How to Clean Burnt Copper
Bring water and cleaning agent to a boil., Test the crud’s bond., Dislodge the crud.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Bring water and cleaning agent to a boil.
Fill a pot or pan with water.
Add a few squirts of mild dish detergent and/or a generous splash of vinegar.
If you’re cleaning anything other than a copper pot or pan (or cleaning the outside of a smaller pot or pan), place the item in the water.
Set the burner to medium heat and bring to a boil.For heavy build-up of crusted-on materials, substitute the dish soap and vinegar with a cup (221 g) or more of baking soda for a more abrasive cleaning agent. -
Step 2: Test the crud’s bond.
Wait at least fifteen minutes once the water comes to a boil.
Then remove the copper with tongs (or the item’s handle if it wasn’t submerged).
Use any pointed tool (like a butter knife or screwdriver) to prod at the offending material.
If it only seems marginally looser, put it back in the boiling water.
Otherwise, set it on a heat-safe surface and wait for it to cool enough to handle safely., Once the crud gives way when you poke at it, switch to a brush, sponge, spatula, or similarly soft item to avoid scratching the copper.
Use this to brush or scrape off the crud.
For especially heavy build-up:
Combine baking soda and just enough water to create a thick paste.
Apply an even coat of this over the copper before you start brushing or scraping.
Repeat as needed, since heavy build-up may require a lot of elbow work, during which time the crud may dry and crust over again. -
Step 3: Dislodge the crud.
Detailed Guide
Fill a pot or pan with water.
Add a few squirts of mild dish detergent and/or a generous splash of vinegar.
If you’re cleaning anything other than a copper pot or pan (or cleaning the outside of a smaller pot or pan), place the item in the water.
Set the burner to medium heat and bring to a boil.For heavy build-up of crusted-on materials, substitute the dish soap and vinegar with a cup (221 g) or more of baking soda for a more abrasive cleaning agent.
Wait at least fifteen minutes once the water comes to a boil.
Then remove the copper with tongs (or the item’s handle if it wasn’t submerged).
Use any pointed tool (like a butter knife or screwdriver) to prod at the offending material.
If it only seems marginally looser, put it back in the boiling water.
Otherwise, set it on a heat-safe surface and wait for it to cool enough to handle safely., Once the crud gives way when you poke at it, switch to a brush, sponge, spatula, or similarly soft item to avoid scratching the copper.
Use this to brush or scrape off the crud.
For especially heavy build-up:
Combine baking soda and just enough water to create a thick paste.
Apply an even coat of this over the copper before you start brushing or scraping.
Repeat as needed, since heavy build-up may require a lot of elbow work, during which time the crud may dry and crust over again.
About the Author
Melissa Smith
Writer and educator with a focus on practical pet care knowledge.
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