How to Care for Your Copper

Ever since I inherited my grandmother's copper tea kettle, I've loved copper. For quite a few years antique copper was almost non-existent in the "market" - but all of a sudden a few stellar pieces are popping up here and there. Any of the ones that call my heart I buy for the shop, along with Victorian copper jelly molds. They are usually snapped up quite fast. You all are loving antique copper too, you've emailed lots to ask for more tips on How to Care for Your Copper treasures. Here are some more tips on how to make sure your copper lasts a life time or more. Read on for our best tips to keep it shiny and fabulous.

Antique copper brings instant warmth to your kitchen, whether you cook with it, or not. One of my young designer clients recently bought pots from us that she used in a new home design for a young family. They're now proudly hanging on a wall in their informal dining room. {the clients don't really cook-but adore the copper pots and pans.} Our antiques were mixed in with mostly contemporary furnishings to give this new family home history, warmth and personality! Copper pairs well with wood or white kitchens {blue, grey, green - okay, it looks stunning with any color!} Our antique copper adds instant history, warmth, and that classic French country feel we love to any space. Copper is very easy to care for, and improves the more you use it.

BEST TIPS HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR COPPER

1. Don't pre-heat a copper pan. Since copper conducts heat so well, it heats up very quickly.

2. Use low heat - copper is meant for low to medium low heat.

3. Avoid abrasive cleaners at all times!

4. Don't scour the tin lining. It wears it down quicker. It will turn dark - this is normal and not harmful.

5. Make sure you don't heat your pan to dry - wipe with a good quality drying towel instead!

6. Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge to clean your copper.

7. Copper tarnishes quickly, believe it or not, a quick wipe down with ketchup will bring the shine back.

8. Don't sear meat in a copper pan, the tin lining melts at 450 degrees F. Choose cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel instead.

9. Use wooden utensils only to avoid scratching the tin lining.

START YOUR COPPER COLLECTION >

8 comments

There you are – right from the mouth of one of the world’s best stylists!

Lidy

Rosalina, the manufacturer {when RevereWare was in production here in the US} recommended sprinkling some salt on half a lemon and stated that would remove heat marks etc. If your pots have a lot of tarnish, any good quality copper polish will work.

Lidy

Thanks, Lidy! I have quite a lot of copper and these are wonderful and easy hints to remember!

jeanie

As always thanks for being so generous with your wonderful ‘“how to’s", Lidy! You are always so kind and helpful!

Sharon Crigger-Stokan

I have several RevereWare limited edition pots and pans that need cleaning. What’s the best way to clean. Love copper

Rosalina Garcia

Thanks for the info, Lidy!
Copper is the new "color"in styling!
xxooo

Sunday Hendrickson

Yes, that lemon and salt works great too, doesn’t it? On copper with a very even, shiny surface, it sometimes scratches a little bit. Ketchup isn’t meant to replace a great, deep cleaning once in a while with a fine quality copper polish either. But it works!

Lidy

Dear Lidy ,didn’t know that you are able to clean your copper pots with ketchup, I use half a lemon and salt myself, works also great.

Anja