Copper has a history of use that dates back at least 10,000 years and is known to be used by some of the oldest civilizations on record. From this we can gather that one of the oldest chores done by mankind is spending time cleaning copper. Copper may be tough but as we know it easily tarnishes changing from its shiny copper appearance. Consequently, that greenish verdigris patina on the bottom of a copper pot may not be as attractive as the one on a copper lined roof. The color of the patina will vary with the copper due to the elements it is exposed to. Over time, copper will gradually turn an old copper penny brown color but if it is exposed to water, the patina will gradually develop a bluish green appearance.

To clean copper, you do not necessary need all the fancy potions, lotions and chemicals. Most of the cleaning agents to do a good job can be found in your kitchen. Lemon, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and salt all act as good cleaning agents when used correctly.

The three guilty parties that cause copper tarnishing are cupric sulfide, copper sulfate and copper chloride. Nevertheless, do not despair at trying to understanding these chemical reactions, all you have to know is that these tarnishes are susceptible to acid influences from vinegar or lemon juice.

One thing to remember is that copper is often coated with a clear lacquer. If the copper object is intended for decorative use this coating is a bonus, because the lacquer is designed to prevent tarnishing. If the copper item is intended for everyday use, the lacquer on the copper should be removed. This can be achieved by immersing the copper item in a solution of boiling water and baking soda.

To clean copper once the lacquer is removed, the application of a paste consisting of flour, salt (to act as an gentle abrasive) and lemon juice or vinegar (to do the chemical reaction) can be effective. Tomatoe ketchup, when rubbed on a copper utensils, will remove tarnish due to vinegar being one of its ingredients.

• To get a lasting copper shine, polish copper surfaces with a soft cloth and beeswax
• Reduce exposure to moisture and high heat to maintain the non oxidised appearance on your copper pots and pans.
• If you don't want hundreds of small scratches, don't use abrasive cleaners or steel wool to clean copper.
• Copper pots can also become tarnished due to food and liquids with either strongly acidic or alkaline.
• Decorative copper tends to have a coating of lacquer. To clean, just wash the copper item occasionally in lukewarm, soapy water.
• Another approach to remove tarnish from copper pots and surfaces is by rubbing a lemon cut in halve dipped in salt.

One Italian tradition in Friuli is that in the week before Easter, the women exclusively clean all copper pans. The main solution to do this is a paste of mais flour and vinegar and the application of lots of elbow grease. The paste gets brushed over the pans, rinsed under running water and then put out in the sun to dry.

However, as the doctor always says prevention is the best cure, you can minimise the tarnishing on copper by soaking the pan immediately after use. Wash with a sponge or cloth, rinse and dry as usual. You can leave it soaking overnight if need be, rather than scrubbing too harshly.