How To Remove Verdigris

By  Quinten Plummer

Things Needed

  • Lemons, halved

  • Salt

  • White vinegar

  • Toothpick or cotton swab

  • Toothbrush

  • Polish

  • Polishing cloth

  • Small container

Tip

Ketchup is another common household item that can be used. Because ketchup is used for its vinegar base, it is always better to use vinegar over ketchup.

Warning

Verdigris can be passed from one item to another, so remember to separate infected objects from other vulnerable items.

...

The corrosive turquoise colored substance known as verdigris can slowly dissolve copper and bronze items. The fact that verdigris is present means that some corrosion has already begun. If you have valuable items (such as cookware or antique jewelry) that are infected by verdigris, learn how to end the corrosion and remove the verdigris.

Step 1

Pour about three teaspoons of salt onto your work surface. Dip a lemon half into the salt, being sure that the salt covers the exposed pulp of the lemon.

Step 2

Use the salt on the lemon to scrub cookware. The salt acts as a light abrasive and solvent while the lemon provides the acid necessary to remove the verdigris. Repeat the process with lemons and salt until all of the verdigris is gone.

Step 3

Rinse the cookware with warm water and dry immediately. Then use the cloth to apply the polish.

Step 4

Fill a container with enough vinegar to completely submerge the jewelry. Then place the piece into the container.

Step 5

Allow the jewelry to sit for approximately 20 minutes, then remove the piece from the mixture. Use a cotton swab or a toothpick to remove loose pieces of verdigris form the jewelry. If there is still more verdigris that won't easily come off, return the jewelry to the mixture.

Step 6

Rinse the jewelry with warm water and then dry it. After the piece is dry, apply the polish with the cloth.

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