Copper vessels such as lotas, plates, kalash, and various other utensils have been used in religious rituals and daily worship practices since ancient times. While these copper items look exceptionally attractive and traditional, maintaining them can prove to be quite challenging. Due to regular use and continuous exposure to moisture, a dark black layer begins to accumulate on their surfaces. As a result, the natural shine of these utensils gradually fades away, making them look old and neglected. To combat this issue, people often resort to purchasing expensive chemical-based cleaners available in the market.
However, these utensils can be easily polished using everyday items already present in your kitchen. For this purpose, you will only need common ingredients like lemons, salt, white vinegar, and baking soda. These household items help effectively dissolve the tarnish and stubborn stains settled on copper surfaces. Let us explore five simple and effective domestic methods to clean copper utensils right at home.
Lemon and Salt Method
Using a combination of lemon and salt is considered one of the easiest and most traditional ways to clean copper vessels. To apply this method, simply take a lemon wedge and sprinkle a generous amount of salt over it. Now, gently rub this salted lemon piece across the surface of the copper utensil. If the black layer is excessively thick around the bottom or edges, you can prepare a paste by mixing lemon juice and salt together. Apply this paste to the tarnished areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then clean it using a soft cloth or sponge. Finally, rinse the utensil thoroughly with water and dry it completely with a clean cloth.
If lemons are not available at home, white vinegar can also serve as a great alternative. Take a small bowl, mix some white vinegar and salt together to prepare a solution, and apply it to the blackened sections of the copper vessel. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. Afterwards, wash the utensil thoroughly with water and wipe it dry with a clean towel.
The Tomato Ketchup Trick
While it might sound a bit unusual, tomato ketchup contains specific acidic properties that can effectively help lift stubborn stains from copper. To try this method, apply a small amount of ketchup onto the vessel and spread it evenly. Let it rest for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft sponge. Following this, rinse the item thoroughly with water and wipe it dry with a dry cloth.
Making a Homemade Cleaning Paste
You can also prepare a specialized cleaning paste right at home to restore the pristine look of your copper items. To make this, mix equal proportions of flour, salt, and detergent powder in a container. Add a little white vinegar, lemon juice, and water to the mixture to form a thick paste. Apply this paste onto the utensil and scrub gently using a soft sponge. Rinse completely with clean water and buff it with a dry cloth to bring back the shine.
Baking Soda Solution
Baking soda can also work wonders in cleaning tarnished copperware. To use this, mix a little water with baking soda to create a paste, and feel free to add a few drops of lemon juice if desired. Apply this mixture to the dark spots on the utensil and rub gently in circular motions using a soft sponge. Finish by washing the item with clean water and drying it thoroughly.
