How to Clean Copper Mugs and Keep them Clean

Make Your Copper Last a Lifetime

What Copper Cleaning Supplies You Need

Gentle dish soap
Soft sponge
Warm water
Water-absorbent cloth (cotton, hemp, or another soft fabric)

How to Safely Clean Copper Mugs

When caring for your in-home copper drinkware (or any other copper item, for that matter), a few simple steps taken shortly after use can help your copper last a lifetime.

It’s first important to gather the right supplies – and avoid the wrong ones. We recommend cleaning your copper with gentle dishwashing soap and warm water, being sure to hand dry using a soft cloth. Textured or synthetic cloths like polyester may scratch the surface of your copper.

While glass drinkware can withstand soaps, detergents, heat, and more, copper is far more sensitive and requires caution when cleaning.

Start by rinsing the copper in warm water.
Take the sponge and dish soap, and gently scrub until any debris has been removed.
Rinse again to remove the soap residue.
Dry the copper thoroughly with your first towel and set aside to air-dry.
Take the second towel and dry the copper once again, ensuring that there is no leftover moisture in cracks or crevices.

Signs that your copper is tarnishing include:

Discoloration of the copper
Grey or black film on the surface of the copper
Water spots that are difficult to remove

Fortunately, caring for your copper pieces is simple with a few hassle-free maintenance solutions that keep your copper clean for day-to-day use and address any onset tarnishing or wear.

How to Remove Tarnish From Copper Mugs

Copper mugs require minimal upkeep to maintain their quality and shine, but tarnishing may still occur over time due to the copper’s reaction with oxygen in the air. Luckily, there are several methods for removing even the most stubborn tarnish from your copper mugs.

#1 Metal Cleaner

The most reliable method for removing tarnish from copper (or other metals) is metal cleaner. The metal cleaner is a powerful, concentrated compound that easily breaks down tarnish. It’s safe to use on metals, including sterling silver, brass and stainless steel. You can find metal cleaner at your local hardware store.

For a last-minute copper tune-up, there are several DIY methods for removing tarnish polish copper everywhere. All you’ll need are a few household ingredients.

#2 Lemon & Salt

Fill a small bowl with several tablespoons of salt.
Quarter a lemon.
Grabbing the rind, dip the lemon into the bowl of salt, covering each surface completely.
While still holding the lemon, gently scrub it into the mug using circular motions.
Once the tarnish is removed, stop scrubbing and wash and dry the mug, following the steps listed above.

#3 Vinegar & Baking Soda

Combine 3 parts baking soda with one part vinegar to form a paste.
Using a soft sponge, apply the paste to the mug, covering its entire surface.
Leave the mug covered in paste for 5-10 minutes.
To remove, gently scrub the paste off in circular motions using the sponge and warm water.
Complete the hand washing and drying steps listed above.

What Causes Copper Tarnishing

Few barware pieces shine as brightly as a set of copper mugs. Their chromatic aesthetic is alluring to the eye, adding a luxury appeal to your countertop or bar cart alike. Add a bit of vodka, ginger beer, and lime, and the vessel is simply irresistible.

Copper, being in the metal family, is prone to weathering and wear. When exposed to the elements, copper is known to rust, tarnish and degrade. Fortunately, the copper pieces in your home are less susceptible to environmental concerns, and a quick, post-Moscow Mule cleaning routine will keep your copper barware glistening for decades to come.

Copper and many other metals are extremely prone to tarnishing. Tarnishing describes a chemical reaction that takes place on the surface of copper when exposed to oxygen. Like a piece of fruit, the copper reacts to oxygen in the air, producing a compound known as copper oxide. When left untreated, the copper oxide will continue to develop and lead to corrosion.

Other factors that lead to tarnishing include heat, chemicals, human touch, moisture, and dust. Tarnishing can be dangerous for many reasons – especially with copper mugs, flatware and utensils, as they can cause poisoning when ingested.

Frequently Asked Cleaning Questions

Are Copper Mugs Dishwasher Safe?

The short answer is no. Copper mugs are not dishwasher safe, in most cases. Dishwashers use chemicals and high-temperature water, which can cause tarnishing and other damage. They can also disintegrate the lacquer lining present in most commercial-grade copper mugs, which can end up in guests’ drinks down the road and pose a health hazard.

This is not a risk involved when using unlined mugs, but without lining, the copper is even more prone to tarnishing – it’s a double-edged sword.

Our advice? Stick to hand washing.

Why is Cleaning Copper Mugs Important?

Cleaning copper mugs is important to ensure that they remain in good condition and do not corrode. Copper mugs can easily become tarnished if not cared for properly, so it’s important to clean them regularly with a mild dish soap and warm water.

Why Does Copper Tarnish?

As iron rust develops, copper will gradually become rusty when exposed to air moisture or other contaminants.

Are Lined Copper Mugs Dishwasher Safe?

Whether lined copper mugs are dishwasher safe depends on the specific lining material used. It’s generally recommended to hand wash lined copper mugs to ensure their longevity and preserve the integrity of the lining.

What is the Best Way to Clean Tarnished Copper?

The best way to clean tarnished copper is by using one of the methods mentioned above: Metal Cleaner, Lemon and Salt, or Vinegar and Baking Soda.

Is it OK to Clean Copper With Vinegar?

Over time, copper can tarnish and lose some of its shine and luster, and using vinegar is a good solution for removing tarnish and bringing back the brilliant shine of your copper pieces.

However, it is important to note that vinegar should not be used on copper with a lacquered or sealed finish, due to copper toxicity and its acidic nature, as it can damage the protective coating.

Overall, cleaning copper with white vinegar” is safe and effective for many types of copper, and is a great way to restore them.

What Should you not Clean Copper With?

While keeping your copper items clean is important, it’s equally important to be mindful of what you use to clean them.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch and damage the surface of the copper. Additionally, avoid using acidic or harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, as these can corrode the metal and cause it to become discolored.

Instead, stick to gentle cleaners such as mild soap or specialized copper cleaning products and always read the labels to ensure they are safe for use on copper.

Do all Copper Mugs tarnish?

Yes, unfortunately, all copper mugs tarnish sooner or later. Tarnishing is a natural process that occurs when copper oxidizes and reacts with the surrounding air and moisture.

The good news is that tarnishing can give your copper mug a unique and vintage look, and with proper care, you can slow down the process and even completely remove the tarnished parts.

So, while tarnishing may be inevitable, it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker for enjoying your favorite beverage in a classic copper mug.

How do I clean my copper cup?

To hand wash copper and a copper surface, rinse it with dish soap, scrub gently with a sponge, rinse again, and dry thoroughly. Avoid using textured or synthetic cloths that may scratch the surface. Double-dry the copper with a fresh cloth to prevent oxidation and ensure all moisture is removed.

This is a great way to clean copper cups but also copper cookware and copper pots. However, for badly tarnished copper cookware and copper pans, using metal cleaners or lemon juice and salt is a better alternative.

Can you wash copper cups?

Absolutely, copper cups are safe to wash, and you can clean copper naturally too. In fact, we recommend washing copper cups regularly with dish soap and warm water to avoid tarnishing and discoloration.