Cleaning Your Copper Pots

Published February 26, 2014

Do you have a set of copper pots hidden away in your cupboard because they are just too tarnished to use? I’m starting to see copper pots make a comeback in kitchens. We all love the look and cooking performance of these pots but the routine cleaning of them can become tiresome.

If you have a set, or perhaps are thinking of purchasing a set, there are a couple of things you may want to keep in mind.

Firstly, if you have an old set of copper pots be sure to check them over very carefully for any scratches or scrapes that may have occurred over time.

In Canada, it is mandatory that the cooking surface of copper pots be coated in another metal. Stainless steel is usually the popular choice. Check to make sure this is the case as copper can be poisonous. Only the outside surface of the pot should be exposed copper. If you are unsure as to the condition of your pots then best to stop using them.

If your copper cookware is badly tarnished then there are many commercial copper cleaners on the market that will clean them up nicely.

Home Depot carries two brands that I quite like. The first is Brasso Metal Polish and the second is called Tarn-X.

Both are equally good for cleaning copper but be sure to rinse and wash well after applying the cleaner.

If you are in a pinch and don’t have time to pick up a copper cleaner then this trick may be for you.

A simple paste of one-part table salt and one-part all-purpose flour mixed with some white vinegar will take off most of your copper tarnish. Simply add the vinegar a little at a time until a paste is formed and apply the paste with a soft cloth.

Be sure to rub all the paste onto the copper surface and rub quite vigorously.

You should see the results very quickly.

For darker spots you may have to scrub a little longer or perhaps resort to a commercial cleaner.

I tried this on my copper pots and the results were fantastic. I had to use a small brush to get the spaces around the handle as well.

When you are done, rinse the pot with cold water and dry with a soft cloth.