Copper - Cleaning and Polishing

[Kitzig]

Ok, we are experimenting with different ways to clean and polish our Copper C. We have used Brasso, so-so results. We have used Fels-naptha soap - cleans the grease but doesn't harm or help the finish. Goddard's Brass and Copper Polish - does a great job of getting the heavy stuff off fast. Have to work in small areas and polish with a big clean cloth because it is easy to rub the tarnish right back into the finish. Buffer - works great but can't get into many areas and you have to clean the buffer often, so you don't rub the tarnish back in. Fresh Lemons with sea salt - works great. It doesn't get the finish as shiny as the Goddard's but I like the color of the finish a little bit more, it is more of the antique look.

Best results - Work in small areas. Clean with Fels-naptha, wipe on Goddard's and lightly rub it out with clean cloths, rub a fresh cut lemon in sea salt and lightly rub it over the same area, allow the salt to dissolve, don't rub it into the surface. Watch your lemon too, it gets coated with tarnish also. Polish again with clean cloth and wipe it down with Fels-napatha.

If anyone else experiments, let me know what you find that works for you.

Here are pictures after the buffing, but before the cleaning.
[img]http://static.flickr.com/26/98538093_92f8b4c97a.jpg[/img]
[img]http://static.flickr.com/24/98538094_72ec67a724.jpg[/img]

[Todd W. White]

I think I now know why CHAMBERS didn't make the copper very long...hard to clean and keep clean.

Wonder if there'd be a market for STAINLESS STEEL looking versions of older CHAMBERS stoves with ruined porcelain? - you could take off the porcelain and plate it with, say nickel...

Hmmmm....

[phoebe9435]

Wow, that copper sure glows even in the in between states. It will be stunning, I am sure! Did you do anything to get through the ceramic coating or just dig in with the buffer? I am actually considering replating all of Beauty now - I am thinking that may be the only way to get an even finish - whatever that turns out to look like. Of course it will depend on the price. I would assume that the plating experts know how to seal the finish... If I can pull this off this stove will be a real showpiece. I notice that I am starting to feel vaguely plagued by wanting another one - this seems to be normal around you all! I tell you, If something reasonable came up in my neighborhood I would be sorely tempted to rescue it...weird - is this greed? I still have to sell the monster Viking I couldn't seem to fit into my life or my kitchen (still on the enclosed porch). Saved from modern professional stainless steel stove by my new Chambers. Whew! That was a close one.
Life is good!