Does anyone know how to clean a copper cauldron/Kettle?

Question

I have a large copper cauldron used by my father to make apple butter --hung over a fire pit?  I would like to clean/shine it up to turn it into a side table?  Does anyone have any ideas what would get the carbon off the bottom without damaging the copper?

Tammy Kelleher · Answer

I have used clean copper bottomed pots and pans with a combination of salt, vinegar, and some elbow grease, but it does scratch... :/ good luck... There are on the shelf products in the cleaning aisle of must grocery stores and hardware stores are likely to carry something that will do the job...

LandlightS · Answer

Go to your local Ace or big box store and look for 'Brasso' it will work wonders.
Gary

Linda Stone · Answer

Try toothpaste, but not the 'gel' kind. Rub all over the item and then use a soft cloth to remove the toothpaste and rub until the copper shines. I have used this on brass as well. Works like a charm.

Shari · Answer

When I was a teenager, it was my job to wash dishes after dinner, which included cleaning the copper bottoms of my mom's Revereware pots and pans each time she used them. We used 'Copper Glo' (which is a Barkeeper's Friend product). It worked well, with minimal scrubbing. I assume it is still available in stores but since I had my fill of cleaning copper years ago, I definitely have no desire to own anything copper now.

Save Graves · Answer

I just tried Brasso on an apple butter old kettle but didn't really work.  Will try the other suggestions now

Sia@South 47th · Answer

@Save Graves Try Plain ole tomato ketchup. Has worked for me for decades. xo

6ft1003592 · Answer

Cigar or cigarette ashes

Daisy'smum · Answer

Think I read about using a lemon, rubbed on.

CAROL · Answer

i too have used ketchup on my good copper bracelet....rinse and buff...sparkles..

Jeannette · Answer

Just saw someone on here using ketchup for that.

Tzippora · Answer

Citric acid (also known as lemon salt or sour salt) works well with hot water and a sponge.

Cyndy Coy · Answer

Melissa, did you ever end up making a table out of your cauldron? I have one and am curious what you ended up doing.

Lt_8380578 · Answer

Lemon juice cleans copper beautifully. I have a copper mixing bowl that I spread a thin layer of ketchup on, let sit for an hour, wipe with cloth, buff. Viola

Sherry H. · Answer

If these ideas, go to Home Depot and ask. They will tell you.

Melody Smith · Answer

apple cider vinegar and salt its like magic pour on vinegar and then salt let sit and then scrub with a chore boy

Lindy · Answer

There is a special copper cleaner on the market that I have used for years and would highly recommend. Wrights Copper Cleaner is not like the ketchup/salt method which I have also used, but by golly the stuff works fast and takes the stains from high heat cooking such as what you mentioned off easily. It contains citric acid and ammonium chloride so should not be harmful to anyone. Once you clean it up I would recommend spraying with a good coat of clear sealer to prevent tarnish.

Kim · Answer

How are you going to make a side table out of it? I have one but don't know what I will do to make it a table. Thanks!

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

Here's a tutorial that might help - https://chascrazycreations.com/copper-cleaning-hacks/

Chloe Crabtree · Answer

To clean a copper cauldron or kettle, you can use a mixture of vinegar and salt to remove tarnish and limestone, or a lemon and salt paste for a natural abrasive polish. Avoid harsh chemicals and dishwashers, and always hand-wash with a non-abrasive sponge.

Deb K · Answer

Hi Melissa, hope this helps you.

Vinegar and Salt: with a microfiber cloth, rub a mixture of 1 tablespoon table salt combined with 1 cup white vinegar onto the copper with a soft cloth and rinse. Alternatively, immerse the tarnished copper into a pot with 3 cups of water and the salt-vinegar mixture, bring to a boil, and boil until the grime and tarnish comes off.

Betsy · Answer

Hi Melissa: The best thing I use for copper is Bar Keepers Friend, the dry powder. It's great and cleans in a jiffy!

Becky at Flipping the Flip · Answer

I would look for a cleaner specifically for copper and use that. It's formulated correctly for that type of material so as to not damage it.

Does anyone know how to clean a copper cauldron/Kettle?

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Does anyone know how to clean a copper cauldron/Kettle?

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