Copper Pans Cleaning Them!

Our answer

The good news is that you can clean copper pans using ordinary kitchen ingredients. If the pans are only lightly tarnished then dip the cut surface of half a lemon in some fine table salt and rub this over the copper surface of the pan. This should brighten the pans. If the tarnish is heavier then make a paste using equal quantities of plain (all-purpose) flour, salt and vinegar. Rub this paste all over the copper surface using a stainless steel scrubbing pad then rinse off and you should see the copper shining through again.

It is worth noting however that both of these methods are abrasive so your pans will develop a patina rather than being mirror-shiny. If this concerns you then there are several branded copper cleaners available and you should follow the cleaning directions on the packaging. Whether you use a branded product or a home-made one, please remember after cleaning to give your pans a good wash in warm, soapy water, rinse with clean water and then buff dry with a soft cloth.