How to clean copper pots and pans?

Question

I recieved stainless steel pots and pans for christams, but the bottoms are copper. Since i used them on a regular basis, they are now turning colors. How do I get these back to the clean copper color?

Answer 1

Cut a lemon in half and dip it into regular salt. Rub the copper,rinse and watch it shine like new! Make sure to rinse well as the lemon is acidic. Do not use oven cleaner it will ruin your pans. This method is also non-toxic and quick.

Answer 2

The fastest way I clean copper or stainless is to use Barkeeper's Friend. It's a powdered cleanser that works great on metal! It's not nearly as harsh as stuff like Comet. Actually, it's so gentle that you can use it on a ceramic topped stove without scratching. Barkeeper's is made from rhubarb leaves which are acidic and the abrasive helps that along. What I do when I clean my copper is dampen the piece with warm water, sprinkle it with the Barkeeper's, smear it around with a sponge and start scrubbing. If your copper is really bad, you might want to leave it soak for a few minutes so you don't have to scrub so much. Wash in warm soapy water and dry with a towel. I have a lot of stainless cookware too and the Barkeeper's keeps that looking nice without scratching also.

Answer 3

Try vinegar with a little salt mixture , wipe it on let it sit or better sit the bottom of the pans in the vinegar & salt in your sink..this will take off the tarnish,, then break out the brillo pads and a can of elbow grease..

Answer 4

Cameo Copper cleaner my grandmother has been using it for years and it makes your cookware look like new. good luck:) ps you dont have to scrub really hard either;)

Answer 5

Use Tarn-away, it will make them bright again. Or use a S.O.S pad to clean them. If their real bad use oven cleaner them, then Tarn-away or S.O.S pad on them.