If your copper jewelry has started to tarnish, keep reading this article! These hacks on How to Clean Copper Jewelry are the apt solution!
Copper is one of the most versatile and durable metals. It is seen in the kitchen, for storage purposes, and most commonly for making jewelry. Besides giving an antique look, copper is prone to tarnishing. If you want to learn How to Clean Copper Jewelry easily at home, read this article till the end.
What Causes Copper to Tarnish?
Tarnishing of copper is a common problem that occurs very often. If it’s a utensil, a pot, or even the storage box, it may turn dark in color, while if it’s jewelry, it makes the skin green. When copper comes in contact with dirt, water, or even dirt, it tarnishes. However, if you carry copper jewelry and it turns your skin green in color, then it’s not because of skin allergy. Copper reacts with the oils produced by the skin and oxidizes. This oxidation leads to the tarnishing of copper and causes the metal to change color.
How to Clean Copper Jewelry
Cleaning your copper jewelry isn’t difficult. However, you must check if it’s lacquered or unlacquered. Lacquered jewelry doesn’t tarnish very easily; therefore, you can simply wipe it before and after use with a cloth. But if turned dark, then clean it with soapy water and pat it dry.
If you are dealing with the cleaning of unlacquered jewelry, follow these hacks on how to clean copper jewelry and make your accessories shine.
1. Lemon and Salt
This is the easiest and quickest method to clean copper jewelry. Cut a lemon into half and sprinkle a good amount of table salt on it. Now, start scrubbing your jewelry with it and then leave it for 5 minutes. Wash with water and dry it using a cloth.
Another way of doing this process is to make a solution of lemon juice and salt in a bowl. Soak your ornament in the solution for 5 minutes. After that, scrub, rinse, and dry.
2. Vinegar and Salt
Take a plastic container and add white vinegar to it and place the jewelry into it for about 10 minutes. Take it out and sprinkle table salt and scrub with a soft brush or damp cloth to rub off the tarnish and dirt. Clean with water and dry using a soft cloth. The reason for taking a plastic pot and not a metal container is that vinegar, copper, and the container metal may react which each other.
3. Tomato Ketchup
This method could be messy but removes tarnish very well. Tomato, just like lemon, is acidic, and it dissolves the tarnish of copper, thus making it clean. On a sponge or a brush, take the required amount of tomato ketchup and start scrubbing. Leave it for a couple of minutes, and then clean the jewelry using a cloth. Clean with water and pat dry.
4. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
Scrubbing your copper jewelry with a paste of lemon juice and baking soda also eliminates the tarnish. Combine 1/4 teaspoon of water, 10-15 drops of lemon juice, and a tablespoon of baking soda in a small bowl. Spread the paste all over the accessory and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Scour with a toothbrush, clean it with water, and dry it with a cloth.
5. Saltwater                                               
As salt is slightly abrasive, it’s an excellent candidate to bring back the lost shine of your copper accessories. Add a cup of water and 1-2 tablespoons of salt to a cooking pot. Heat this mix on a low flame for a few minutes. Next, soak your jewelry in this solution for 5-10 minutes. After that, clean the jewelry with tap water and dry it with a soft fabric.
6. Jewelry Polishing Cloth                                   Â
If you don’t want to use these cleaning hacks, jewelry polishing cloth is best for you. It not only removes tarnishes but also brings back the former glory days of copper ornaments.
7. Soapy Water
Another quickest and easiest home remedy to clean less tarnished copper ornament is warm soapy water. Make a sudsy solution by whipping 3-5 drops of mild dish soap and a cup of tepid water in a glass bowl. Dip your copper jewelry in this soapy solution for 5-10 minutes, then wash in clean water.
8. Worcestershire Sauce
Thanks to its acidic properties, Worcestershire sauce is a marvelous way to restore the shine and luster of old copper accessories. Spread the Worcestershire sauce all over your tarnished jewelry. Wait for a few minutes, and then wash properly with regular water.
Things to Remember
- Keep your copper ornaments in airtight plastic containers. Use an anti-tarnish cloth before storing them.
- Another way by which you can avoid tarnishing is by coating the jewelry with a layer of transparent nail paint.