How to Clean Copper Pots, Mugs and Decor Naturally

Copper pots, mugs and decor turn dull brown and sometimes green as copper reacts with air and moisture. A little acid and salt bring the glow back in minutes. Here's how to clean copper naturally, plus what to watch out for with lacquered pieces and lined cookware.

Quick answer: Wash copper with warm soapy water, then rub tarnish with half a lemon dipped in salt (or a paste of vinegar and salt), rinse well, and dry immediately with a soft cloth. For lacquered copper, use only mild soap and water.

Check Before You Clean

Lacquered copper (common on decor) has a clear coating. Acids and polish damage it. Clean with soap and water only.
Copper cookware is usually lined with stainless steel or tin. Clean the copper exterior with the methods below and the inside as the manufacturer recommends.
Antiques may be more valuable with their patina. Ask before polishing.

Method 1: Lemon and Salt

Cut a lemon in half and dip the cut side in coarse or table salt.
Rub it over the tarnished copper, re-dipping in salt as needed.
Watch the tarnish lift almost instantly.
Rinse with warm water and dry completely with a soft cloth.

Method 2: Vinegar and Salt Paste

Mix 1 tablespoon of salt into 1 cup of white vinegar (add flour to make a paste for vertical surfaces). Rub on with a cloth, let sit a few minutes, rinse and dry.

Method 3: Boil Small Items

For heavily tarnished small pieces, simmer them in a large pot of water with 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of salt for several minutes until tarnish falls away. Let cool, wash with soapy water, rinse and dry.

Method 4: Ketchup

Coat the copper with ketchup, wait 15–30 minutes, then wipe and rinse. The mild acid works well on detailed pieces.

Method 5: Baking Soda and Lemon

Mix lemon juice and baking soda into a paste, rub it on with a soft cloth, rinse and dry. Good for spots on copper sinks and backsplashes (check the finish first).

Cleaning Copper Mugs

Hand wash Moscow mule mugs in warm soapy water and dry right away. If they're unlined copper, don't store acidic drinks in them for long periods. Polish the outside with lemon and salt when they dull.

Removing Green Patina (Verdigris)

Green spots are a different form of corrosion. Apply the vinegar and salt paste, let it sit longer (up to 30 minutes), scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse and dry.

Keep Copper Shiny Longer

Dry immediately after every wash.
Apply a thin coat of mineral oil or wax to decor pieces.
Avoid the dishwasher for copper.

Don't Use

Steel wool or harsh scouring pads
Bleach
Acid on lacquered or tin-lined interiors

Related Guides

Brass looks similar but needs a quick test first: How to Clean Brass. Silver tarnish works differently: How to Clean Silver at Home. More natural cleaners: cleaning with lemon.

FAQ

Why does copper turn green?

Moisture and air form copper carbonate (verdigris). It's normal on outdoor and older copper.

How often should I polish copper?

Whenever it looks dull, typically every few weeks for items in daily use.