If you have copper items, you have already found that they can turn green.
This is called "verdigris".
But then you wonder what you can do to remove it.
Here I show you how to clean oxidized copper.
This is rather important, because over time, the verdigris damages the affected surface.
It was my grandmother who gave me her tips for avoiding and removing oxidation stains from metal.
And it's totally natural and inexpensive.
Here are 10 tips for cleaning verdigris on copper . Watch:
From the first visible traces of oxidation, give your copper object a good baking soda bath.
To do this, take a basin and line it with aluminum foil.
Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda before pouring hot water over it.
Immerse the copper object in this bath and let it act for at least 15 minutes.
You will see it change color little by little .
Once rid of the layer of verdigris, soap it lightly with Marseille soap and rinse with clear water.
And There you go ! The copper has regained its beautiful original color.
Against oxidation, nothing like lemon juice.
Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle half with salt.
Rub the oxidized part with the salted lemon.
Sometimes you have to rub vigorously to get a clean result.
Don't forget to rinse with clean water and dry well!
If the verdigris touches a coin, pipe, or wood, this technique works especially well.
It may sound weird, but ketchup is often used for cleaning.
Spread a small layer of ketchup on the copper object and leave for 5 minutes.
Then rub gently with a clean sponge and rinse with warm water.
Guess why it works?
Quite simply, because Ketchup is mainly made up of vinegar !
Put some rubbing alcohol on a clean cotton or cloth.
Rub the dirty surface with the cloth, paying particular attention to the corners.
Then rinse with soapy water.
Melting alcohol disinfects and stains naturally without damaging the metal.
To get rid of oxidation naturally, you can use soda crystals.
Mix 40 g of soda crystals in 1 liter of boiling water and immerse the object to be cleaned in it.
Maintain the boil until the oxidation subsides.
Then, take it out, rinse and dry with a clean cloth.
This trick is ideal if you have a verdigris stain on a fabric, for example .
Nothing could be simpler and more natural.
Cut an onion in half and rub it vigorously on the affected area.
When the surface of the onion turns black, remove the dirty part by cutting it. Then, continue to rub the oxidized object.
Thanks to this acidity and a slightly abrasive surface, the onion is super effective, especially on costume jewelry, a faucet or on brass .
The clay stone is that white stone that cleans everything it touches.
It is perfect for cleaning copper or brass and restoring their shine .
Take a little clay stone with a damp sponge and pass it over the object to be shined. Rinse if needed and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Did you know that it is easy to make your own clay stone? Discover the recipe here.
Verdigris is not resistant to hot vinegar.
To get rid of it, just pour this hot liquid on the oxidized part, then rinse immediately. Then dry with a dry towel.
This trick works for bronze, brass and copper . Especially on hard-to-reach parts, such as battery terminals or pipes.
In the same way, salted white vinegar can remove very encrusted verdigris.
Dilute 1 pinch of salt in 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Dip a cloth in this solution and rub the oxidized area.
Salt loosens embedded grime .
It's great for antique copper pans that instantly regain their shine.
Ah, that dear Coke!
Much better for cleaning than quenching!
It is known to descale toilets, it is also super effective in deoxidizing old metals.
Simply soak the object in pure coke for a few minutes before rinsing and wiping.
