Copper mugs are high-end barware items that are as aesthetically timeless as they are durable. But sooner or later, even the most beautiful and well-crafted mugs will begin to lose their luster. In this guide, we'll look at copper tarnish, what it is, what causes it, and how to get rid of it. So without further ado, let's get started.

First Things First: What is Copper Tarnish?

Copper tarnish appears as a result of oxidation. Oxidation is a natural chemical reaction between copper and oxygen. After hours of being polished to a shine copper begins to produce copper oxide, a brownish film. If the copper oxide is left untreated for long enough, it starts to turn green. This is especially true in salty or humid environments. You will often see green copper roofs on homes and businesses, and statues that have turned green over time.

The green (sometimes referred to as verdigris) is not dangerous to the copper. In fact, it helps to seal the copper from the effects of the weather. But if it appears on your copper bar items, most people will understandably want nothing to do with it.

Before You Begin

Before you start, determine if your mugs are lined or not. If they are lined with nickel or stainless steel, feel free to clean the outside using one of the methods outlined below. But clean the inside using a milder cleaning solution. If the mug is unlined, again avoid acidic or harsh chemicals inside because even small amounts left behind they may leach into drinks later.

Removing Tarnish From Your Copper Cups

Below, we present a step-by-step guide on how to remove tarnish from your solid copper mugs. But before we start, let's look at what you'll need to get the job done.

What You'll Need

To thoroughly remove the tarnish from your mugs, you will need the following supplies:

• Baking soda
• Salt
• Lemon
• Vinegar
• Soft clothes or microfiber towels
• A soft sponge
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water

Step 1: Begin with a gentle cleaning

Begin by washing your mugs in warm, soapy water. Simply fill a basin with warm water and add some of your mild dish soap. The goal of this step is to remove dirt, grease and airborne residue that might interfere with the polishing process later. The most important thing here is to dry your mugs thoroughly right after cleaning. If you leave water on the mug, it will create water spots, and there's also the chance that new tarnish will form before you even move on to the next step.

Step 2: Removing the tarnish

After you've cleaned and dried your mugs, it's time to address the tarnish. Here are several methods that are known to be effective.

Lemon and salt

This is a classic home remedy that has proven itself over and over for many years. It's delightfully simple and only mildly acidic. Here's how it works:

• Cut your lemon in half and sprinkle a modest amount of salt on the cut side.
• Rub the lemon/salt into the tarnish using a circular motion.
• The abrasiveness of the salt and the acidity of the lemon will remove the oxidation.
• For stubborn tarnish, sprinkle a little more salt on the lemon and continue rubbing.
• When all the tarnish is removed, rinse the mug with warm water and dry it thoroughly inside and out.

Once dry, you'll see that your bright, beautiful original copper finish has re-emerged.

Vinegar and baking soda

This is another method that has been around forever and has proven its worth. Instead of relying on the abrasiveness of salt and the acidity of acid, this method relies on the abrasiveness of baking soda and the acidity of vinegar. Here's how it works:

• Create a paste using equal parts baking soda and white vinegar.
• (If the paste fizzes briefly, don't worry. That's normal.)
• Use your soft, clean cloth or soft sponge to apply the paste onto the tarnished areas.
• Using the cloth or sponge, gently rub the paste in a circular motion.
• Continue to rub the paste into the tarnish, being careful not to rub too hard.
• When the tarnish is removed, rinse the mug thoroughly and then dry completely inside and out.

Commercial copper polish

If your mug(s) have not been cleaned in years, it might be best to opt for a stronger commercial copper cleaner. Here's how most of them work:

• Before you start, check that the polish is food safe so you can drink from the mug confidently.
• Apply the polish with a clean, soft cloth, and polish in small circles.
• Do not press too hard while polishing.
• When done, rinse your copper mugs thoroughly and dry completely.

Step 3: Buff and shine your mugs

You'll want to make sure your mugs look as good as possible. So, once they are thoroughly cleaned and all tarnish is removed, use a clean, non-abrasive cloth to give them a final buff. Rub in a circular motion until you achieve a like-new mirror shine.

Once you've got them looking the way you want them to, store them in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Consider wrapping them in soft cloth to preserve the shine.

Step 4 (Optional): Apply a protective coating

Many bars, or just your regular Moscow mule enthusiasts, will apply a coat of lacquer to their newly polished mugs to slow the reappearance of tarnish and to give the finish some appealing depth. You don't have to do this of course, but if you decide to do it, make sure you use a food-safe lacquer, apply it with a clean soft brush or cloth, and let it cure completely before moving or using the mug. You can get food-safe lacquer in most hardware stores.

Do Not...

• Use steel wool on your mugs or harsh abrasives.
• Leave residue from any type of polish as it can dull the finish.
• Clean with ammonia or bleach.

Conclusion

Removing the tarnish from your beautiful copper cups is a simple and straightforward DIY project that will provide immense satisfaction when you see the finished product. No matter which cleaning method you choose, the results will restore the brilliant glow of the original finish and ensure your mugs always look their best when you use them to create delicious Moscow Mules or other drinks for your guests.

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