Try this effective solution to clean copper and brass utensils

Despite the various health benefits associated with cooking and storing foods in copper and brass utensils, they may pose a problem when it comes to cleaning them

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | Updated: May 8, 2023 01:24 PM IST

3 min read

It is a well-known fact that water stored in copper vessels is good for health, while it is also believed that cooking salty and sour foods in such utensils can spoil the food. (Source: Freepik)

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Despite a variety of crockery options available, some people prefer using copper and brass utensils to cook and serve food. But, despite the various health benefits associated with cooking and storing foods in copper and brass utensils, they may pose a problem when it comes to cleaning them. That is because they turn black after some time, and no amount of soap and water solutions work to bring them back to their original colour. No amount of scrubbing will help, either.

So, how about trying a tested solution to combat the same? But, before we share the hack with you, let’s first understand the benefits of using these utensils.

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“It has been seen that food or water that is prepared or stored in copper or brass vessels, don’t show any fungal growth. This is due to the protective effect of the metals. They also have anti-inflammatory power i.e., help those with arthritis, inflamed joints and osteoporosis. Water stored in copper bottles for more than eight hours is free of all such microbial load. Copper is effective against E. coli, S. aureus and cholera bacillus among other common waterborne disease-causing agents,” Jyoti Bhatt, nutritionist and dietician, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre told indianexpress.com.

ALSO READ | Amp up your culinary game with these simple cookware tips

Now, coming to the solution:

Food vlogger Reshu posted a YouTube video sharing an easy and effective tip to clean copper and brassware. Guess what? You don’t even need to use your scrubber for cleaning.

To make the solution, put equal amounts of citric acid, also known as nimbu ka phool and salt in a bowl. Then, add a cup of water and mix well till the salts dissolve completely.

Now, to clean flat copper and brass utensils such as plates, simply dip them in the solution for a few minutes and use regular water to wash them off. As for glasses, bottles and bowls, you need to swirl the solution in them for a few minutes. Your utensils will regain their original shine and colour within minutes.

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Concurring, Bhatt said, “This is a traditional and easiest method of cleaning copper vessels. These two ingredients are easily available in any kitchen. However, if lemons are not available for you can use vinegar instead.”

However, concluding with a word of caution, she said: “Foods shouldn’t be stored in copper or brass vessels for more than eight hours as an acidic reaction of the ingredients along with the metal occurs.”

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