Copper pots, mugs, and home decor are both stunning and useful. But with regular use, water, oils, and even just air can cause your copper to tarnish or develop a patina.
Patina happens when a green or brown film appears on metals like copper, brass, or silver. Copper patina can make your items darker or spotty, and sometimes it even gives them a unique turquoise look.
Some folks love the natural patina, but if you prefer your copper gleaming like new, there are several ways to clean it up. In this post, I’ll walk you through some popular cleaning methods using things like vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, ketchup, and even some specific cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend.
Check out the results and see which method works best for you, and hopefully, you’ll find a solution using items you already have at home.
I expected the chemical cleaner to perform the best, but boy, was I surprised by the results!
Cleaning Copper Pots with Vinegar
Here’s what you’ll need: 2 tablespoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of flour, and enough white vinegar to make a paste.
Spread the paste over the copper surface with a spoon or your finger. Use a wet cloth to rub it off and rinse with water when you’re done.
The results were amazing! As soon as I applied the paste, the color changed instantly. For tougher spots, do a second round and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping off.
My review: 10/10. These ingredients are always in my kitchen, the results were fantastic, and I avoided harsh chemicals. If you have these items, give this method a try first!
Cleaning Copper with Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
Next up, lemon juice and baking soda. I had high hopes because these ingredients are usually cleaning champs.
But sadly, the results were pretty underwhelming. In the second image, you’ll see the baking soda makes a big bubbly mess (do this in a sink). I mixed equal parts fresh lemon juice and baking soda, and after the bubbles settled, the mixture was too watery. I tried pouring it directly on the surface and using a paper towel to rub it in.
My review: 4/10. It made some color change but didn’t clean deeply like the vinegar method. Try this only if you’re out of other options.
Cleaning Copper with Ketchup
Ever heard of cleaning copper with ketchup? I had, and I wanted to see if it worked as well as the vinegar method.
I squirted some ketchup onto the copper and spread it with my finger. Letting it sit for a minute, I then scrubbed it with a cloth and rinsed it off.
This method worked great! It’s perfect if you want a subtle cleaning that still leaves some patina texture. It’s not as powerful as the vinegar method but does a good job.
Plus, ketchup is easy to find and most of us have it at home! 8/10.
Cleaning Copper with Bar Keepers Friend
I’ve used Bar Keepers Friend before on my copper pots. They have both a liquid and powder version, which is handy. It’s fast and effective.
But it does contain some harsh ingredients and isn’t ideal for homes with kids. Always use gloves with this cleaner.
I thought Bar Keepers Friend would be the winner, but after these tests, the vinegar mixture works just as well for me.
So, it’s effective but more toxic. 7/10.
Bar Keepers Friend is also versatile—I’ve used it on quartz countertops to remove small stains.
I hope this helps you find the best way to clean your copper at home. Let us know in the comments if you’ve got a method that works for you!