Shea Simmons
Washing dishes should be pretty simple, right? Well, not so fast. Plenty of materials require special care to last their longest. If you have copper cookware, part of that includes keeping them polished.
Copper is susceptible to tarnishing, so to keep it at bay, you have to clean and polish it regularly. But don’t worry—you don’t need any special cleaners or supplies. In fact, you got any ketchup?
Copper Chef Nine-Piece Cookware Set
Copper cookware is durable, long-lasting, and can even be used as décor if you have an open shelf or rack.
Yes, really! To try this hack, just be sure to wash your copper pots after every use with a nonabrasive sponge and gentle soap. Then, every six months or so (less if your pots tarnish faster), it’s time to polish.
This is where the ketchup comes in. Slather it all over your copper cookware and let it sit for as long as you can. Then, simply buff the condiment away and rinse thoroughly.
Because ketchup contains acid and salt, it can break down copper oxide, the substance that causes it to look tarnished.
If you’re not into your kitchen sink looking like a murder scene, though, you can use other pantry staples, such as a combination of baking soda and lemon juice or vinegar.
Create a paste using the ingredients, and then coat the outside of your pot (avoid the inside, as you could damage the tin). Then, using a paper towel or microfiber cloth, buff the paste over the exterior, rinse, and then dry.
So, forget the special copper polish—just grab the ketchup! Have some stainless-steel kitchenware you need to clean, as well? The solution for that is probably right in your fridge, too!
[Via MyDomaine]
