There are several natural ways to clean copper, and most of the supplies needed for these methods are likely already in your home. Here are some of the most effective methods:

• Lemon and Salt: Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl, removing any seeds. Sprinkle a generous amount of table salt or coarse salt onto half the lemon. Gently rub the salted lemon onto the tarnished areas of the copper item. Repeat with the remaining lemon, if needed. After treating all tarnished areas, rinse the copper with water to remove lemon juice and salt residue. Dry with a microfiber cloth.

• Vinegar and Salt: Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle a bit of table salt on the cut side. Rub on your pot or pan for about 10 minutes and any piece of copper that has minimal stains or a little patina should sparkle. Another option is to mix vinegar and salt to create a paste. Apply the paste to the copper and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

• Ketchup: Squirt some ketchup directly onto the copper and spread it on the surface with your finger. Let it sit on the copper for a full minute before scrubbing it with a cloth and rinsing it.

• Flour and Salt: Combine equal parts salt and non-iodized cornstarch with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Rub the paste on the copper surface using a microfiber cloth, rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

• Bar Keepers Friend: This is a highly-rated metal polish or non-abrasive cleaner that is usually the best and easiest way to go. It cleans many different types of surfaces.

When cleaning copper, its important to avoid using anything overly abrasive, as this can damage the metal. Additionally, copper cookware and utensils that come into direct contact with food should be cleaned after every use using a natural cleaner or a natural solution like lemon juice and salt to remove the tarnish and maintain their appearance.