Best Homemade Copper Cleaner (Safe & DIY)

Natural recipes to bring your copper back to life — no chemicals needed.

Copper is a timeless material — beautiful, durable, and full of character. But over time, it tarnishes and loses its glow. You don’t need to spend money on commercial copper cleaners or expose your items to harsh chemicals.

Instead, you can create your own homemade copper cleaner using natural ingredients you already have at home.

Here are three tried-and-true recipes that are safe, simple, and effective.

1. Lemon and Baking Soda Paste

• What you need:
  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • A soft cloth or toothbrush

1. Mix the lemon juice and baking soda until you get a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to the copper item.
3. Gently rub in circular motion.
4. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry.

Why it works: The citric acid in lemon breaks down oxidation, and baking soda gently scrubs without scratching the surface.

2. Vinegar + Salt Spray

• What you need:
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • Spray bottle
  • Microfiber cloth

1. Dissolve salt in vinegar and pour into spray bottle.
2. Spray directly onto the copper surface.
3. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes.
4. Wipe clean with a soft cloth and buff to shine.

This method is great for quick maintenance and regular care.

3. Flour, Vinegar, and Salt Paste

• What you need:
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • Enough vinegar to form a paste

1. Mix all ingredients into a thick paste.
2. Apply to the copper and rub gently.
3. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse and polish dry.

This is a deeper clean — ideal for more tarnished pieces.

What NOT to Use on Copper

• Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners
• Steel wool or metal brushes
• Dishwasher (especially for handmade or antique items)

Using the wrong product can permanently damage your copper.

Pro Tip: Use Olive Oil to Seal the Shine

After cleaning, apply a thin layer of olive oil with a soft cloth.
It acts as a natural barrier and slows down tarnishing.

Final Thought

Homemade copper cleaners are not only safe and effective, but they also preserve the beauty of your copper naturally. Whether it’s a cooking pot, a decorative bowl, or a vintage piece, natural methods protect the soul of your item.

Looking to add more copper to your space?
Check out some of our favorite handmade red copper pieces on our Etsy shop.

Crafted with love. Easy to care for.