How to clean copper jewellery
Copper is a beautiful salmon-hued metal with a signature gleam. Because of sulfides in the air, it can tarnish over time – if left for many years, to the iconic green hue of landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty! Fortunately, copper can be cleaned easily with products you have around the house.
Read on to find out how to clean copper jewellery at home effectively!
For copper jewellery, there are a number of simple and safe cleansers that can be homemade with items in your pantry or fridge. You can choose from the following:
- Baking soda paste: mix equal parts of baking soda and salt with a squeeze of lemon juice to create a paste consistency.
- Salt and lemon: you can sprinkle salt directly onto the cut face of a lemon for this DIY method. Simply rub the lemon on the surfaces of your copper jewellery to bring back its sheen.
- Salt and vinegar: not just for chips! Combine equal parts of salt and white vinegar and stir to combine into a cleaning solution.
- Dish soap and water: use a gentle dish or clothes soap mixed into water to clean your copper. You’ll only need a few drops!
Once you’ve selected your cleanser, use a soft cloth to wipe over your treasures until it sparkles! Extra soiled jewellery may require multiple applications. You can use a soft toothbrush to get into any nooks and crannies. If using the ketchup method, you can leave it to sit on the jewellery for a little longer to amp up the shine.
When you’re happy with the appearance of your copper jewellery, remove the excess cleaner and any dirt that has been loosen with another cloth, dampened with just water. Copper is susceptible to rust, so make sure you dry it thoroughly before putting it away.
Copper needs to be cleaned regularly to keep up its brilliant appearance, and will need more or less cleaning depending on the age of your treasures. Follow these steps, and your copper jewellery will be shining for a long time!