Check out this article for quick tricks and techniques to clean your copper jewelry easily using home remedies made with household products.
How To Clean Copper Jewelry At Home
Copper jewelry adds an intriguing pop of color to any outfit. However, it is prone to discoloration. Fashion Stylist, Michelle Wagman, adds, “Copper jewelry is made primarily from copper metal, known for its malleability, conductivity, and unique appearance. It may develop a natural patina over time, and regular cleaning is necessary to maintain its appearance.” Luckily, you can use these home remedies to keep your copper jewelry shiny. Keep scrolling to check them out.
1. Baking Soda And Lemon Juice
Baking soda is an excellent non-abrasive cleaner for precious metals, such as copper and silver. It absorbs dirt and grime easily and removes tarnish from jewelry. Having said that, Sara, a YouTuber, demonstrated how to clean copper jewelry with simple home ingredients. She prepared a mixture of lemon juice and salt and immersed the jewelry in it. Discussing results, she says, “As you can see, how in this short amount of time it has brightened up substantially. And this is super-quick, super-cheap, and very effective (i).” Method
Mix water, a bit of lemon juice, and a tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl. Soak your copper jewelry in this solution for a few hours or overnight. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with water the next day. Buff the jewelry with a soft toothbrush to remove stains or tarnish. You can also use a soft cloth to rub away any grime or dirt.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural and non-toxic cleaning agent for removing stains and tarnish from your copper jewelry. Method
Pour some vinegar into a pan and place the jewelry. Once completely submerged, bring the vinegar up to a simmer on medium heat for five minutes. Turn off the heat and let the jewelry sit overnight. Place the jewelry in a bowl of warm water the next day. Use a toothbrush to scrub off any dirt gently. Rinse your jewelry thoroughly with cold water and pat dry with a soft cloth so that you do not leave behind any moisture.
3. Lemon Juice And Salt
Lemon juice works like a natural abrasive without being too harsh on the metal. This method will help clean any dirt from your skin that accumulates on the metal surface. Method
Mix one tablespoon of salt, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and water in a bowl. Dip your copper jewelry in this mixture and let it sit for about an hour. Use a toothbrush to scrub away dirt or sludge from the corners gently. Rinse the jewelry with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth before storing it in a cool, dry place.
4. Saltwater
Salt is another fantastic cleaning agent that works like an abrasive. It helps remove tarnish and stains on various metals, especially copper jewelry. This is how you can clean fake jewelry as well. Method
Add some water and enough salt to a pan. Heat it on a low flame until the salt gets dissolved. Dip your jewelry into this solution and leave it for a few minutes before scrubbing away any sludge. Rinse your jewelry thoroughly with warm water. Use a lint-free or microfiber cloth to buff the jewelry and bring back its lost shine.
5. Tomato Ketchup
This is the easiest way to clean jewelry at home. You may be surprised, but ketchup is an excellent choice for cleaning your copper jewelry without any damage. Method
Squeeze some ketchup on your copper jewelry until it is completely covered. Rub the jewelry with your fingers, a hard cloth, or a brush until the tarnish disappears. Rinse it in a bowl of warm water. Wipe the jewelry thoroughly and let it air dry before storing.
6. Jewelry Polishing Cloth
One of the easiest ways to clean your copper jewelry is by using a polishing cloth. It helps remove tarnish and restores the item’s radiance. The cloth gets rid of any dirt or tarnish that has built up over time. However, read the instructions on how to use it properly. Before putting on your copper jewelry, wipe it with a clean cloth for the best results. Always clean your copper jewelry at home with a non-abrasive cleaner and soft cloth. Harsh and abrasive cleaners may scratch the metal surface and cause permanent damage. Scroll down to our next section to know more about what to do and avoid while cleaning your copper jewelry.
Dos And Don’ts Of Cleaning Your Precious Copper Jewelry
Dos
If you wear your jewelry pieces frequently, wipe them with plain water now and then to avoid any tarnish or buildup of dirt. This will also help prevent the metal from darkening or getting discolored.
Use a soft cotton cloth and some crushed walnut shells to clean your copper jewelry.
Always wipe off any excess dirt or grime from the jewelry before cleaning. Remember, copper is a delicate metal and should not be treated roughly. Apply gentle pressure if you want to keep it in good condition.
Use a clean toothbrush and gently brush it over the stained or tarnished areas. This is a great way to remove dirt without scratching the metal surface.
Do not leave your copper jewelry sitting in water for too long as it can damage the metal and cause the design to wear away.
Do not scrub the jewelry with a scouring pad or harsh abrasives.
Do not use chemical cleaners that contain chlorine, acid, ammonia, or lead as they can corrode or damage the metal.
Do not return copper jewelry to store packaging. If it is not exposed to air, moisture can cause color change within a short time.
The best method to keep your copper jewelry beautiful and shiny is to clean it occasionally with lukewarm, soapy water. Then, dry and polish your jewelry with a soft cloth and store it in a zip-lock plastic bag or jewelry case with anti-tarnish paper. Scroll down for more such tips to care for your copper pieces.
How To Care For Your Copper Jewelry
Avoid wearing copper jewelry in water to prevent dust, tarnish, sludge, and bacteria buildup. If the metal gets wet, pat dry it with a soft cloth and keep it away from moisture.
Store your copper jewelry in a cool and dry place to prolong its lifespan.
Apart from cleaning your jewelry with the above methods, you must also invest in a polishing cloth. This will help maintain the shine and integrity of your copper jewelry.
Can you clean copper with toothpaste? Yes. Remove any debris from your jewelry by submerging it in water, then gently brush it with a toothbrush and a little toothpaste to restore its shine. Does Coke clean copper? Yes. Soaking your copper jewelry in a container with coke for about an hour can help clean it. Does rubbing alcohol clean copper? Yes. Rub your jewelry with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to clean it.
Illustration: How To Clean Copper Jewelry - 6 DIY Methods
Learn how to clean your copper jewelry quickly and cheaply! Check this video to get sparkling results with easy-to-follow steps. No need to spend a fortune!
