How to Clean a Copper Gutter?

To clean a copper gutter and remove tarnish, you can use a homemade paste of flour, vinegar, and salt.

Cleaning Copper Gutters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how to effectively clean your copper gutters and restore their shine:

Assess the Patina: Determine the extent of the tarnish. If it's a light tan, cleaning will be easier. Deeply set patina is more difficult to remove. Prevention is key - clean regularly when the color starts to dull.
Prepare the Cleaning Paste: Mix the following ingredients to create a cleaning paste:
- 4 cups of flour
- Equal parts vinegar (white vinegar works well)
- Equal parts salt
The consistency should be a thick paste. Adjust the vinegar and salt to achieve the desired texture.
Apply the Paste: Apply the paste generously to the exterior surfaces of the copper gutters that you wish to clean.
Let it Sit: Allow the paste to sit on the copper for approximately 15-30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to break down the tarnish.
Scrub Gently: Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the paste onto the copper. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the gutters thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the cleaning paste. A garden hose with a spray nozzle works well for this step.
Dry and Polish: Dry the copper gutters with a clean, soft cloth. You can also polish them with a copper polishing compound for extra shine and protection.

Safety: Wear gloves and eye protection when working with cleaning solutions.
Environment: Avoid letting cleaning solutions runoff into gardens or waterways.
Professional Help: For extensive tarnish or hard-to-reach areas, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaning service.
Prevention: Regular cleaning and maintenance will help prevent heavy tarnish buildup.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your copper gutters and keep them looking their best.