Wondering how to clean copper jewelry? Utilize the six practical cleaning techniques listed below to restore the luster and sparkle to your ornaments!
Copper jewelry has been worn for centuries and is still a great choice because of its warm color and the anecdotal evidence of how this metal can ease inflammation and pain. On the other hand, humidity in the air, dust, human touch, and specific chemicals can cause it to oxidize or blacken over time.
To keep your copper jewelry from losing its luster and shine, it is crucial to take proper care of it.
For quick tips on how to easily clean your copper jewelry with everyday items, read this article.
Why is Copper Used in Jewelry?
Did you know that copper is the third most used metal in the world for jewelry making and other uses after gold and silver?
This is because it is a cheap and widely accessible metal.
It is strong, adaptable, and has a distinctive, lovely reddish-orange color that complements many gemstones.
Additionally, copper is the preferred metal for spiritual uses.
It is the component that keeps the mind and spirit in balance. Additionally, copper possesses crystal enhancer properties.
It, therefore, encourages growth in oneself, love, and peace.
How to Clean Copper Jewelry at Home
- 1. Baking Soda And Lemon Juice
- 2. Saltwater
- 3. Vinegar
- 4. Lemon Juice And Salt
- 5. Tomato Ketchup
- 6. Jewelry Polishing Cloth
1. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
A great non-abrasive cleaner for precious metals like copper and silver is baking soda. It effortlessly absorbs dirt and grime and takes tarnish off of jewelry.
Method
- In a bowl, combine water, a little lemon juice, and a tablespoon of baking soda.
- Your copper jewelry should be soaked in this mixture for several hours or overnight.
- The following day, thoroughly rinse the jewelry with water.
- Buff the jewelry with a soft toothbrush to remove stains or tarnish. To remove any grime or dirt, you can also use a soft cloth.
2. Saltwater
Another excellent cleaning product that functions like an abrasive is salt. On various metals, especially copper jewelry, it aids in the removal of tarnish and stains.
Method
- To a pan, add salt and water as needed. Once the salt has dissolved, slowly heat the mixture.
- Dip your jewelry into this solution, then let any sludge sit on it for a short while before cleaning it off.
- Put your jewelry in warm water and give it a good rinse.
- To restore the jewelry’s shine, buff it with a lint-free or microfiber cloth.
3. Vinegar
Your copper jewelry can be cleaned with vinegar, a natural and non-toxic cleaning agent.
Method
- The jewelry should be placed in a pan with some vinegar.
- Bring the vinegar to a simmer for five minutes on medium heat after it has been completely submerged.
- Turn off the heat and leave the jewelry in for the night.
- After that, put the jewelry in a bowl of warm water.
- Gently scrub any dirt off with a toothbrush.
- To avoid leaving any moisture behind, thoroughly rinse your jewelry in cold water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.
For the best results, you can also combine a tablespoon of salt with a cup of white vinegar. When salt and vinegar combine, a mildly acidic mixture is created that is effective at removing mineral stains from jewelry.
4. Lemon Juice and Salt
Lemon juice acts as a mild natural abrasive that won’t harm the metal. Any skin debris that collects on the metal surface from you will be cleaned up using this technique.
Method
- In a bowl, combine one tablespoon each of water, lemon juice, and salt.
- Then, let it sit for about an hour after dipping your copper jewelry in the mixture.
- Gently remove any debris or sludge from the corners using a toothbrush.
- Before keeping the jewelry in a cool, dry location, give it a warm water rinse and gently pat it dry.
5. Tomato Ketchup
Ketchup is a great option for cleaning your copper jewelry without causing any damage, which may surprise you.
Method
- Your copper jewelry will be completely covered if you squeeze some ketchup on it.
- The tarnish can be removed from the jewelry by gently rubbing it with your fingers, a hard cloth, or a brush.
- Put it through a warm water rinse in a bowl.
- Before storing, give the jewelry a thorough cleaning and let it air dry.
