My Accidental Copper Sink Cleaner

This is my hammered copper farmhouse sink…

I won this fabulous sink from Sinkology at The Haven Conference several years ago.  It is my favorite part of my kitchen!  It is gorgeous but it does require upkeep.  Do you realize how food particles can affect a copper finish.  I know I didn’t.  And I really discovered my favorite way to clean my copper sink by mistake.  Copper tarnishes and constantly needs to be polished or cleaned.  A sink is especially susceptible to stains and discoloration.  Here is a photo of mine at its worse:

I’ve used cleaners and sealers and polishes but my accidental discovery is easy and inexpensive.  It’s ketchup!

One evening after we had eaten burgers for dinner (my youngest son really dumps the ketchup on), some left over ketchup was left sitting in the sink.  A short time later I returned to the kitchen and saw the glob. 

So I washed it away.  Beneath the glob was shiny copper!  Eureka!  The acidic nature of the ketchup had removed the tarnish.

I’ve tested this method and here are my recommendation for using ketchup to clean a copper sink:

Clean your sink with dish soap and warm water. Make sure the sink is clean of all food particles and debris.

Pour or squirt enough ketchup into the sink to spread a liberal layer of ketchup over the bottom of the sink.

I don’t use this method on the sides of the sink often as they are less prone to have extreme discoloration.

Use your hand or a flat sponge to spread the ketchup and ensure every inch of the surface is covered with ketchup.

Allow the ketchup to sit for 10-15 minutes. You will immediately see the ketchup beginning to work its magic.

You can test a spot after 15 minutes. If the sink is shiny and clear of spots, you can remove the ketchup. If not, let it sit another 5 minutes.

Remove the ketchup by spraying warm water from your faucet sprayer or wipe with warm water to remove all of the ketchup.

Follow up by washing with warm soapy water.

Finally, towel dry the sink and buff to a shine

Apply a sealer to help make the sink more resistant to stains and to keep the sink shiny.

This method has become my #1 method to cleaning my copper sink.

My SECOND Favorite Way to Clean My Copper Sink

This method uses a product that has become quite popular recently, Bar Keepers Friend.

It comes in a powdered or liquid form. I prefer the liquid because, well, it seems less abrasive. This method, unlike the ketchup method, does require some gentle scrubbing. My Scrub Mommy was actually black when I finished. But, I was happy with the results.

I used the same application method as with the ketchup. Just squirt it on and spread it over the sink.

I squirted Bar Keeper’s Friend onto the sink and worked it in with gentle circular motion and light pressure on the Scrub Mommy. This method didn’t work as quickly as the ketchup so I let it sit for 15 minutes. I did have to reapply to a few spots but I was pleased with the result.

After a rinse, the sink really looked alot better.

Key Tips to Maintain a Tarnish Free Copper Sink

The key to a shiny and stain free copper sink is to ensure all food is cleared from the surface after every use. Towel dry the sink to remove water droplets that contain minerals and tiny pieces of food particles. Apply sealer frequently.

A copper sink certainly requires more upkeep than a porcelain, ceramic and most definitely a stainless steel sink. But, to me, it’s worth it!

Here are some alternative methods that I have used. They didn’t work as quickly as the other two methods I just shared.

• vinegar and baking powder
• lemon juice

I guess it comes down to which method I prefer at the time I’m about to tackle the project. The ketchup method does not require any scrubbing or extra effort like the Bar Keeper’s friend method. So, ketchup will remain my go to. Just squirt, spread, and walk away. Return to rinse and enjoy your shiny copper sink!

I will continue to try alternative methods just because…why not??? If you have another method to cleaning a copper sink, please share with me and I will try it!