Copper jewelry has been worn for centuries and is still a great choice because of its warm color and the anecdotal evidence of how this metal can ease inflammation and pain. However, it can blacken or oxidize over time due to humidity, dust, human touch, and certain chemicals. Have you noticed this, too, and wondered how to clean copper jewelry? A buildup of dirt and grime can tarnish your jewelry and make it look dull if left unattended. Therefore, it is important to store your copper accessories safely and take good care to prevent this.
Check out this article for quick tricks and techniques to clean your copper jewelry easily using home remedies made with household products.
Ace The Look
- Storage: Always store copper jewelry in an airtight container or zip lock bag in a dry place. You can also add an anti-tarnishing paper or a silica gel packet to absorb moisture and slow down the tarnishing process.
- Cleaning: Gently clean your copper jewelry and avoid using any harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaning solutions as it can tarnish them.
- Styling: Try styling copper jewelry with flowy maxi dresses or wide leg pants to create an aesthetic boho look.
- Occasion: Opt for copper jewelry like dainty earrings or pendant necklaces to stand out in formal occasions and add a touch of elegance to your cocktail dresses and gowns.
In This Article
1. How To Clean Copper Jewelry At Home
2. Key Takeaways
3. Dos And Don’ts Of Cleaning Your Precious Copper Jewelry
4. How To Care For Your Copper Jewelry
5. Safety Precautions To Keep In Mind
6. Infographic: 5 DIY Methods To Clean Copper Jewelry
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Illustration: How To Clean Copper Jewelry - 6 DIY Methods
How To Clean Copper Jewelry At Home
Here’s a simple guide on how to clean copper jewelry at home using common household items:
1. Lemon and Salt Method
- Ingredients: Lemon, salt
- Instructions:
- Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on the cut surface.
- Rub the salted lemon directly onto the copper jewelry.
- Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
2. Baking Soda Paste
- Ingredients: Baking soda, water
- Instructions:
- Mix baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the jewelry using a soft brush or cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
3. Vinegar and Salt Soak
- Ingredients: White vinegar, table salt
- Instructions:
- Combine 1 cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of salt in a bowl.
- Soak the jewelry for 5–10 minutes.
- Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
4. Ketchup Polish
- Ingredients: Ketchup
- Instructions:
- Apply a small amount of ketchup to the copper jewelry.
- Rub gently with a soft cloth or toothbrush.
- Rinse off the ketchup and dry the jewelry.
5. Toothpaste Scrub
- Ingredients: Non-gel toothpaste
- Instructions:
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the jewelry.
- Use a toothbrush to gently scrub the surface.
- Rinse well and dry.
6. Commercial Copper Polish
- Ingredients: Store-bought copper polish
- Instructions:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the polish.
- Buff with a soft cloth for a shiny finish.
Tips for Best Results:
- Avoid abrasive materials that may scratch the jewelry.
- Always test on a small area first, especially for pieces with intricate designs.
- Dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent tarnish.
Let me know if you’d like this formatted into an infographic or detailed further!
- Baking Soda And Lemon Juice
Baking soda is an excellent non-abrasive cleaner for precious metals, such as copper and silver. It absorbs dirt and grime easily and removes tarnish from jewelry. Having said that, Sara, a YouTuber, demonstrated how to clean copper jewelry with simple home ingredients. She prepared a mixture of lemon juice and salt and immersed the jewelry in it. Discussing results, she says, “As you can see, how in this short amount of time it has brightened up substantially. And this is super-quick, super-cheap, and very effective.
Method
- Mix water, a bit of lemon juice, and a tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.
- Soak your copper jewelry in this solution for a few hours or overnight.
- Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with water the next day.
- Buff the jewelry with a soft toothbrush to remove stains or tarnish. You can also use a soft cloth to rub away any grime or dirt.
