How To Clean Copper, Brass, and Kansa Utensils

How To Clean Copper, Brass, and Kansa Utensils: A Complete Guide to Restore Their Natural Shine

In India, utensils made from materials such as brass, copper, and kansa are generally passed down through generations. These products are not only famous for their aesthetic appeal but also for their health benefits. These metals purify water, kill bacteria, enhance digestion, and improve gut health, and these premium metal utensils add a traditional touch to your kitchen; however, over a period of time, these metals react with air, moisture, and food acids, causing them to lose their original shine and smooth surface. In this article, you will learn the easy steps to restore the original surface of these utensils.

1. How to clean copper utensils

Copper utensils are highly reactive to air and moisture, causing them to oxidise and add a greenish layer on the surface.

Method 1: Use Lemon and Salt

Cut a lemon into half pieces, then sprinkle some salt on it. Once salt is added, gently rub it against the surface of the copper utensils for 5-10 minutes, then wash it with water and immediately dry it with a soft and dry cotton cloth.

Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda

Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of vinegar, make a paste of it, apply the paste on the surface, and gently scrub it with a soft brush. Once done, clean it with lukewarm water and wipe it with a soft and dry cotton cloth.

2. How to Clean Brass Utensils

Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper, and it can darken its color due to exposure to air and moisture. Regular cleaning and maintenance not only keeps them original as new but also prevents corrosion.

Method 1: Tamarind Pulp or Lemon Juice

1. Soak the tamarind pulp in water for more than 10 minutes and make a thick paste of it.

2. Apply the thick paste evenly on the surface of the utensils

3. Wait for 10 minutes, then directly wipe it with a dry cotton cloth.

Note:- Tamarind pulp naturally dissolves oxidation and brings back its original shine.

Method 2: Flour, Salt, and Vinegar Mixture

1. Add one tablespoon of flour and salt, then add a few drops of vinegar to form a thick paste

2. Apply the paste to the brass item and let it dry for 15 minutes

3. Wash the item with lukewarm water and wipe it with a dry cotton cloth

3.  How to Clean Kansa (Bronze) Utensils

Kansa is an alloy of copper and tin, and in Ayurveda, Kansa is believed to balance the body’s doshas, and it enhances the nutritional value of food. However, it does also require a gentle cleaning process to prevent its shine.

Method 1: Besan Gram Flour and Lemon

1. Mix Besan with a few drops of lemon juice, then paste the thick paste on the kansa item and gently scrub it

2. Scrub the item for 10-15 minutes, then clean it with warm water and dry it immediately with a cotton cloth.

Method 2: Baking Soda and Water

1. Mix baking soda and water to form a paste,

2. Then gently rub the utensil and leave it for a few minutes

3. Clean it with water, and dry it with a cotton cloth.

Note:- Do not soak the kansa utensil for a long time, as this can damage the product.

Conclusion

Copper, brass, and kansa utensils are more regular cookware. In India, these kinds of utensils are generally passed down through generations. Due to long exposure to air and moisture, they lose their original shine and surface, but with regular care and cleaning, you can easily restore their original vibrancy.