Last Updated on February 25, 2023 by admin
In Ancient India, people only used copper utensils to store food and water. Using non-stick, glass and steel utensils is very easy and convenient in modern India, yet many people realize the harmful long-term effects on health. This has contributed to the growing popularity of using copper utensils. Not only do copper utensils spruce up the appearance of the kitchen, but they also have innumerable health benefits.
Copper utensils have superior quality to other metals, making it an expensive purchase, but it’s worth every penny. They are excellent conductors of heat and last longer than utensils made of different metals.
Over time copper utensils can turn from shiny and bright to dull and tarnished. It is not difficult to bring them back to their original shine, but it undoubtedly requires excellent and consistent care. That is why it is crucial to know the proper method and techniques for washing utensils made of copper.
Here are frequently asked questions about copper, its health benefits, and keeping copper utensils clean and shiny.
1) What are the benefits of using utensils made of copper?
The use of copper utensils has many extraordinary health benefits. Copper material has antimicrobial, antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties. These properties were not found in any other metal. According to Ayurveda, cooking and eating food in copper utensils slows down the process of ageing. Copper also maintains the Ph balance in the body and helps boost the metabolic rate.
2) What are the benefits of drinking water stored in copper vessels?
Drinking water stored in copper containers can help cure ulcers and improve respiratory, digestive, and thyroid functioning. Drinking copper water also improves heart health and lowers the risk of anaemia.
3) Is it easy to maintain utensils made of copper?
Some copper utensils look sparkling new even after years of being used daily. Contrary to popular belief, it is easy to revive the beautiful look of kitchenware made of copper. Maintaining and cleaning copper utensils are much more accessible than one would think. With the correct technique and cleaning solutions, copper utensils can always have a beautiful bronze-like shine.
4) How to clean copper utensils from natural ingredients?
Copper utensils can develop a black coating and stubborn stains if not cleaned properly. Washing utensils with these natural homemade cleaning solutions will keep them at bay.
→ Lemon and white salt
Lemon and salt is an age-old solution to clean copper utensils.
The method is simple. Cut a lemon into two pieces. Put a teaspoon of salt over the cut piece of lemon. Scrub the lemon gently on the utensil. Wash it with warm water. If the stains are stubborn, mix lemon juice with salt and pour the solution onto the utensil for at least 30 minutes. This method will bring back the shine of your utensils.
→ White vinegar and white salt
Dip a sponge or a scrubber in white vinegar. Gently scrub the copper utensil for a few minutes. Use the same sponge or scrubber and apply one tablespoon of white salt to it. Gently scrub the utensil again for a few minutes until the black coat starts to come off.
→ Baking soda and lemon
Baking soda is an excellent ingredient to clean almost all surfaces. Mix baking soda and lemon juice together. The consistency should not be watery. Apply the mixture onto the surface and gently scrub using a sponge or a scrub. Continue cleaning until the stains come off.
→ Ketchup
Pour ketchup on the stained copper utensil and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, wipe it off with a soft cloth. This method is effortless and instantly removes the black coating and stains on the surface.
→ Tamarind and white salt
Soak tamarind in water for 5-10 minutes. On a scrubber or soft cloth, place the soaked tamarind and pour 1 tablespoon of salt. Now gently scrub the copper utensil or vessel until the black coat and stains come off. This is a very effective method to treat discoloured copper at home.
5) How to polish copper utensils using homemade ingredients?
To make a good quality copper polish at home, only a few ingredients are required – vinegar, salt and flour.
Combine 1 teaspoon of salt, 3 teaspoons of flour and 5-6 teaspoons of vinegar and mix it thoroughly to make a creamy paste.
Using a sponge or a cloth, apply the paste on the surface of the utensil. Leave the paste on for at least 30 minutes. Then, rinse the polish off of the utensil with water. This will restore its shine and make it look new.
6) How to clean a copper bottle?
Cleaning copper bottles at home with natural homemade ingredients will give the best results. The outer surface can be cleaned by gently scrubbing lemon juice and salt over it. The insides of the bottle can be cleaned by filling the bottle with water, vinegar and salt. Shake the bottle vigorously for 10 minutes and leave it to rest for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the bottle with water again. This method will instantly clean the bottle and give it a good shine. A copper bottle must be washed once every two days.
Ayurvedic doctors highly recommend the use of copper in the kitchen. You can reap many health benefits by using copper kitchenware; copper can balance Kapha, Pitta, and Vatta in the body. In addition, washing utensils made of copper carefully and consistently can keep them in excellent condition for a long time.
Some more exciting FAQ’s are:
-How often should you wash copper utensils?
Washing utensils after every use will help them last longer and keep them from becoming dark.
-Why do copper utensils turn black or green after some time?
This happens due to oxidation – a process in which a substance gains oxygen and moisture. As a result, the black or green coat on the surface is called copper oxide. Therefore, it is essential to take good care of copper vessels and utensils to keep them from looking tarnished.
-How often should you polish copper utensils?
Copper utensils should be polished once every 3 months to keep them from oxidising and developing a black coat on them. Copper utensils can quickly become tarnished, which is why it is essential to consistently clean and polish them.
-Should you be washing utensils made of copper with natural ingredients?
Yes. Harsh chemicals and abrasive material such as a steel scrub must be avoided while cleaning copper utensils. Natural ingredients are a much better and efficient option.
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