2. Vinegar
How to Clean Copper Jewelry with Vinegar
What You Need:
- White vinegar
- Table salt
- Small bowl
- Soft cloth or toothbrush
Steps:
- Prepare the Solution: Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 tablespoon of salt in a small bowl. Stir until the salt dissolves.
- Soak the Jewelry: Place the copper jewelry in the solution and let it soak for 5–10 minutes.
- Scrub Gently: If needed, use a soft toothbrush to remove stubborn tarnish.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm water and dry completely with a soft cloth to prevent water spots or tarnish.
This method effectively removes tarnish, restoring the shine to your copper jewelry!
3. Lemon Juice And Salt
Lemon juice works like a natural abrasive without being too harsh on the metal. This method will help clean any dirt from your skin that accumulates on the metal surface.
Method
- Mix one tablespoon of salt, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and water in a bowl.
- Dip your copper jewelry in this mixture and let it sit for about an hour.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub away dirt or sludge from the corners gently.
- Rinse the jewelry with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth before storing it in a cool, dry place.
4. Saltwater
How to Clean Copper Jewelry with Saltwater
What You Need:
- Table salt
- Warm water
- Small bowl
- Soft cloth
Steps:
- Prepare the Solution: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Soak the Jewelry: Submerge your copper jewelry in the saltwater solution for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse and Wipe: Remove the jewelry, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and gently wipe it dry with a soft cloth.
- Polish (Optional): Buff the jewelry with a dry, soft cloth for added shine.
This method is great for light tarnish but may not be as effective for heavily oxidized pieces.
5. Tomato Ketchup
This is the easiest way to clean jewelry at home. You may be surprised, but ketchup is an excellent choice for cleaning your copper jewelry without any damage.
Method
- Squeeze some ketchup on your copper jewelry until it is completely covered.
- Rub the jewelry with your fingers, a hard cloth, or a brush until the tarnish disappears.
- Rinse it in a bowl of warm water.
- Wipe the jewelry thoroughly and let it air dry before storing.
6. Jewelry Polishing Cloth
Jewelry Polishing Cloth
A jewelry polishing cloth is a soft, treated fabric designed to clean and restore the shine of various metals, including copper, silver, and gold.
How to Use a Jewelry Polishing Cloth:
- Choose the Right Cloth: Ensure it is safe for copper or the specific metal of your jewelry. Many are dual-sided, with one side for cleaning and the other for polishing.
- Wipe the Jewelry: Use gentle, circular motions to remove tarnish and dirt. Focus on tarnished areas.
- Buff to Shine: Use the polishing side (if available) to bring out the jewelry’s natural luster.
- Repeat if Needed: For heavily tarnished items, repeat the process or combine with other cleaning methods.
Tips:
- Avoid washing the cloth; the cleaning agents are embedded in the fabric.
- Store the cloth in a dry place to maintain its effectiveness.
Polishing cloths are a quick, easy, and non-abrasive way to keep your jewelry looking beautiful!
Key Takeaways
- Copper jewelry has been adorned since ancient times because of its ornamental and healing properties.
- It is important to take proper care of your copper jewelry to prevent it from loss of shine and luster.
- Using naturally found or home-based ingredients rather than chemical detergents and scrubs would help keep your copper ornaments looking as good as new.
Dos And Don’ts Of Cleaning Your Precious Copper Jewelry
Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Copper Jewelry
Dos:
- Use Gentle Cleaners: Opt for natural cleaning agents like lemon, vinegar, baking soda, or a jewelry polishing cloth.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse off cleaning solutions to prevent residue buildup.
- Dry Completely: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry jewelry to avoid water spots or tarnish.
- Test First: Test cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area before applying to the entire piece.
- Store Properly: Keep your jewelry in a cool, dry place to minimize tarnishing.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach, ammonia, or other abrasive cleaners that may damage the copper.
- Skip Abrasive Materials: Avoid using steel wool or hard brushes that can scratch the surface.
