Time to Polish the Copper in My Studio Kitchen
My collection of copper pots and pans, with its shiny rose-gold hue, always looks so beautiful after a good cleaning.
Last week, my housekeepers took on the task of cleaning and polishing many of the copper pieces that are displayed in my studio kitchen located in the guest house of my Bedford, New York farm. Copper is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with a distinct pinkish-orange color. It's used as a conductor of heat and electricity, as a building material, and as a popular metal for cookware and other home decorating items. Over time, copper loses its luster and acquires a tarnish when exposed to air, so it is important to clean it regularly.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- A couple of times a year, we try to polish all the precious metals in my home. I have a large collection of copper that I like to display in my studio kitchen. These pieces were just removed from the shelves, so they could be cleaned. Copper was actually one of the first metals used by humans more than 10-thousand years ago, and it remains a common household material today. Polishing copper, silver, brass, or any other metal regularly is generally sufficient to keep it in good condition.
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- I like to keep a lot of my pots hanging on a rack where they are easy to reach.
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- There are several ways to clean copper. Experts recommend using a good-quality, non-abrasive commercial copper polish. I’ve been using Wright’s metal creams for years. Wright’s Copper Cream is a gentle formula that cleans and shines – it’s also great for brass. Before starting, it’s also a good idea to get out any sponges and drying towels needed.
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- Wright’s Cream is also an anti-tarnish formula that leaves behind a protective coating to delay any tarnish from reforming. It is easy to use and comes in a creamy paste form with this application sponge.
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- Whenever cleaning any precious metal, always use a soft moistened sponge. A soft cloth can also work well. And, for tight areas – a soft-bristled brush is good to have on hand. And always use polishes that are non-abrasive, and opt for formulas, such as creams and gels instead of sprays. Plus, it’s also a good idea to use gloves when taking on this task, so the cleaning cream does not come into contact with the skin.
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- Completely coat the piece with cream. The copper will start to brighten as it is rubbed. This task is time-consuming, but it is well-worth all the work and elbow grease. And remember to get into the cracks and crevices.
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- It may take a little longer when cleaning a piece with more intricate designs or indentations. Here, Carlos makes sure to clean the base of the handle, where dirt and crime can accumulate.
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- After rubbing the piece with cream, wash it with dish soap and water to ensure all the cream is removed.
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- And then give it a thorough rinse with tepid water.
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- Enma is ready to dry the pieces as soon as they are done getting washed. Working in a production line fashion helps to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
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- Drying copper as soon as it is washed also helps prevent watermarks. And never place any copper in the dishwasher. The detergents’ aggressive chemicals, combined with the washer’s high cleaning temperature, will eventually cause any copper surfaces to dull, so hand-wash all copper mugs, pots, and pans instead.
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- Look at the bottom of this pot – it looks like new.
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- These molds show the difference between freshly polished and non-polished pieces. Notice the ones on the left are in the final soap and rinse stage – so shiny, while the darker piece on the right is waiting its turn.
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- Here are some of the pots – also newly cleaned and polished.
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- The copper returns to its original luster very quickly.
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- Before returning the pieces, the display shelves are wiped down with a dry cloth.
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- The copper looks so pretty gleaming on the shelves and hanging from the hooks. Another tip: if you like the way your displays are arranged, take a quick snapshot before you remove them, so you know exactly how they should be returned.
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- Many of my molds are on display on this shelf. Jello, or jelly, molds became popular during the Victorian era when cooks experimented with recipes such as meat-based aspic. Copper molds, as opposed to the more affordable tin alternatives, were a sign of wealth. And by the 1950s and 1960s, these pieces were used for other recipes, especially those well-loved jelly creations.
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- I use this kitchen a lot for television and various photo shoots and for other media appearances. I also use everything that is in the kitchen, so it’s important that everything is always clean and “camera-ready.” The smaller dishes are used to store salt and pepper near he cooktop.
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- These pots are placed with other like pieces on the black shelving underneath my large soapstone island. It’s always so satisfying to check off time-consuming cleaning chores. The copper is now ready for my next cooking shoot!
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