Some time ago, I read an eco-friendly cleaning tip for copper that lodged in a corner of my brain. I don't remember where or when (toxic fumes from other attempts to clean my copper have probably impaired my memory!) but it came to mind the other day while I was trying to get the black tarnish off a copper mixing bowl.
I wasn't in the mood to get out the messy and smelly cleaner I usually use so I figured I would give it a shot.
All you do is halve a lemon and sprinkle table salt on the cut side. Rub the lemon over the copper surface and bingo, a beautiful shiny surface emerges in no time! I couldn't believe my eyes. A lovely lemon smell, no mess and no nasty residue to rub off my hands or the kitchen sink. Best of all, when you're done, the lemon goes down the garbage disposal and freshens that up, too.
I'm going to give this a shot on some brass I have and I'll give an update on that. I'm not sure that this would be a good cleaner for silver or pewter as the salt may pit the suface.
