Users of copper Turks are well aware of the problem of their darkening. Over time, a dark coating forms inside and outside. We will not touch on specialized products for caring for copper cookware. If you have them, then our advice is of no use to you. Today we will tell you how to clean a copper pot inside and outside using improvised means with maximum efficiency and minimal resources.
Choose wisely
Turka or cezve is a special vessel in which you can prepare natural aromatic coffee. Its peculiarity is a wide bottom and a narrow neck. This shape helps preserve the aroma of the coffee beans, and the thicker contents settle to the bottom faster.
Professionals recommend buying cookware made of copper, as it ensures uniform heating of the liquid and complete extraction of coffee oils.
Additional selection criteria:
- the diameter of the neck is 2-3 times smaller than the bottom;
- wall thickness – 1.5 mm;
- the handle is long, located at an angle;
- volume - 100-150 ml.
Find out more in the article “How to choose the right copper Turk”.
Cleaning Copper Coins
Coins made of copper are no longer issued in our time, and many such products in the hands of the population are of antique value. That is why the question of how to effectively and at the same time carefully clean such coins is quite relevant.
You can restore the former attractiveness of copper coins using several methods. The choice of each of them depends on the nature and degree of contamination. So, depending on what color the plaque has formed on the surface of the old copper coin, you can clean it using one of the methods listed below.
- If there is a yellowish coating on the surface of the coin (this indicates that it has been in contact with a lead product), then it should be cleaned with a 9% vinegar solution.
- Clearly green plaque is cleaned with a 10% citric acid solution.
- Coins made from copper may also have a reddish coating. Such a coin is cleaned by dipping it in a 5% ammonia solution or ammonium carbonate.
Calculate the use of chemicals depending on the degree of contamination
Old coins made from copper may have a layer of patina, which gives them a more noble and aged appearance. If there is no such plaque, you can create it yourself, even at home. To do this, use a solution consisting of a liter of distilled water, 50 grams of copper sulfate and 5 grams of potassium permanganate. The resulting solution is heated over low heat, without bringing it to a boil, and then coins are placed in it, which must be covered with a layer of patina. They are periodically turned over, and when the color of their surface acquires the desired shade, they are removed. To consolidate the effect obtained, the surface of completely dried coins can be treated with benzene and alcohol mixed in equal proportions.
Source
Rules for caring for copper cookware
Take care of your cezve regularly to maintain its presentable appearance and extend its service life.
Rules of care:
- The Turk should be washed immediately after use and separately from other dishes.
- Use water for washing and rinsing at the same temperature.
- Always wipe the coffee pot dry.
- Periodically polish the top surface with a woolen cloth.
- Store the cezve in a dry place; at a humidity of 50% or higher, copper oxidizes.
Do you follow all the rules of care?
Not really
Basic Precautions
It is not recommended to use abrasive particles to clean the internal surface. The latter is less resistant to damage. Scratches and cracks on the inner walls often become places for bacteria to accumulate. Natural dyes easily penetrate into such areas, which aggravates the problem.
The use of steel wool and abrasive sponges should be avoided. They are capable of leaving scratches on the surface of the Turk.
To prevent the appearance of plaque, it is not recommended to boil dishes until dry. Plastic and wooden spoons should be used to prepare coffee. Metal cutlery damages copper. Turkey cannot be washed in the dishwasher.
List and features of cleaning products
It is important
To return your dishes to their original appearance, read the recommendations on how to clean a copper pot so as not to damage it. Not all products are suitable for this procedure.
You can remove dirt with special detergents for copper: Starwax, Gipfel, Magic Power, Stellar kitchen.
Traditional methods are also suitable, the characteristics of which are given below.
Before the procedure, determine the reaction of copper to the selected component. Treat a small area of the surface of the Turka. If nothing happens after 15-20 minutes, use the product without fear.
Citric acid or lemon juice
To remove stains from the outer surface of the cezve, you can use both components.
Prepare a working solution of citric acid in the following proportion: 2 tsp. products for 250 ml of water. Apply evenly to darkened areas.
Cut the lemon in half, sprinkle the halves with fine salt and clean the problem areas.
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Vadim Kudryavtsev
Coffee expert, professional barista and simply in love with this aromatic drink.
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The method will help remove dark areas, but if copper comes into contact with acid or juice for a long time, it will have the opposite effect. Therefore, after the procedure, thoroughly rinse off any remaining substances.
Vinegar and table salt
You cannot use vinegar in its pure form - this will lead to oxidation of the metal. Therefore, to clean the cezve, prepare a dough based on this component.
