How to Clean Copper Mugs & Remove Tarnish: Easy Natural Care Guide

Make Your Copper Last a Lifetime

What Copper Cleaning Supplies You Need

1. Gentle dish soap
2. Soft sponge
3. Warm water
4. Water-absorbent cloth
   • (cotton, hemp, or another soft fabric)

How to Safely Clean Copper Mugs

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

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.

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

Signs that your copper is tarnishing include:

• - Discoloration of the copper
  • (typically with a blue or green hue)
• - 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.

Why Do Copper Mugs Tarnish?

Copper naturally oxidizes when exposed to air and moisture. This creates a dull, darkened layer called patina. While some love the aged look, others prefer their mugs to stay gleaming. Cleaning copper regularly helps preserve its brilliance and ensures safe use over time.

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 How to Clean Copper Mugs with Lemon and Salt

This natural method is effective and safe for food-grade copper:

You’ll Need:

1. 1 lemon, halved
2. 1 tablespoon of coarse salt
3. Soft cloth

Instructions:

1. Mix vinegar and baking soda to form a foaming paste.
2. Apply the paste with a sponge or cloth.
3. Rub gently in circular motions.
4. Rinse well and dry completely with a microfiber towel.

Pro Tip: Drying is crucial—moisture left on the surface can speed up oxidation.

#3 Clean Copper Mugs with Vinegar and Baking Soda

For more stubborn stains or older tarnish:

What You’ll Need:

1. 1/2 cup white vinegar
2. 2 tablespoons baking soda
3. Soft sponge

Instructions:

1. Mix vinegar and baking soda to form a foaming paste.
2. Apply the paste with a sponge or cloth.
3. Rub gently in circular motions.
4. Rinse well and dry completely with a microfiber towel.

Shop Our Copper Mug Collection

Can You Put Copper Mugs in the Dishwasher?

No. Dishwashers can damage the lining and outer finish of copper mugs. Always hand wash using mild soap and warm water. Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface.

How Often Should You Clean and Polish Copper?

1. After every use: Rinse and hand dry immediately.
2. Once a month: Use a lemon or vinegar treatment to polish.
3. Every 2–3 months: For heavily used mugs, consider deeper cleaning with baking soda or a specialty copper polish.

Recommended Copper Care Products

You can use natural ingredients, but for extra shine, try:

1. Food-safe copper polish (available at coppermugs.com)
2. Microfiber cloths for buffing
3. Soft sponge for daily cleaning

How to Prevent Tarnish on Copper Mugs

1. Dry immediately after washing.
2. Store in a dry location.
3. Avoid long exposure to citrus or acidic drinks.
4. Polish regularly with natural ingredients.

Keep Your Copper Mug Shining Longer

1. Wipe the mug with a vinegar-damp cloth.
2. Rinse with water.
3. Dry thoroughly.
4. Buff with a dry microfiber towel.

You can also store a desiccant packet (like the kind found in shoe boxes) nearby to reduce moisture in your bar cabinet.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keep Your Copper Mugs Sparkling with CopperMugs.com

From Moscow Mule mugs to modern barware, your copper drinkware deserves expert care. Keep this guide bookmarked, and stock up on the right tools and accessories to maintain your mugs’ beauty.