For my copper cleaning—including large etched pieces which are to
be enameled, I use a simple home recipe which works just fine. 1
cup of salt, 1 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of flour. Mix well and
apply. It works just fine After cleaning with it, I neutralize any
acid residue with a mix of ammonia, liquid detergent, and some simple
green. I just sort of mix this last batch together without measuring
and use it as it not only neutralizes but removes any grease. It is
my all purpose cleaner. Sometimes I even toss in a little 409.
Nothing has exploded to date, so I am sure it is a perfectly safe
concoction.
Also, for those interested in getting a green patina on copper,
just smear on a light coat of the salt, vinegar, flour mix. Let it
rest a while, rinse off, and you will have a great patina. As my
purpose in using the cleaner is not to get a patina, I have not given
it the test of time so don t know how permanent it is. Just giving
you this exta tidbit in case you want to try it.
I have heard that Penny Brite Copper cleaner is excellent, but as
my home brew works so well I have not bothered to change over to
using Penny Brite
Alma