How to Clean Off Copper Buildup

Many people are looking for ways on how to clean copper since copper is used in many personal and household items, and house construction materials. Copper is a popular metal used for piping, making jewelry, containers, and other materials. Its use dates back thousands of years and is still in use today. Sometimes, copper oxidizes and forms a blue-green discoloration that builds up on sinks, bowls, or on the copper piping or material itself. This stain is pretty visible because of its color. There are various methods on how to clean copper buildup. Here are a few simple steps on how to clean copper build-up.

Step 1 – Use the Vinegar/Flour/Salt Method

Cleaning copper will depend on the materials readily available at home. One effective method is to use a paste that consists of vinegar, salt and flour. Mix an equal proportion of all 3 ingredients into a bowl or container and apply in on the copper buildup. Allow it to sit on the stain for about 15 to 30 minutes. Wash the paste with water mixed with soap.

Step 2 – Rub the Copper Build-Up with Salt

Place a liberal amount of salt on the stain and rub it with a clean tack cloth or rag. Keep rubbing until the bluish green oxidized copper residue is removed totally from the metal. Salt has metal stain cleaning properties that can easily rub off any stained surface on a metal including copper.

Step 3 – Use the Ketchup Method

If ketchup is readily available, apply some to a sponge and use it to rub away the copper residue. If the copper is a bit difficult to remove, allow the ketchup to sit on the stain for a little while before rubbing it off. Clean the ketchup with water and soap.

Step 4 – Use the Lemon-Salt Method

Lemon has stain-removing properties that can be used to remove copper stains as well. Cut the lemon into two halves and add a sprinkle of salt on the lemon. Use it to rub away the stain of copper residue on the affected surface until the stain disappears. Clean the area by wiping it with a clean rag or cloth.

Step 5 – Use Lemon and Cream of Tartar Paste

For hard to remove copper build up, using a paste out of lemon juice and cream of tartar will do the trick. Place some cream of tartar on a bowl or container and squeeze the lemon juice into the container. Mix the components to create a paste. Apply the paste on the stain and leave it there to sit for about an hour or two. Wash the paste away with water and soap. If there is still copper on the surface, rub it with salt.

Tips: Since copper is a soft metal, do not make use of a strong abrasive because it may damage the metal. Do not rub too firmly also because it may bend the metal.