How to Clean a Burnt Copper Pan A New & Easy Way

Use these easy methods to clean a burnt copper pan! Restore copper cookware with safe and natural cleaning methods.

Cleaning a burnt copper pan can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and a little patience, it can be restored to its former glory. Copper cookware is known for its superior heat conductivity and durability, making it a popular choice among chefs and home cooks alike. However, copper can be prone to discoloration and burning if not properly cared for.

I like to shop for copper pieces like cookware, strainers, small decorative pots, Turkish coffee pots and such when we are out thrift shopping and antique shopping. I especially love finding old copper pieces at auctions. Knowing how to clean these pieces is always a helpful skill!

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the properties of copper cookware is crucial for effective cleaning.
• Proper preparation before cleaning can prevent further damage to the pan.
• Cleaning techniques should be tailored to the severity of the burn.

Understanding copper cookware is the first step in effectively cleaning a burnt copper pan. Copper is a reactive metal that can easily tarnish and corrode, especially when exposed to acidic foods. It is also a soft metal that can scratch easily, so abrasive cleaning tools should be avoided. Before attempting to clean a burnt copper pan, it is important to assess the severity of the burn and determine the appropriate cleaning method.

Understanding Copper Cookware

As a home cook, I have just recently started using copper cookware. It’s great for searing a roast beef before throwing it in the crock pot!

After some research, I found that many cooks love Copper pots and pans because they conduct heat so well. So I jumped on board and bought a couple of gorgeous, handmade copper pans on Etsy.

Copper cookware can be challenging to maintain, and burnt copper pans can be particularly difficult to clean. In this section, I will explain the properties of copper and the common issues with copper pans.

Properties of Copper

Copper is a soft, malleable metal that conducts heat very well. This makes it an ideal material for cookware. When you cook with copper, the heat is distributed evenly across the surface of the pan, which helps to prevent hot spots.

Copper cookware also heats up quickly, which can be a real advantage when you are in a hurry. This is one of my favorite aspects of cooking with copper. Water boils so fast in these pans!

One of the unique properties of copper is that it is a reactive metal. This means that it can react with acidic foods, such as tomatoes or vinegar, and cause a metallic taste in your food. To prevent this, copper cookware is often lined with a non-reactive material, such as stainless steel or tin. The pans I have are lined in tin.

Common Issues with Copper Pans

One of the most common issues with copper pans is that they can become discolored over time. Copper can react with heat, air, and humidity and develop a patina, which can be difficult to remove. However, many cooks believe that patina can actually enhance the flavor of their food. That won’t be the case if the pan have a tin lining.

Another issue with copper pans is that they can become burnt if they are not properly cared for. Burnt copper pans can be a real challenge to clean, but there are several methods you can use to restore them to their original condition. I will cover these methods in more detail in the next section. 

For this blog post, I deliberately allowed my pans to discolor, and patina to the almost burnt look you see in the images. I used my copper pans for several months without any polishing so that I could show you the easiest way to clean the burnt copper and the easiest way to maintain the gorgeous look of copper.

Preparation Before Cleaning

Assessing the Burnt Pan

Before starting to clean a burnt copper pan, it is important to assess the severity of the burn and discoloration. Burnt areas can range from light burnt spots to heavily burnt-on food, and the approach to cleaning will depend on the level of burnt marks on the copper bottom pan.

If the pan has only a few burnt food particles, it can be cleaned easily with a soft cloth and some dish soap. However, if the pan has heavy burn marks, then more aggressive cleaning methods may be necessary.

Gathering Necessary Supplies

Here are the basic supplies you will need to clean copper pans (and other copper pieces you find while out thrifting!)

remove burned and dried food

Before starting the cleaning process, it is important to remove any burnt food particles from the pan. This can be done using a dish scrubber or a microfiber cloth. Fill your kitchen sink (or a large bucket) with very hot, soapy water and allow the pan to soak for several hours. 

Replace the water with additional hot water if necessary after several hours, depending on how dirty the copper pan is. Scrub the pan using the non-abrasive scrubber to remove burnt-on food. Once the burnt food particles are removed, you can start the cleaning/polishing process.

Even though I allowed my copper to collect the tarnished and burned look, I did clean the pans each time I used them with hot soapy water. I didn’t allow burned-on food to accumulate because I wanted to use the pans on a regular basis.

If you come across copper pieces while at an auction or estate sale, don’t pass them by just because they need some attention! Grab them and then come back to this post so you can revive those gorgeous pieces of copper!

thanks for being here!

I hope you are enjoying this project! Let me know if you have any questions. Or leave me a comment to tell me about your project and ideas!

thanks, Cindy 😀

Tap here to comment!

Cleaning Techniques

It might seem daunting to clean old copper pans but believe me, it isn’t that difficult. We’ve cleaned rust off of antique metal before and it’s not nearly as difficult as that was! In this section, I will discuss cleaning techniques for burnt copper pans: natural cleaning solutions, chemical cleaning agents, and a little bit of elbow grease.

Natural Cleaning Solutions

Natural cleaning solutions are a great option for those who prefer to avoid harsh chemicals. To clean a burnt copper pan naturally, start by mixing a thick paste of salt and lemon juice. Apply the paste to the bottom of the pan and scrub in a circular motion with a dish scrubber. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Another natural solution is to sprinkle salt on the surface of the pan and then rub it with half a lemon. The acidic solution will help remove stubborn stains. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Another option is to use a vinegar and baking soda solution. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the mixture into a large bucket or sink so that the copper pan can be immersed and let it sit for several hours. Stir in a healthy dose of baking soda, (maybe the whole box!) After soaking, use a dish scrubber to remove any remaining residue. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Each of these natural cleaning solutions will take a considerable amount of time and elbow grease depending on how dirty the copper is. Keep reading…..I have the easiest method to share with you!

