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The Clever Cleaning Guide To Copper Cookware
Nothing looks better in the kitchen than clean shining copper pans hanging in a rack, most cooks know that copper cookware is the best type of cookware, but if your copper looks blotchy and faded it can ruin the look and then ultimately the efficiency of your pots and pans. This article will look at how to clean your copper cookware as everyday your cookware will be exposed to elements that could potentially damage it. Exposure to air, heat and humidity can all affect and change the appearance of your copper.
As all kitchens are both hot and humid this can pose a problem for people who use copper cookware on a daily basis. The process that affects the copper is called oxidization and this happens because some of the copper combines with the oxygen in the air and gives up some of its electrons. This then causes the colour of the metal to change and create areas of darkening. Copper can change orange, pink or can even develop blue streaks. If left unchecked and not looked after then the copper can eventually become blue-green copper.
When it comes to cleaning your copper, some of it is down to personal preference, some people do not like their copper to be too shiny and love the natural patina that appears over time. If this applies to you personally then wash your cookware in hot, soapy water with a dish cloth or a sponge. For heavy marks, try spreading some tomato ketchup on the copper cookware. Leave it on there for about ten minutes then wash thoroughly, the ketchup is naturally acidic so that is why it works.
When cleaning your cookware, never use an abrasive cloth or scourers as they will damage the surface. Occasionally you should polish your copper with a propriety cleaner that is available at supermarkets. Alternatively you can make your own cleaner for the copper, with this simple recipe. All you need to mix is quarter of a cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of coarse salt. That paste should then be applied to the copper using a sponge or dishcloth and then rinse with hot water.
This cleans the copper thoroughly but does not strip the patina, if you want to have brighter, shinier pots and pans you should clean your copper with the proprietary cleaner regularly to maintain that new shine. I would never recommend putting a copper cookware piece into a dishwasher as the ingredients in the dishwasher detergents, especially chlorine can cause all types of damage and cause your copper to pit!
About the Author Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the cooking industry. Find out more about Cookware and how the services available can help with buying quality products.
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