Should You Clean Antique Copper?

If you collect old copper as an investment or you are a dealer planning to sell the item, you should never polish, and only clean if absolutely necessary. Polishing a piece of copper with original patina – what non-collectors often think of as tarnish – will destroy its value.

How do you clean copper without removing patina?

A simple cleaning with mild soap and water will remove the dirt and fingerprints without removing tarnish or patinas that have formed over time.

How do you care for antique copper?

"If you have a large copper item and you want to clean it quickly, you can boil three cups of water, add a cup of vinegar and one tablespoon or more of salt," says Reichert. Next, you would stir until the salt is dissolved and then place the copper item in the water. "The tarnish will come right off."