Combine 2 tbsp. l. wheat flour and 50 ml of 9-15% vinegar. The consistency of the dough should be uniform. To avoid burning your hands, wear rubber gloves.
Use finely ground salt to remove stains. Large particles will scratch the metal. For severe stains, combine this component with vinegar in a 3:1 ratio.
Baking soda
To return the copper surface to a presentable appearance and get rid of coffee residues if it is burnt, boil the coffee pot in a soda solution.
To do this, dissolve 30 g of the cleaning component in 1 liter of water. Pour the solution into a deep container so that it covers the cezve and place on fire. Boil for 1.5 hours. The method is long, but removes dirt well.
Interesting! How to make a latte in a coffee machine
Ammonia
When working with ammonia, follow safety precautions - wear rubber gloves and a mask. Otherwise, you will be burned by the liquid or inhale it.
Ammonia removes old and stubborn stains. Before cleaning, prepare a solution: dilute ammonia with water in a ratio of 1:2.
After the procedure, wash off the alcohol from the surface of the cezve with warm soapy water. Otherwise it will bind oxide and contaminants. This will make further cleaning more difficult.
Vegetable brine and tomato paste
100 g of tomatoes contain 25 mg of ascorbic acid. It will help quickly remove plaque from the copper surface. You can use fresh tomatoes or ketchup based on them.
Apply the paste to problem areas and rub. Cheap ketchup, even expired ones, will do the job better.
Cabbage or cucumber pickle is suitable for removing dark spots. If there is only a little liquid, soak a cloth in it and wipe the copper surface. If there is enough brine, immerse the cezve in it and wait 7-10 minutes.
Milk serum
25% lactic acid, which is found in dairy products, helps clean the internal and external surfaces of the cezve.
Take a deep container, pour the whey into it and heat it to a temperature of 40-50 degrees. Immerse the coffee pot in the liquid for half an hour. During this time, the dark spots will disappear.
Toothpaste and powder
If you use toothpaste, choose a brand that does not contain large abrasive particles: REMBRANDT, PRESIDENT Activ, SPLAT Extreme White, Bionics, Forest Balm.
Abrasives scratch the surface of the Turk and spoil the appearance. To remove stains, apply the component to the brush and wipe the problem areas.
Using tooth powder is a dry cleaning method. Apply the component to a napkin and clean the surface with intense circular movements. Then rinse and wipe the bowl dry.
A similar procedure can be carried out with chalk and flour.
Household chemicals
If desired, cleaning products for copper surfaces can be found in stores. The modern chemical industry presents many special products that should be applied to the outer surface of the Turk, rubbed and washed off. After this, the Turk will shine like new. Among other products, “Bagi Metal Cleaner” and “Reynex” should be highlighted. How to apply them correctly on the product is described in detail in the instructions. It is important to know that when using chemicals, you need to use personal protective equipment.
What not to use
We found out how to clean a copper Turk outside and inside. Now let's talk about what you should not use to clean copper.
It is prohibited to use hydrochloric and sulfuric acid. When reacting with oxygen and acids, copper begins to dissolve. Therefore, avoid products that contain these components.
Interesting! How many spoons of coffee should I put in a Turk?
When using the dry cleaning method, do not use powders that contain large abrasive particles. They scratch the surface of the Turks.
Using ketchup
Tomato sauce contains citric acid, so ketchup perfectly cleans dark spots on the Turk. Experts say that you can use the cheapest or even expired ketchup, which is no longer suitable for consumption. Dirt and darkening will quickly disappear, and the Turk will acquire a bright copper color.
The method of application will be as follows:
- Ketchup is applied to a dry, darkened surface.
- Leave for 2-3 minutes.
- Wash off with warm running water.
- The procedure can be repeated until the Turk becomes absolutely clean.
Tomato ketchup or paste is also a good way to clean copper products. They can be used for Turks, coins and other cutlery.
The cezve is placed in a plastic container. Pour in ketchup or paste. The product must be completely covered with the product.
After 10 minutes, the Turk is removed from the ketchup and thoroughly washed with warm water. For a better effect, you can clean the item with a brush.
Finally, the cezve is rubbed with a soft cloth.
How to clean a Turk
How to prepare dishes
There is no need to specially prepare the Turk for cleaning. Simply rinse off the coffee residue, rinse the dishes and wipe dry. Take the appropriate product and start cleaning.
Remember the safety precautions when using vinegar and ammonia, which are described above.
Cleaning from the inside
When making a cezve, the inside is coated with a special layer to prevent copper particles from getting into the drink. Tin is most often used for this. Clean the Turk carefully so as not to disturb the protective layer.