- Don’t Soak for Too Long: Extended soaking in solutions like vinegar can corrode the metal or affect delicate designs.
- Don’t Mix Metals: Clean copper jewelry separately from other metals to prevent reactions or discoloration.
- Avoid Humid Environments: Storing copper jewelry in damp areas can accelerate tarnish.
By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll keep your copper jewelry looking vibrant and beautiful for years to come!
How To Care For Your Copper Jewelry
- Avoid wearing copper jewelry in water to prevent dust, tarnish, sludge, and bacteria buildup. If the metal gets wet, pat dry it with a soft cloth and keep it away from moisture.
- Store your copper jewelry in a cool and dry place to prolong its lifespan.
- Apart from cleaning your jewelry with the above methods, you must also invest in a polishing cloth. This will help maintain the shine and integrity of your copper jewelry.
While maintaining the shine and integrity of your copper pieces is important, ensuring your own safety while doing so is equally crucial. Read the next section to see how to take care of yourselves and your copper items in the best way possible.
Safety Precautions To Keep In Mind
Over time, copper can tarnish, but with the appropriate cleaning methods it can regain its shine. However, there are some precautions that need to be taken into consideration when doing so. Here is what one should take note of:
- When cleaning the items using chemical cleaners, put on gloves to prevent irritation of your skin and allergic reactions.
- Commercial copper cleaners may emit fumes that are dangerous, therefore keep the windows open or use fans to let in more fresh air.
- By mistake if you inhale the vapors from chemical cleaners and you feel uncomfortable, go outside and get fresh air.
- Use microfiber cloths, soft sponges, or a soft toothbrush and avoid using abrasive materials as they can cause scratches on the surface of the copper.
- Whenever you’re using vinegar or other acidic natural cleaners, first test them on a small area of the item to ensure no damage is done to the coatings.
- Clean copper items every two to three months especially if you live in a highly humid area.
- Remove your copper jewelry before taking a bath or while swimming as they contain chlorine which may accelerate tarnishing and corrosion.
Proper care and maintenance not only prolongs their lifespan but also allows you to enjoy the beauty of copper for years to come without compromising on safety and quality.
Infographic: 5 DIY Methods To Clean Copper Jewelry
Copper tends to tarnish over time as it comes in contact with air or moisture. Thus, copper jewelry tends to change color over time and needs to be cleaned periodically even if you store it in a cool, dry place. In the following infographic, we have listed a few simple kitchen ingredients that can help you do that. Check it out to learn more!
Copper jewelry is eye-catching, long-lasting, and linked to various health advantages. It is a distinctive and accessible option for accessorizing. However, on the negative side, it oxidizes quickly and tends to tarnish. If left neglected, dirt and dust can discolor your jewelry, making it appear rusty and old. The change in appearance affects the reddish-brown metal’s shine and charm, rendering the jewelry unusable. Therefore, it is essential to ensure proper maintenance for your copper jewelry to keep it in pristine condition and avoid the aforementioned issues. Follow the steps outlined in the article to clean your copper jewelry with common home items quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you clean copper with toothpaste?
Yes. Remove any debris from your jewelry by submerging it in water, then gently brush it with a toothbrush and a little toothpaste to restore its shine.
2. Does Coke clean copper?
Yes, Coca-Cola can clean copper due to its mild acids, which help remove tarnish. Simply soak the copper item in Coke for 5–10 minutes, scrub gently if needed, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Avoid prolonged soaking to protect delicate pieces.
3. Does rubbing alcohol clean copper?
Yes. Rub your jewelry with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to clean it.
4. Is it safe to use commercial cleaners on copper jewelry?
Commercial cleaners can be hazardous, as they usually contain harmful chemicals that may damage the protective coatings of copper jewelry. It is always best to use milder methods.
Illustration: How To Clean Copper Jewelry – 6 DIY Methods
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Personal Experience: Source
Getmakeup’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
