NEED to know how to clean your copper???

Question

tried everything and nothing works like MAAS CREAM, that stuff is great!!!! You can find it on ebay. It also works to check bakelite bangles, you can check all plastic for bakelite, put it on bangles with a white cloth and if cloth turns yellow, it is real bakelite.

Answer 1

Lemon works with salt. I use Bartenders friend or something like that. i have never heard of maas cream.

Answer 2

As strange as this actually may sound, go to the automotive shop or even K-Mart or Wal-Mart and get a bottle of FINE automotive paint polish! Not only does it remove oxidization from paint on your cars finish it also cleans and polishes (very nicely too) brass, copper, silver(if used with LIGHT pressure), as well as most plastics too!!! Once done polishing the metal in question(I prefer to use an old terry cloth type wash cloth), clean off the remaining residue with very hot water and some mild liquid dish soap. Voila! Instant new looking copper! Plus there's no nasty smell either!

Answer 3

One of the most common questions we receive is "How do I clean my copper?" and "Will it tarnish?"

Well the answer really is - it depends. Yes, copper will tarnish over time as it reacts with the air and it will develop a patina. That patina will be different depending on whether the item is inside or outside, and if you prefer you can avoid it entirely with a wax finish or lacquer.


Indoors, copper will gradually reach a dark antique color of penny brown. If you add rain to the mix, the patina will eventually turn to an attractive verdigris - a blue-ish green - a look many people find very desirable (think of old copper roofs or the Statue of Liberty)

So, for those who want the patina-look, minimal cleaning is required and certainly no polishing!

For those of you who buy copper for the warm shine & polished look, say for your kitchen, there are many ways of very easily keeping that wonderful look.
Solid copper Vs Copper-plated

Copper is a very popular metal, not only because it looks so great but because it is strong & versatile. It is also very durable and will last many years, but will the finish look so good in that many years? Many manufacturers use copper-plated steel or iron which can start off looking great. Eventually that plating can start to thin out, leaving a piece looking irregular with the metal underneath showing through and ruining the whole look.
With solid copper, your piece can look as good in 20, 30 or 50 years as it does today!

Cleaning

There are many products available that you can use to clean up your copper, or you can make your own products from ingredients in your pantry!

First of all, is your product lacquered? If it is, please follow the instructions from the manufacturer because polishing can ruin the lacquer.

Dusting and occasional cleaning with warm soapy water can often be enough for your copper. But to get that wonderful shine back here are a few tried and tested methods:

Shop Bought Products

Most are fast and easy, but follow instructions and maintain caution with some.
Wenol All Metal Polish, Bar Keeper’s Friend, Wright’s Copper Cream and Brasso are just a few. Our current favorite is Brasso Multi-Purpose Metal Polish which produces a wonderful polished finish.

Shake well
Apply to a soft dry cloth
Rub lightly all over the copper to loosen dirt
Allow to dry for a few minutes
Polish with a soft dry cloth.
Home Made Solutions

There are some very easy ways to clean copper by just raiding your fridge or pantry! Some of these are great on flat pieces, like the bottom of copper pots.

Ketchup. Smear ketchup all over the area, Leave for 5-10 minutes and rinse clean!
Lemon halves & salt. Dip half a lemon into salt and rub across the copper. Rinse & dry.
Lemon & salt paste. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt (or baking soda), rub into the copper with a cloth, rinse with water and dry


Solution to make & keep. This is one you can make up and store in a glass jar with a secure lid for future use with great results.
Mix ½ cup each of flour, salt and powdered detergent
Add ¾ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup of lemon juice, ½ cup warm water
Mix well and pour into the glass jar, label and seal.
To use, add a small amount onto a cloth and rub it into Copper. Use a toothbrush for hard to reach areas.
Rinse with water and rub dry with a clean cloth.
Follow these simple steps, and you'll be able to keep your copper as warm and polished as the day you bought it for many years!

Answer 4

extremely tough thing. look into onto a search engine. that will will help!

Answer 5

try toothpaste.