Copper mugs are a great addition to any coffee table, kitchen or bar cart.
Apart from looking beautiful on any table top, hand hammered copper mugs are also designed to last for generations. However, over time, your hand hammered copper mugs will start to develop a patina, which is a natural way of shielding the mugs from damage.
If you are not interested in having your hand hammered copper mugs develop this patina, then there are several things that you can do to prevent it.
Your copper mugs require some special care and cleaning if you want them to stay shiny and beautiful over time.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to spot clean and care for your hand hammered copper mugs so they look their best all the time!
The copper mug on the left is brand new, while the one of the right has visibly dulled in appearance due to water spots forming over time.
Why Water Spots Form On Copper Mugs
First things first, as your handmade copper mugs are made of 100% recycled copper, they will be very sensitive to acid.
As most municipal tap water is treated with chlorine, using unfiltered tap water to wash your copper mugs largely contributes to water spots that will tarnish its natural shine.
Related post: Unfiltered tap water vs. filtered tap water
Additionally, it is very important to dry your copper mugs with a paper towel or a soft cotton cloth after you have washed and dried them. This will ensure that your hand hammered copper mugs look their best for as long as possible, without forming water spots.
If you don't dry your cups after every use, water spots will definitely appear. You can see an example of dark water spots on our Copper Moscow Mule Mug below.
Lastly, it is best to avoid using any household cleaners on your hand hammered copper mugs. These harsh chemicals can strip away the patina and ruin them over time if they are left sitting in a puddle of cleaner for several hours or even days at a time.
Ideally, you should use a warm water and a soft sponge to clean your copper mugs. Avoid using a harsh scrubber when it comes to washing your copper mugs, as it will strip your copper mug of its natural patina.
How To Clean Your Copper Mugs To Remove Water Spots
If you find water spots forming on your copper mugs, don't worry! You can easily get your copper mug shining and sparkling with just a soft sponge, and Wright's Copper Cream.
Alternatively, you can also use baking soda and vinegar to clean your Copper Mugs. Create a paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda and 1 part vinegar. Use a cloth or wet sponge to apply it to your copper mug. Scrub your copper mug in a circular motion to polish the peacock patina forming on your copper cup.
Below are some simple steps you can take to quickly spot clean your copper mug:
Step One: Use hot water to loosen up the water spots. Run your copper mug under hot water to start the spot cleaning process.
Step Two: Add some Wright's Copper Cream to a soft sponge. Just a smidge of polishing cream is all you need, so just quickly dab your sponge will do.
Step Three: Clean your copper mug thoroughly using your sponge. Target the water spots to get your copper mug to shine once again.
Watch the video to watch Sertodo's founder Jonathan in action when it comes to regular spot cleaning for your copper mugs.
You might also like:
- Water spots and the importance of drying
- How to polish your Moscow Mule mug, copper Apa cup or Mint Julep cup
- Guide on how to take care of your Moscow Mule mugs
More Tips On How To Care For Your Copper Mugs
As you can see, regular care of your copper mugs can make a big difference when it comes to maintaining its original shine. Below are some tips on how to care for your copper mugs.
- Always dry your copper mugs with a dry towel or paper towel after use. This will help prevent water spots from forming over time.
- Store your Copper Mugs away in a dry and cool place. Placing them in a damp area will cause oxidation to occur, as copper is a highly reactive metal to water.
- Regularly polish your hand hammered Copper Mugs to keep it looking as good as new. Our recommendation is to do it at least every 6 months.
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