Cleaning a copper ring can be done in a few easy steps. Here's how:
- Gentle Cleaning: Start by washing your ring with warm, soapy water using a mild dish soap. This method removes dirt and grime without damaging the copper.
- Vinegar and Salt: For more stubborn tarnish, try soaking your ring in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and salt. The acidity of the vinegar will help break down the tarnish. Let it sit for a few minutes or up to an hour, depending on how tarnished it is. Then, gently scrub the ring with a toothbrush.
- Lemon Juice and Baking Soda: Another effective method is to make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste to the ring and let it sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft cloth.
- Ketchup: Surprisingly, ketchup can also be used to clean copper jewelry! Apply ketchup to the ring, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with water.
- Commercial Copper Cleaner: If you have a more severe tarnish issue, you can use a commercial copper cleaner, which is available at most hardware stores. Follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully.
Remember to rinse your ring thoroughly with water after using any cleaning method. Dry it with a soft cloth and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent further tarnishing.