Keeping your copper products pristine takes time and dedication, but you will feel and appreciate the benefits if you maintain your copper products correctly!
Did you know? Copper has a natural living anatomy that continuously transforms its surface by changing tonalities of its color. Continually lightening and darkening depending on the finishes, creating that ever changing, and unique patina. The natural chemistry changes is a natural reaction of the metal to protect itself from the elements. Copper naturally morphs from one color and tonality to the next. This is what gives copper its antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
By simply wiping down the copper surface with a microfiber cloth you will find some patina come off on the cloth. This is perfectly normal. By using certain acidic natural products, like white vinegar mixed with table salt to pour onto the metal surface, rinse and then wipe after a few minutes, the copper is then going to change to a lighter and brighter tone.
Copper will always search for its equilibrium and start to patina over time to protect itself. The more water and oxygen that comes into contact with the surface, the more the copper will patina. There is no primer, or sealant used for our copper products.
Clean after each use with warm water, a gentle dish soap, and a soft cloth or sponge but be sure to avoid harsh and abrasive chemicals and cleaners. This will preserve your patina and finish. Now, if you would like your copper polished, there are other methods below.
IMPORTANT!! Never use scouring pads, steel wool, or any other hard scrubbing pad.
A great way to get rid of stubborn stains, is to use baking soda paste. Apply baking soda to a soft cloth and add running warm water, wipe onto the copper surface, let sit for a few minutes, and then wipe dry. You can repeat this process every 4-6 weeks if you want to decrease the patina, polish the copper, and maintain its brightness. There are other diverse copper cleaning products online. Another note: you can use copper wax if needed.
And always keep in mind, that the work to maintain your copper products is worth it, and will ensure that your products have lasting beauty for many many years to come! 🙂