Algorithm of actions for the wet cleaning method:
- Prepare a deep container to immerse the Turk in it.
- Fill it with a solution of vinegar, baking soda, table salt, citric acid, brine, and whey.
- Immerse the copper bowl in the liquid.
- Boil for 1.5 hours, add solution as it evaporates.
- Remove the container from the heat and cool.
- Take a brush that fits through the narrow neck of the cezve and wipe the inside surface.
- Remove the coffee pot from the container, rinse with warm water, and wipe with a dry soft cloth until it shines.
For the dry method, apply the powder to a soft-bristled brush and wipe the inside of the Turk. Do this until the plaque disappears. Wipe with a paper towel.
Useful tips
- If the bottom of the cezve is not clean enough, use a fine powder (chalk, tooth powder, fine salt or soda).
- Do not forget that metal does not tolerate sharp temperature contrasts. You cannot immediately immerse a hot Turk into cold water, and vice versa.
- Store the product so that its surface does not come into contact with other dishes.
- Try to wash the vessel thoroughly immediately after each preparation of coffee. Then plaque will not form quickly.
- Do not use harsh household chemicals, especially chlorine-based ones, to clean copper.
- For long-term storage, the container is wrapped in paper or cotton cloth.
Now you know how to clean your copper pot yourself using simple means and without damaging its surface. With proper care, such cezves last for many years and can be passed on from generation to generation.
Acidic
Basically, everyone is interested in the question of how to clean the outside of a copper pot, since an oxide layer forms on the surface of the metal. To do this, you can choose one of the following means:
Acid whey from milk. Liquid made from homemade milk works especially well.
Fresh lemon – you will need a couple of slices.
Old expired tomato ketchup.
Vinegar - any will do.
Liquids from pickled vegetables.
Ammonia.
When using acids of unknown origin, care must be taken to avoid burns. It is better to use safe substances that can be found in the kitchen
Video: How to clean copper cookware
Lemon
How to clean the outside of a copper Turk:
Cut the lemon into two parts.
Squeezing out the juice, rub the cezve on all sides. Leave for 5 minutes for the acid to react.
Next, wet the surface again with juice.
Take an old toothbrush and rub the indentations on the Turk.
Wash off dirt with water.
After cleaning, you can take a wool or linen cloth and polish the product until it shines.
The method for cleaning copper utensils with ammonia is similar to this one, only the alcohol must be diluted with water 1:2. Coat the dishes with a cotton swab, then rinse with water and wipe with a napkin. Ammonia successfully fights green stains.
Vinegar
7 or 9% vinegar is suitable for cleaning copper products in the kitchen, but it should not be used in its pure form, but with the help of a dough. To do this, mix 50–100 ml of vinegar with 2–4 tablespoons of flour.
The resulting dough is coated with the Turk and left until dry. Then take a brush and scrape the dough from the surface, then rinse under running warm water. You can polish it with microfiber.
To enhance the abrasive properties, use coarse or rye flour. The dough is not very thick. It is necessary that it penetrates into all the recesses, especially if the Turk is hammered.
Whey from curdled milk
Whey contains natural acids, so it can be used to clean the outside of a copper pot.
How to do it:
Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in a glass of whey.
Take a soft cloth, soak it in the resulting solution, and clean the copper product.
If some places cannot be cleaned, they are left in the solution for 5 minutes.
After removing the oxide film, the cezve is washed with water.
Store-bought ketchup
Citric acid is added to store-bought ketchups. In addition, vegetables contain natural organic compounds that can combat dark plaque. The outside of the product is coated with paste or ketchup and left for a while. After the chemical reaction, the Turk is treated with a toothbrush and washed.
This method is not very active in removing dirt, so it must be used regularly, avoiding the formation of a thick layer of film.
Sauerkraut juice
If you have a stock of sauerkraut in a barrel at home, then the juice can be used as a solvent for plaque on copper utensils. To do this, the product is simply left in the juice for 5 minutes. You can help with a toothbrush, periodically removing the dissolved film. If the Turk is very dirty, it will take about 30 minutes of cleaning for the product to acquire a natural pink color.
After treatment with acid, the Turk is washed with clean water.
Soda
Baking soda perfectly removes any dirt. You just need to boil the Turk, and not just rub the dishes with the product.
Algorithm of actions:
- The Turk is placed in a deep container that you don’t mind using for manipulation.
- A copper object is filled with the following solution: 1 liter of water and 1 tbsp. l. soda
- Place the container with the Turk on the stove and turn on medium heat. After boiling, the liquid should bubble for another half hour. Water can be added if it evaporates quickly. The liquid should completely cover the product.
