How to Clean Copper Bottoms on Pots and Pans

Co-authored by James Sears

Last Updated: May 25, 2021

After using them often, copper bottom pots become discolored, and lose their shine. They should be cleaned often, to protect them, and keep them looking brand new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

White Vinegar and Salt

1
Pour white vinegar into a (mason) jar.
2
Add table salt. Put on the lid, shake well and swirl in the jar until all the salt is dissolved. Be prepared to add salt several times.

Advertisement
3
Keep adding salt until the solution is saturated (no more salt will dissolve). Some salt will remain in the bottom of the jar.
4
Pour the solution onto a sponge or rag placed on the inverted pan's copper bottom.
5
Scrub with a soft sponge or cloth until copper is cleaned.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.}
- Avoid using any abrasive tools since it could leave scratch marks.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  James Sears
  House Cleaning Professional
  Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Catsup

1
Squirt regular catsup on the bottom of inverted copper bottom pans.
2
Let set for a few minutes.
3
With either a good sponge or some natural charcoal, scrub the bottom of the pan until it glistens.
4
Repeat if needed. Difficult pans may require a second coating but not as much catsup. The longer the catsup is left on the bottom the greener it may become, just scrub it off and apply a fresh coat and scrub lightly. This should only take a few minutes.

Community Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How can I clean copper pots naturally?

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional
James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a current Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California.

James Sears

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You can use standard vinegar to clean copper. Just be sure to use a soft sponge or cloth so you don't scratch the copper.
Question

How do I clean shower faucets that are covered with soap scrum?

Community Answer

Get a large plastic Ziploc bag (ideally the quart or gallon size), fill partway with white vinegar and baking soda, and use tape, zip ties, wire, or string to fasten the bag around the shower faucet. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then remove the bag, discard the liquid, and scrub the faucet with a stiff-bristled plastic brush. Repeat as needed.
Question

The bottom of my red copper pan is steel. What can I use to get the bottom clean of black marks?

Community Answer

Use olive or vegetable oil and the rough side of your sponge to clean the pan. Then, wash it normally. That should do the trick, but if it doesn't, you can repeat this until it does.