In part two of The Best Non Toxic Cleaners You Already Own, we explore a variety of products for cleaning copper - think pots & pans, door knobs, house numbers, coins, or if you're lucky enough, a sink or counter.

The key to cleaning copper is to use something acidic. So what's around the typical household that might do the job?

• Hot Sauce: Hot sauce: Simply rub it on dulled copper, rinse with water, and polish clean with a soft rag.


• Lemon: Cut a lemon in half and dip the lemon in salt. Rub the salted lemon over the entire copper piece, thoroughly rinse and buff.


• Ketchup: Dab ketchup or tomato paste onto a clean cloth and rub on the copper piece. Completely rinse and shine.


• Vinegar: To make your copper pieces extra shiny, dip a clean cloth in vinegar. Dab the wet cloth in salt and apply to copper. Rinse well and buff.


• Paste: Mix together equal parts of flour, salt, and vinegar into a paste. Rub on copper with a clean cloth, rinse and shine.

Warning:

1. Some copper pieces are copper plated.


2. Before you clean or polish metal, test in an inconspicuous area prior to use.


3. When working with valuable antiques or collectibles, contact a professional prior to cleaning or refurbishing.

Via About.com.
Photo from ThisOldHouse.com