How To Clean Copper Jewelry – 8 DIY Methods

For centuries, people have adorned themselves with copper jewelry owing to its warm hue and reputed ability to alleviate inflammation and discomfort. Nevertheless, exposure to humidity, dust, human touch, and specific chemicals can cause this metal to tarnish or oxidize over time. If you have observed this phenomenon in your own copper jewelry, you may be curious about how to effectively clean it. Neglecting to remove accumulated dirt and grime can dull its appearance, underscoring the importance of properly storing and maintaining your copper jewelry.

Take a look at this article that provides you with simple remedies for effortlessly cleaning your copper jewelry with everyday household items.

Before You Get Started

• Bracelets with gemstones aren’t hard to clean, but they are tricky because gemstones have different cleaning requirements. If there are gemstones on your copper bracelet, the best way to do this is to work around them. 
• Using acidic substances can also damage the gemstones, so be sure to consider this before trying out the suggestions below. 
• Always consult with your jeweler if you need to clean your copper jewelry. While some of the substances suggested here are great for removing tarnish, copper should never be soaked in them. 

How To Clean Copper Jewelry At Home

1. Using Lemon Juice and Salt

Using a mildly acidic substance like lemon juice removes mineral deposits from your bracelet, and the salt is the abrasive that rubs it off. You can use a glass container that has lemon juice with a bit of salt— soak your bracelet for 10 minutes, then rinse it with warm water before drying it off with a microfiber cloth to give it back its shine.

2. Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

You can make a cleaning paste with acidic and abrasive components by adding equal parts of baking soda and lemon juice. Use this paste to gently clean the bracelet by rubbing it with a cloth, an old toothbrush, or your fingers. Once it’s as clean as can be, give it a rinse and dry it off with a soft cloth.

3. Lemons and Limes

For this method, start by cutting a lime or lemon in half. Sprinkle one half with salt and rub it all over the tarnished areas of your bracelet until it’s clean. Rub the piece using the rough side of a sponge, and finish it off with a beeswax polish for a longer shine.

4. Ketchup

This method works best on small areas that have tarnish. Rub a thin to moderate layer of ketchup over the tarnished areas of your bracelet and let it sit for 15 minutes. When ready, rub it with a non-scratch pad and wash it off completely.

5. Salt and Vinegar

You can simply pour salt along with white vinegar over your copper bracelet, and then rub it to remove tarnished areas. Then, simply rinse it off and polish using a soft, dry cloth. Alternatively, you can place one tablespoon of salt and one cup of vinegar into a pot— fill it with water, and then place the bracelet inside. Wait for it to come to a boil for all the tarnish to come off, then wash it with water and soap once it’s cool.

6. Vinegar, Salt, and Flour

Mix one tablespoon of salt and one cup of white vinegar in a bowl, then gradually add flour and mix until it forms a paste. Now, apply the paste to your bracelet and rub it over the tarnished areas. Let it sit from 15 minutes to an hour and rinse with warm water—polish as needed.

7. Lemon Juice Dip

You can also make a lemon juice dip with some salt (make sure to use a ceramic bowl). Let your bracelet sit in the mixture for 5-10 mins, scrub it with a cloth or an old toothbrush, rinse it with water, and then dry with a soft cloth

8. Jewelry Polishing Cloth

After you’ve finished cleaning your copper bracelet using any of the tips above, it’s best to polish it using a jewelry polishing cloth. Always use a polishing cloth made specifically for copper.

If these at-home methods don’t work because your copper bracelet is heavily tarnished, then you’ll need to use a commercial cleaner designed for copper jewelry. Simply dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and use it to rub your bracelet gently. Then rinse and dry your bracelet afterward.

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.

Protip

It is recommended to coat copper jewelry with transparent nail polish to ensure it doesn’t cause any chemical reaction (and turn your skin green as a consequence).

Don’ts

•  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 Jewellery

•  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 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.

Copper jewelry is eye-catching, long-lasting, and linked to various health advantages. On the negative side, it oxidizes quickly and tends to tarnish. If left neglected, dirt and dust can discolor your jewelry and make it appear rusty and old. The change in appearance affects the reddish-brown metal’s shine and charm, rendering the jewelry unusable. Therefore, it is best to keep your copper jewelry in pristine condition to avoid these issues. Follow the steps outlined in the article to clean your copper jewelry with common home items quickly.