- After the time allotted for the procedure has expired, the cezve is removed from the container and wiped with a dry cloth.
Be careful when you begin to remove the product. Hot water can easily burn you. You can wait for the liquid to cool and then take out the cezve.
Oxalic acid
- Take a fresh lemon and cut it into two halves. Take one of them and sprinkle it well with salt. Now we apply it to the product and carefully and slowly clean it until it shines. We rinse with water and wash off the remaining lemon, now dry. The method will cope with even the most difficult cases.
- Fresh oxide can be easily removed with hot vinegar. To do this, put it on the fire and bring it to a boil. We wet a cloth and rub it into the product. As a rule, all the dirt literally disappears before our eyes.
- How to clean brass at home if it is invisible due to plaque? Take 3 liters of water, add half a glass of table vinegar and a tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, gently immerse the brass object there. Leave for 3 hours and watch from time to time to control the water level, top up if necessary. Leave to cool slightly and remove the product and wipe with a soft cloth. If necessary, you can polish it now; the item will easily succumb to this.
You can effectively clean copper objects with engraving or embossing, including a Turk, using a composition made from two tablespoons of flour and 50 ml of vinegar:
Varieties
Today you can find several varieties of copper Turks on sale. It is worth considering their features in more detail.
Made from thin copper. This option can be considered as a simple “tin can”. It is suitable as a souvenir because it is usually decorated with a stylish design. The wall thickness is quite thin, and the edges of the dishes are usually untreated.
Today the concept of a “whole” Turk is often encountered. Of course, it’s difficult to imagine anything else, but thanks to poor quality manufacturers, it is recommended to buy one-piece models. Some manufacturers make the Turk in two parts, with a visible weld that runs vertically. It is customary to hide it with the help of decorative elements.
Usually, uneven notches imitating scales are used for this purpose. Be careful to avoid such options, because the seam may oxidize or leak. If it falls, such a Turk can break into 2 parts.
The Turk must be solid-rolled, that is, made from one piece, there should be no seams. Of course, all models are presented with handles for ease of use, so the only possible attachment to the Turk is the handles to the container. The most popular option is a 100 ml Turk, since it allows you to make coffee for two, but few people buy large containers (500 ml).
The handles are made of wood. Some models are presented with a removable handle, which makes storage more comfortable.
How and what to clean copper oxide from at home: the most effective methods
How to clean copper? The relevance of this issue is explained by the fact that products made from this metal have been used by humanity for many centuries. For a long time, the value of this metal was so high that it was equal to gold. The development of technology has led to the fact that it was possible to significantly reduce the cost of copper production. This made it possible to make not only jewelry from this metal, but also dishes and interior items. The high popularity of this metal and alloys based on it is explained not only by its decorative effect, but also by its unique characteristics - high ductility, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, etc.
No one wants to use oxidized copper cookware.
Terms of use
Every coffee connoisseur will confirm that if the drink boils, it loses all its value - its exquisite aroma and taste. For this reason, coffee should be brewed rather than boiled. It happens like this:
- you should pour ground coffee into the container;
- add sugar to taste;
- fill with cold water;
- place the Turk on a stove or sand and wait for the liquid to heat up;
- mix thoroughly until foam forms;
- When the first bubbles appear and the foam darkens, the Turk should be removed from the stove or sand.
You cannot place a copper pot on a glass-ceramic stove. Be sure to use an adapter that will prevent direct contact between the copper and the surface of the plate.
Cleaning brass plated items
If the object is not attracted to the magnet, or you have determined by another method that only the surface is covered with brass, most of the above methods will not work. Cleaning brass in this case will be more difficult. If you are extremely careful, the most delicate methods can be used.
To remove plaque, dissolve soap or detergent in lukewarm water. Now just wet the item in it and gently clean it with a soft cloth or napkin. Take your time and do everything with feeling. If a product coated with brass or varnish is damaged, it will be problematic to restore it. If there are places where the napkin cannot reach, use a children's toothbrush (it is softer). Rinse with water and wipe dry.
How to clean copper at home from oxidation, green deposits and blackness to shine |
This product allows you not only to thoroughly wash the Turk, but also to give it a natural copper tint and shine. You can even use expired sauce for cleaning.
Expert opinion
Ekaterina Korneva, expert in the field of care, cleanliness and beauty
I will help you understand all the intricacies.
It is very good to store them in a presentable form, since such coins are already considered antiques and will only increase in value over time. Mix well until a homogeneous mass is formed, apply a rough layer to the brass and wait until everything dries. How to clean a copper pot at home If you have any questions, please contact me, I will be happy to answer!
