Copper pipes are used in the plumbing systems of some homes and can add a rustic touch to the interior décor. Unfortunately, they can become dirty and lose their beauty due to dirt, limescale, corrosion and the oxidation process. Fortunately, there are various techniques that allow you to clean and polish copper pipes so they are as good as new.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Remove Limescale and Stains due to Oxidation
Step 1. Dilute a product for cleaning stains, deposits and encrustations due to limescale and oxidation with water
Read the instructions and warnings on the back of the package. Get a bowl and pour it with the hot water in equal parts.
- You can buy it in the supermarket or on the Internet;
- Choose a well-ventilated area to work in;
- Wear a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin.
Step 2. Dip a cotton rag into the solution
Only wet one corner. The cotton cloth prevents scratches that could occur if you use an abrasive brush.
To get a good result, you don't have to soak the whole rag with the solution. Just soak it in order to moisten a small part
Step 3. Scrub
Apply the solution to the surface of the tube by wiping the cloth in a straight, back and forth motion. Dip the rag back into the mixture as it dries. It will remove any limescale build-up and formations due to the copper oxidation and corrosion process.
If the tube is very dirty, you will probably have to go through the solution several times
Step 4. Rinse and dry
Use cold water to get rid of any chemical residue. Once everything is rinsed off, wipe the surface with another rag. At this point, the tube will be shiny and as good as new.
Part 2 of 3: Polish the Copper with Vinegar and Salt Dough
Step 1. Mix the flour and salt in a bowl
Combine 21g of flour and 21g of salt in a small bowl. The abrasive force of the salt will help you remove all traces of opacity, oxidation and grime, while the flour will allow you to obtain a creamy mixture to apply.
Oxidation is at the origin of the formation of the typical green patina of copper
Step 2. Pour the white vinegar into the bowl and mix
Add 60 ml at a time, mixing slowly with the flour and salt. Continue incorporating the vinegar into the solution until it forms a toothpaste-like mixture.
Step 3. Scrub
Dip a clean cotton cloth into the paste you got and rub it thoroughly on the tubes. Try to follow the direction of the metal grain to prevent it from being scratched. The resulting dough should begin to dissolve any dirt build-up. Continue to rub the rag with linear movements (back and forth) until the surface is shiny again.
Step 4. Leave the paste on for 10 minutes
As it acts, it will decompose any oxidation residue and limescale deposits.
Step 5. Rinse and dry
Pour in cold water until all the paste is removed. Use a soft cotton cloth to clean and dry. Once you are done, you will have some glowing tubes.
Part 3 of 3: Soak the Tubes in White Vinegar
Step 1. Use a large bowl
If you want to clean copper with vinegar, you need to soak it. If it comes to fittings, you can use an 18-20 l bucket. In the case of pipes, place them in a large enough container.
Step 2. Pour 4 liters of distilled white vinegar
Make sure it covers all the pipes, otherwise increase the quantity.
White vinegar contains 5% acetic acid, which helps remove oxidation marks and limescale deposits
Step 3. Leave the tubes in the solution for 15 minutes
During soaking, the acetic acid will begin to neutralize traces of oxidation and limescale deposits inside and outside the pipes.
Step 4. Scrub with a sponge or cloth
Use a sponge or cotton cloth to gently remove any limescale or soap residue that has not dissolved in the vinegar. At this point, the corrosive force of the vinegar should have weakened the most stubborn limestone encrustations.
Step 5. Use cold water
Put the clean pipes under running water to remove the last traces of vinegar.
Step 6. Wipe dry with a clean rag
Pass it on every single tube until they are all dry. If you find it difficult to get it inside, use the hairdryer. At this point, they will be perfectly shiny.
