A copper bathtub is a stunning showpiece and gives any bathroom that much-desired wow factor. Although copper is low maintenance, it requires some basic knowledge to preserve its classic finish. Learn about a copper tub’s patina, how to clean a copper tub, and how to apply protective wax all in one convenient guide.
Copper is incredible. It brings a warm glow to any space, and copper has many health benefits. For example, copper is resistant to bacteria and is a registered antimicrobial by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Your body also absorbs copper, which means soaking is an easy way to supplement a copper deficiency.
Anything made of copper is also an excellent heat conductor. A deep copper soaker tub can keep water warm for much longer than an acrylic tub; copper cookware is every chef’s dream. Copper possessions are an investment. Treating copper with care helps your prized pieces last longer and look better, preserving your copper clawfoot tub as an heirloom piece for generations.
Incredible Tips for Cleaning a Copper Tub
Copper is a gorgeous natural building material; from bathtubs to cookware, it enhances the appearance of any interior design scheme. How you care for your copper directly affects its looks and longevity.
You need this copper care guide if your copper surfaces are a shadow of their former glory. Discover how to remove grime from a copper bathtub, clean copper surfaces, and wax your copper for continued protection.
Preserving and Protecting Your Copper Patina
Before discussing removing stains from a metal bathtub, we should address the patina. You’ve probably heard this word mentioned often regarding copper, but what does it mean? The patina on a copper tub is called a “living finish,” as copper oxide develops on copper pieces after a continued cycle of exposure to air, water, and mineral deposits.
For example, the Statue of Liberty has a beautiful and instantly recognizable patina. Don’t worry; your copper tub won’t turn green like a wet penny because indoor and outdoor copper ages differently based on exposure to other elements like rain and saltwater.
What happens if you don’t like the patina that develops over time or like the original polished copper better? The good news is it’s possible to buff it down with a copper polish cream. If you don’t want the patina to return, coat the copper surface with clear copper lacquer. Once lacquered, the patina won’t come back.
How to Clean a Copper Tub the Best Way
Copper is durable yet flexible and molds into any shape without breaking. Almost all major civilizations relied on copper for weapons, tools, and cookware. Even the Romans had to worry about washing an old copper bathtub and cleaning corroded copper pipes.
You don’t need any fancy high-end chemicals for cleaning a copper tub. You can rely on items from home for a copper cleaner; just be sure to avoid anything abrasive or acid-based. Even lemon juice or white vinegar could be strong enough to damage the finish. Use pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners to get the job done.
Fill a small bucket with some warm water and add a teaspoon of your favorite mild dish soap. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge, wipe the copper surface, and rinse with warm water. This method works great for your copper sink, tub, bathroom vanity, or copper cookware. Towel dry the copper vessel to prevent an uneven patina from forming.
How to Remove Stains From a Brushed Copper Bathtub
A copper pot has a simple finish, but copper furniture, such as a sink or bathtub, has multiple decorative finishes to consider. A smooth finish copper tub means the copper is condensed further to create a matte copper visual effect. However, some homeowners prefer these tubs to be highly polished.
A hammered copper tub gets its rough and rugged finish from a master artisan who hammers small dents into the copper, creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Brushed copper is a plated finish applied using electricity to lay a thin copper layer, achieving a satin-looking brushed finish.
If you’re keen to learn how to remove stains from a brushed copper bathtub, stay away from harsh chemicals. A tarnished copper bath needs mild soap and a soft cloth to look its best.
While using abrasive cleaning agents to disturb the patina is tempting, we recommend a specialized copper cleaner to scrub away the natural copper oxide marks that appear over time.
Using a Copper Cleaner Safely
Investing in a copper tub is an expensive, research-heavy process with many variables. If you plan to put that much work in, you should know how to safely clean it using professional products. Follow these simple tips to learn how to clean and shine copper with a cream cleaner made for this unique material.
Start by wetting the copper or brass with clean, warm water. Put your rubber gloves on, open the tub of copper cleaner, and dip in a clean sponge. Apply the copper cleaner to the tub using small circles and working in sections.
You’ll see that warm copper finish start to peek through the grime. Once satisfied with the results, rinse the tub with warm water to remove the product. Look for any missed spots, and repeat where necessary. Dry the tub thoroughly with a clean towel, and stand back to admire your hard work.
How to Wax a Copper Tub
Spreading a layer of quality wax polish is the next step after cleaning a copper tub. Copper wax creates a barrier between the copper and the elements like water, bath products, and human skin. Waxing promises long-lasting shine that protects against the natural tarnish that appears over time.
Polishing a copper tub is an ideal way to inhibit natural oxidation, keeping your copper brighter a little longer. You only need to dip a clean cloth into the wax and use small circles to coat the tub’s interior and exterior. Follow up with a microfiber cloth to buff the clean copper to a shine. Repeat every month to ensure continued protection.
We hope you enjoyed learning how to clean a copper tub and that our tips help prolong the lifespan of your home’s copper pieces. These tutorials work on everything from copper cookware and utensils to the bathroom vanity, copper sink, and beyond.
Investing in copper involves learning how to care for it with love. Clean your copper with mild dish soap, a microfiber cloth, or a soft sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals or any acid-based cleaners, and don’t use bath salt, sea salt, or Epsom salt, as it destroys the copper over time.
Copper’s unique patina is part of its charm. However, if you prefer a more polished look, wax your copper tub monthly with an approved copper wax or consider an application of copper lacquer to keep the finish crisp and clear for years to come.
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