Chemical Cleaning Agents

Chemical cleaning agents can be effective in removing tough burnt-on stains. One option is to use a commercial copper cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend. Apply the cleaner to the bottom of the pan and scrub with a soft cloth. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a cloth.

Using chemical cleaners can be hard on your hands and possibly on your copper. Take caution when using Bar Keepers Friend on copper.

​the easiest cleaning method

I saved the best for last! My mom discovered Earth Brite while watching QVC and bought a container for me. It’s seriously the best polish for metal (and many other items!)that I have ever used. It works amazingly on copper especially. 

I even used Earth Brite to clean the plates for my plate wall in our bedroom 🙂

The container comes with a scrubber similar to a Scrub Daddy. The paste cleaner is made of all-natural ingredients: clay, soap flakes, green soap, mineral oil, orange, and lemon without bleach, ammonia, dyes, or toxins. It is safe to use without gloves but any tarnish that comes off of the pan will get under your fingernails so gloves are recommended.  😃

It’s as simple as applying a small amount on the damp scrubber and then polishing the burnt copper surface using circular motions. Once the whole piece has been polished with Earth Brite, rinse it thoroughly with warm water and the scrubber to remove all of the clay paste. Then use a soft, dry cloth to dry the pan to a gorgeous shiny copper surface.

Post-Cleaning Care

After cleaning your burnt copper pan, it is important to take care of it properly to ensure that it lasts for a long time and maintains its shine. Here are some tips on how to care for your copper pan.

Drying and Polishing

After washing your copper pan with soapy water and a soft cloth, it is important to dry it thoroughly to prevent water spots from forming. Use a clean towel to dry the pan, and then use a soft cloth to polish it. You can use Earth Brite cleaner to polish the pan and restore its shine. It only takes a minute to polish the copper pan and it is worth it!

Maintaining Copper Pans

To maintain your copper pan, avoid using high heat as it can cause the pan to warp and lose its shape. Instead, use medium heat when cooking with copper pans. It is also a good idea to use a clean pot or pan to cook acidic foods such as tomatoes, as the acid can react with the copper and cause it to discolor. If your pan is tin-lined, no need to worry about acidic foods.

If you want to keep your copper pan looking its best, it is a good idea to clean it after every use. This will prevent food from sticking to the pan and burning. Immediately after removing the cooked food onto serving plates, fill the pan with hot soapy water and allow it to soak while you enjoy your meal. It will be ready to clean when you are finished eating!

Copper pans are very easy to clean and maintain. With a little bit of care and attention, your copper pan will last for years and provide you with delicious meals every time you use it.

how to clean tin lining of copper pan

Copper pans are often lined in tin. Vintage copper can have damaged tin. If they are in bad shape and you can see the copper coming through, it’s time to look into having it re-tinned by a professional. Do a quick Google search to find someone in your area who can do this.

If the tin is in relatively good shape, then you can clean it. The tin in my copper pans is only about two years old so it only needs to be cleaned. 

First soak the pan in hot soapy water and use the scrub Daddy to get the dried food off.

Next, fill the pan with water to the top rim of the pan. Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda and a piece of folded aluminum foil into the pan. Bring it to a boil then allow to simmer for 45-60 minutes. This process loosens the oxidation on the tin and it will adhere to the aluminum foil.

I even added a splash of vinegar towards the end of the simmer but I don’t think that is completely necessary. Be careful, it foams up quite a bit when you add the vinegar!

I know this sounds all scientific! But it works! If you want more information, click the button below to watch a helpful video!

Once that process was finished, I gently polished the tin with Earth Brite. Tin is a thin metal that can be worn away so use extreme caution with this step. I BARELY used any of the clay polish and it removed the dark areas of the pan.

This step is not necessary. The dark areas on the tin will not change the taste of the food or the usefulness of the copper pan. I probably will not clean the interior tin lining again like this. The dark areas don’t bother me one bit! As a regular habit, I will soak the pan after use with dish soap and hot water and clean it with a soft cloth to remove the food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective way to remove burn marks from a copper pan?

The most effective way to remove burn marks from a copper pan is to make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub the area with a non-abrasive scrubber. Rinse the pan thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Can you use vinegar to clean a burnt copper pan, and if so, how?

Yes, you can use vinegar to clean a burnt copper pan. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in the pan and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove it from heat and let it cool. Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive scrubber and rinse it thoroughly with water. Dry the pan with a clean cloth.

What is the best method for cleaning the outside bottom of a burnt copper pan?

The best method for cleaning the outside bottom of a burnt copper pan is to make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub the area with a non-abrasive scrubber. Rinse the pan thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

How do you restore a copper pan that has turned black from burns?

To restore a copper pan that has turned black from burns, make a paste of equal parts of salt, vinegar, and flour. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the area with a non-abrasive scrubber and rinse the pan thoroughly with water. Dry the pan with a clean cloth.

Is it safe to use oven cleaner on copper pans, and what are the alternatives?

No, it is not safe to use oven cleaner on copper pans as it can damage the pan. Instead, use a paste of baking soda and water or vinegar and water to clean the pan. If the pan is severely burnt, use a mixture of salt, vinegar, and flour.

How do you clean the inside of a copper pan that has a non-stick coating?

To clean the inside of a copper pan that has a non-stick coating, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth and mild dish soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers as they can damage the non-stick coating. Rinse the pan thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean cloth.