6. Jewelry Polishing Cloth
Generally speaking, this technique works on sealed copper jewelry items. This is because the jewelry that is sealed doesn’t tarnish as much; therefore, buffing with a polishing cloth can help to remove any dullness and make the copper jewelry item gleam with brilliance once more.
Using a jewelry polishing cloth to quickly clean your copper jewelry before and after wearing it can also help to reduce tarnishing.
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Why You Should Clean Your Copper Jewelry?
Despite not displaying stains and grime as readily as lighter metals, copper still gathers dust and oils. Both the environment and your own skin contribute to this.
And while copper doesn’t rust, the patina that forms on its surface can cause it to tarnish and turn discolored.
Learn how to properly care for copper jewelry, such as copper bracelets, to maintain its aesthetic appeal and avoid the buildup of stubborn dirt that might need to be cleaned by a professional.
Luckily, copper is relatively easy to clean and unless you neglect your jewelry for years, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Your Precious Copper Jewelry
Dos
- In order to prevent tarnish or a buildup of dirt on your jewelry pieces if you wear them frequently, give them a periodic wipe down with plain water. Additionally, this will help keep the metal from tarnishing or changing color.
- To clean your copper jewelry, use a soft cotton cloth and some crushed walnut shells.
- Before cleaning jewelry, always remove any extra dust or grime from it. Keep in mind that because copper is a delicate metal, it should never be handled roughly. If you want to keep it in good shape, use gentle pressure.
- Gently brush the tarnished or stained areas with a fresh toothbrush. This is a fantastic way to clean metal without damaging the surface.
To prevent any chemical reactions from occurring and turning your skin green as a result, it is advised to coat copper jewelry with clear nail polish.
Don’ts
- Avoid submerging your copper jewelry in water for an extended period of time as this can harm the metal and cause the design to fade.
- Avoid using scouring pads or abrasive materials to clean the jewelry.
- Use of chemical cleaners containing lead, acid, chlorine, or ammonia can cause corrosion or damage to the metal, so avoid using them.
- Copper jewelry should not be returned in its original packaging. Moisture can quickly change the color of something if it isn’t exposed to air.
Cleaning your copper jewelry every now and then with lukewarm, soapy water is the best way to keep it looking gorgeous and shiny. Then use a soft cloth to polish and dry your jewelry before storing it in a zip-lock bag or case lined with anti-tarnish paper. For more advice on how to maintain your copper jewelry, continue reading.
How to Care for Your Copper Jewellery
Now that you know how to clean copper jewelry, the next step is maintaining your results and keeping them safe.
- To avoid bacteria, sludge, tarnish, and dust accumulation, avoid wearing copper jewelry in water. Keep away from moisture and use a soft cloth to pat dry any wet metal.
- To increase the lifespan of your copper jewelry, keep it somewhere dry and cool.
- In addition to using the aforementioned techniques to clean your jewelry, you should also buy a polishing cloth. Your copper jewelry will remain in good condition and keep its shine.
Final Words on How to Clean Copper Jewelry
Copper jewelry is truly stunning. The preference for copper jewelry over jewelry made of other metals can be attributed to a variety of factors.
The jewelry becomes useless as a result of the alteration in appearance, which also affects the reddish-brown metal’s gleam and allure.
Thus, the best way to prevent these problems is to maintain the condition of your copper jewelry. To quickly clean your copper jewelry with basic household items, adhere to the instructions provided in the article.
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FAQs
Why Do Copper Bracelets Turn Black?
Because of corrosion caused by exposure to oxygen, moisture, human skin, and other chemicals, copper bracelets eventually turn black.
How to Stop Copper Jewelry from Tarnishing?
Tarnish is inevitable, but can be slowed by storing your jewelry away from humidity. Store your copper jewelry in a sealed plastic bag to reduce its exposure to air, assuming you don’t have a spare vacuum chamber available.
What is the Best Chemical to Clean Copper?
Acetic acid or vinegar is the most effective chemical for cleaning copper. Useful and accessible, it is safe.
