Care Guide
Essential Cleaning & Daily Care
CuprumLiving pieces are handcrafted to bring warmth, character, and timeless beauty into your home. With proper care, your copperware will maintain its refined appearance and artisan charm over time.
Hand Wash Only
Always hand wash your copper products with mild liquid soap, lukewarm water, and a soft sponge or cloth. Do not place copper pieces in the dishwasher.
Dry Immediately
After washing, dry your item completely with a soft cloth. This helps prevent water spots and keeps the finish looking clean and polished.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Do not use bleach, strong detergents, chemical cleaners, or harsh cleaning agents on your copperware.
No Abrasive Scrubbing
Avoid steel wool, hard sponges, abrasive pads, or rough scrubbers, as they may scratch or damage the finish.
Avoid Extreme Heat
Do not place copper drinkware in the microwave, oven, or dishwasher. Do not expose drinkware to direct fire, stovetop heat, or extremely high temperatures.
Do Not Store Liquids for Long Periods
After use, empty, wash, and dry your copper item. Avoid leaving water, alcohol, citrus, or other beverages inside for extended periods.
Maintaining the Copper Finish
Copper is a naturally reactive material, which means its surface may darken, oxidize, or develop a patina over time. This is a natural characteristic of copper and is not considered a defect.
Many customers enjoy the warm, aged look of copper patina. If you prefer a brighter polished finish, you may gently clean and polish the exterior surface when needed.
Embracing the Patina
Over time, copper may develop deeper tones and natural surface variation. This gives each piece a unique character and reflects the beauty of a living-finish material.
To help slow oxidation, keep your copperware dry and store it away from excess moisture.
Restoring the Shine
For polished copper finishes, you may use one of the following gentle methods on the exterior copper surface only:
Lemon & Salt
Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle a small amount of salt onto the cut side, and gently rub the darkened copper exterior. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a soft cloth.
Vinegar & Baking Soda
Mix white vinegar with baking soda to form a soft paste. Apply gently to the exterior copper surface using a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly and dry immediately.
Copper Polish
You may also use a dedicated copper polish according to the product instructions. Always test on a small, discreet area first.
Important: Natural polishing methods such as lemon, salt, vinegar, and baking soda should be used only on the exterior copper surface. Do not use acidic polishing methods on tin-lined interiors, antique finishes, specialty finishes, or silver-toned surfaces, as they may alter the appearance.
Caring for Tin-Lined Interiors
Many CuprumLiving drinkware pieces feature a traditional bright tin-lined interior. Tin lining is softer than copper and should be treated gently.
How to Clean Tin-Lined Interiors
Wash the interior with mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft sponge or cloth. Dry immediately after washing.
Removing Interior Stains
Depending on use, the tin-lined interior may naturally develop light staining or discoloration from certain beverages. For gentle cleaning, use a small amount of baking soda with water and a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately.
Do not use abrasive pads, steel wool, acidic cleaners, or harsh chemicals on tin-lined interiors.
When to Stop Using a Tin-Lined Piece
If the tin lining becomes heavily worn, deeply scratched, damaged, or if exposed copper becomes visible inside the drinking surface, discontinue beverage use until the item is professionally inspected or restored.
Retinning Information
Tin lining naturally wears differently depending on the type of product, frequency of use, and exposure to heat.
Drinkware & Water Vessels
CuprumLiving drinkware, bottles, flasks, cups, mugs, goblets, and pitchers are not designed for stovetop or direct-fire use. Under normal drinkware use and proper care, retinning is rarely needed.
However, if the interior lining becomes visibly worn, damaged, or exposes copper on the inside surface, the item should not be used for beverages until professionally restored.
Items Not Exposed to Fire
Copper pieces that are not used over direct heat generally experience much less wear on the tin lining. Proper hand washing and immediate drying help preserve the interior finish.
Cookware Exposed to Fire
For copper cookware that is regularly exposed to stovetop heat or direct flame, periodic retinning may be required over time. Depending on frequency of use, retinning is commonly recommended every few years or whenever the tin lining becomes worn.
Care Summary
- Hand wash only
- Dry immediately after washing
- Avoid dishwasher, microwave, oven, and direct heat
- Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, and abrasive scrubbers
- Use gentle exterior polishing only when needed
- Do not use acidic polishing methods on tin-lined interiors
- Store dry and away from excess moisture
- Discontinue beverage use if interior lining becomes damaged or exposed copper appears inside
With thoughtful care, your CuprumLiving piece will continue to bring warmth, craftsmanship, and timeless character to your daily rituals and hosting moments.