Copper pots are excellent choices for cookware due to copper's superior powers of conduction. The downside of copper is the unfortunate process of oxidation. This oxidation occurs when copper is exposed to heat, air, and humidity. Being cookware, these are three things that are unavoidable. If the oxidation goes untreated, it will result in the formation of the familiar blue-green colored copper salts known as verdigris. These salts are great for the Statue of Liberty, but do not make for good cookware. Fortunately, there are easy and inexpensive ways to restore your copper cookware to it's former glory.
Stuff needed
Ketchup
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons of coarse salt
sponge or dishrag
Step 1
Apply ketchup to heavy marks on the copper cookware and leave it for approximately 10 minutes. Ketchup works due to its natural acidity.
Step 2
Wash the ketchup off thoroughly using hot soapy water.
Step 3
Mix the salt and vinegar together to form a paste and apply it to the copper using a sponge or dishrag.
Step 4
Rub the paste thoroughly into the copper and then rinse off in plenty of hot water.
Tips
If you wish to have bright shiny copper pots, applying a commercial polishing compound. Polishes such as Brasso or Never Dull can bring your pots to a nice even shine.
Warnings
Never use abrasive cloth, steel wool, or scouring pads on your copper cookware. Doing so can compromise the surface of the copper.
Never put your copper cookware in the dishwasher. The chlorine in many detergents can eventually cause pitting and will also cause the copper to oxidize much more rapidly.
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