Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500336
06/24/03

Tarnished Copper


Polish with a commercial polish for copper following
directions on the container.

Polish can be made at home by moistening salt with
vinegar or lemon juice to make a paste for a bright
finish or a paste of rottenstone and olive oil for a dull
finish.

After polishing decorative items, spray with lacquer
to preserve color if desired.

The "bronze disease" also attacks copper. Use hot
vinegar and salt, or lemon juice and salt, copper
cleaner, or buttermilk to remove these patches of
corrosion. After treating, wash promptly with soap and
water, rinse and dry.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Maryland
Extension bulletin, Caring for Your Valuables: Brass,
Copper, Pewter, Silver Tin.

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This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08. Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact strausc@msu.edu .