Copper mugs have become a popular choice for serving Moscow mules and other cocktails. But to keep them looking shiny and new, regular cleaning and maintenance is a must.
Copper is a reactive metal, which means it can easily tarnish if not cared for properly. This can lead to discoloration, oxidation, and a dull appearance. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent tarnishing and preserve the appearance of copper mugs.
How to Clean Copper Mugs: A Step-By-Step Guide
For cleaning copper mugs, you will need a copper cleaner or a mixture of lemon juice and salt, a soft-bristled brush, a copper polish or a mixture of flour and lemon juice, a soft cloth, and warm water. Here is a step-by-step guide for cleaning copper mugs to keep them looking their best.
Preparing the Mugs for Cleaning
Before cleaning, use a paper towel or a clean cloth to remove any excess debris or liquid from the mugs. This will make the cleaning process more effective.
Next, rinse the mugs with warm water to remove any remaining debris. This will also help to open the pores of the copper, which will make it easier to clean.
Cleaning the Mugs
Cleaning the mugs is a crucial step in preserving the appearance and preventing tarnishing of copper mugs. It involves removing any excess debris or liquid, using a copper cleaner or a mixture of lemon juice and salt, and scrubbing the mugs with a soft-bristled brush to remove any tarnish or discoloration.
Using a copper cleaner or a mixture of lemon juice and salt
Copper cleaners are specifically designed to remove tarnish and discoloration from copper. If you don't have a copper cleaner, you can make a mixture of lemon juice and salt to use as a cleaner. Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of salt.
Applying the cleaner to the mugs and scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush
Apply the cleaner or the lemon juice and salt mixture to the mugs, and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the mugs in a circular motion. Be sure to scrub all areas of the mugs, including the handles and the inside.
Rinsing the mugs thoroughly with warm water
Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the mugs thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining cleaner or debris.
Polishing the Mugs
Polishing the mugs is an important step in restoring the shine to your copper mugs. It involves using a copper polish or a mixture of flour and lemon juice to buff the mugs and remove any remaining tarnish or discoloration.
Using a copper polish or a mixture of flour and lemon juice
Copper polish will help to restore the shine to your mugs. If you don't have a copper polish, you can make a mixture of flour and lemon juice to use as a polish. Mix 1/4 cup of flour with enough lemon juice to make a paste.
Applying the polish to the mugs and buffing with a soft cloth
Apply the polish to the mugs and use a soft cloth to buff the mugs in a circular motion. This will help to bring back the shine and remove any remaining tarnish or discoloration.
Rinsing the mugs with warm water and drying them thoroughly
Once you have finished buffing, rinse the mugs with warm water and dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Maintaining the Mugs
Maintaining the mugs is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity of your copper mugs. It includes proper storage, wiping the mugs clean after each use, and avoiding harsh detergents or abrasive materials when cleaning.
Storing the mugs in a dry place
To prevent tarnishing, it's important to store your copper mugs in a dry place. Avoid storing them in damp areas or areas with high humidity.
Wiping the mugs clean after each use
After each use, wipe your copper mugs clean with a dry cloth. This will help to remove any excess liquid or debris that may have been left behind, and prevent tarnishing.
Avoiding harsh detergents or abrasive materials when cleaning
To protect the copper and keep it looking shiny, avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive materials when cleaning. Stick to mild cleaners and soft-bristled brushes for best results.
Conclusion
To keep copper mugs looking shiny and new, regular cleaning and maintenance is a must. This includes removing any excess debris or liquid, using a copper cleaner or a mixture of lemon juice and salt, polishing with a copper polish or a mixture of flour and lemon juice, and wiping the mugs clean after each use.
Reminder to regularly clean and maintain the mugs to preserve their appearance and prevent tarnishing. By following these simple steps, your copper mugs will maintain their shine and be ready for your next round of Moscow mules. Keep in mind that this is a general guide, depending on the level of tarnishing and discoloration on the copper mug itself, the steps may vary. Also some copper mugs may have lacquer coat on them to prevent tarnishing, in that case these steps may not be necessary.
In conclusion, Cleaning copper mugs isn't difficult, but it is important to do it properly to preserve their appearance and prevent tarnishing. By following these steps and maintaining your copper mugs, you can enjoy their beauty for many years to come.
See also: How to Clean Ceramic Pans
Ernest Brewer is a 35-year-old man with a passion for blogging, diving, and traveling. In his free time, Ernest can be found exploring the depths of the ocean, discovering new and exciting destinations, or kicking back and watching a good movie.
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