Maintaining copper involves regular cleaning to prevent tarnish and preserve its appearance, especially for items in contact with food.
Cleaning Copper Items
Routine Cleaning for Copper Cookware and Utensils
- Clean After Each Use: Always clean copper cookware and utensils that have direct contact with food immediately after using them.
Natural Cleaning Methods
According to Sokolowski, you can maintain copper items using natural cleaners or solutions.
- Lemon Juice and Salt: A natural solution like lemon juice and salt can effectively remove tarnish and keep your copper looking its best.
- How to Use:
- Mix lemon juice and salt to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the tarnished copper.
- Gently scrub the copper with the paste using a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse with water.
- Dry thoroughly.
- How to Use:
Table Summary of Copper Maintenance
| Task | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Food Contact Items | After Each Use | Lemon juice and salt, or natural cleaner |
Additional Tips
- Avoid Abrasives: Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners as these can scratch and damage copper surfaces.
- Dry Immediately: After washing, ensure that you dry copper items immediately to prevent water spots and further tarnish.
By adhering to these simple cleaning and maintenance steps, you can keep your copper items looking beautiful and functional for years to come.
