessel completely. This helps prevent water spots and further tarnishing.
Why This Works:
- Citric Acid: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is a natural acid that helps dissolve copper oxide, the compound that causes tarnish.
- Abrasive Action: Salt provides a gentle abrasive action that helps physically remove the loosened tarnish.
Tips and Considerations:
- For stubborn tarnish, let the lemon juice and salt mixture sit on the copper for a few minutes before scrubbing.
- You can also make a paste by mixing lemon juice and salt in a bowl and applying it with a cloth or sponge.
- Avoid using excessive pressure, which could scratch the copper surface.
- This method is best for removing light to moderate tarnish. Heavily tarnished copper might require a commercial copper cleaner.
- Always dry the copper thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots.
