If water is kept in a copper vessel, preferably overnight or at least for four hours, it acquires a certain quality from the copper, which can be supportive for overall health and energy. To reap the maximum benefits that copper can offer, it is best to maintain the cleanliness of the copper vessel.
Over time, copper can tarnish and turn dark in color and dull in shine. We recommend two simple 100% natural ways to maintain your copper items:
1. Lemon (or Lime) and Salt Cleaning Method
Ayurveda Juice a lemon or lime by squeezing it into a bowl. Remove the seeds from the juice and keep the peel aside. Take a clean, soft cloth and dip it into the juice then rub the copper item with it.
Using the leftover peel is especially helpful in getting into the nooks of the copper item. Take the peel in your hand and rub it directly onto the copper item. The peel contains the fibers of the fruit, which carry sufficient juice for cleaning.
If the copper item needs extra help to polish, the assistance of salt can be used. Once the item has been covered with lemon or lime juice, take some salt in your hand and apply it directly to the copper. Then gently rub it on the copper surface using a soft cloth. Ordinary salt or rock salt works best.
Once you add the salt it is important not to let it sit on the copper –this can cause the copper to oxidize and more dark spots may appear. Make sure that once you apply the salt, you continuously rub it over the entire juice-covered vessel with a soft cloth.
Once your item is clean to your liking, you can rinse with water and pat dry with a clean cloth.
2. Tamarind Cleaning Method
Another effective, all-natural copper cleaning method is to use tamarind. A sufficient quantity of tamarind, that can cover the surface of the copper item, is needed.
Remove the tamarind from its packet and separate and discard the seeds. Once the seeds have been removed, place the tamarind in a bowl, fill the bowl with water so that it completely covers it, and let it soak for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes of soaking, use your hands to squeeze the tamarind so that the pulp is mixed with the water and becomes a paste. Once the paste has been formed, strain the leftover tamarind water so only the paste remains. Keep the tamarind water aside; do not discard it.
Apply the tamarind paste to fully cover the outer surface of the copper item. Let it sit on the copper item for 20 minutes. The tamarind will dry on the copper, which is fine. After 20 minutes, take a soft sponge and rub it on the dried tamarind paste to loosen the paste from the copper item. Rinse with water and pat dry with a soft towel.
To clean the inside of copper bottles and vessels, pour the tamarind water inside. Make sure you have enough tamarind water to completely fill the vessel. Let this sit for 20 minutes. This can be done after the paste has been applied to the outside. Once 20 minutes have passed, you can use a brush to rub the inside of the vessel. Rinse with warm water and then gently wipe the interior with a clean, soft towel.
