How to clean a copper Turk? Cleaning the outside and inside from plaque at home

Users of copper Turks are well aware of the problem of their darkening. Over time, a dark coating forms inside and outside. We will not touch on specialized products for caring for copper cookware. If you have them, then our advice is of no use to you. Today we will tell you how to clean a copper pot inside and outside using improvised means with maximum efficiency and minimal resources.

Methods for cleaning copper Turks

Copper utensils have been in the everyday life of our housewives for hundreds of years, and during this time many means have been invented to restore copper’s purity and shine. Conventionally, all methods of cleaning a copper Turk can be divided into two main groups:

Acid cleaning
Abrasive cleaning

Each method has its own proven means. The most popular and accessible are:

lemon and citric acid,
vinegar dough,
ammonia,
milk serum,
tomato ketchup,
soft abrasives.

Vinegar dough

Vinegar also copes well with darkening, but if you take it in its pure form, it will be too aggressive an environment for copper, so prepare a vinegar dough. It consists of 50 ml of vinegar (6−8%) and 2 tablespoons of white flour. The components are thoroughly mixed, and the result is a thick mixture. It is recommended to work with it wearing thin gloves.

To clean, take an old toothbrush:

The prepared vinegar dough is applied in a generous layer to the surface of the copper pot.
Leave until completely dry.
Using a brush, carefully clean off the plaque.
Rinse.

Table vinegar itself is not recommended for cleaning copper items. This product is subject to excessive oxidation.

Experienced housewives recommend preparing vinegar dough. This remedy will deal with the problem better.

To prepare the dough you will need 2 tbsp. l. flour and 50 ml of table vinegar. The components must be mixed well so that there are no lumps left.
The mixture is applied to all surfaces of the product. Turku is treated with this composition inside and outside.
Then take a toothbrush and brush thoroughly. Thanks to the soft bristles, the toothbrush can clean even decorated Turkish teeth.
Finally, the kitchen item is rinsed with warm water and wiped dry with napkins.

We suggest you familiarize yourself with How to get rid of midges in the kitchen: folk remedies to remove small flies

Vinegar is still an aggressive product and has a negative effect on the condition of the skin. When working with this product, do not forget to wear gloves.

How to clean a copper pot using household acids

With lemon

Citric acid copes excellently with the darkening of copper and its alloys. One of the simplest ways to clean Turka using the most ordinary lemon is based on this effect.

Cut the lemon into halves
Rub the dry Turk over the entire surface with lemon
Leave for a couple of minutes
Gently rub the lemon juice over the surface with a brush.
Wash off with plenty of warm water
Wipe the surface thoroughly with a linen cloth

What do you need to know?

Fresh lemon can be replaced with a solution of citric acid, in a ratio of 2 teaspoons per 200 ml of warm water.
Acid can not only clean the copper surface, but also form dark spots on the copper with prolonged exposure, so you should not leave the Turk in the lemon compress for a long time.
For the same reason, all traces of acid must be carefully removed.

The method of cleaning a copper Turk with lemon is only suitable for the outer surface of the Turk.

Using vinegar test

Do not wet the surface of the Turk with acetic acid to avoid excessive oxidation. The old recipe for vinegar dough will do a much better job of cleaning.

Take about 50 ml of table vinegar (6-8%)
Stir in flour, about 2 tablespoons.
Generously coat the surface of the turk with the resulting mixture and leave until dry.
Clean thoroughly with a dry brush.
Rinse the Turk with warm water and wipe dry with a napkin.

Important

It is better to work with thin gloves so that the vinegar does not irritate the skin of your hands.
Flour is needed in this recipe as a soft abrasive.
This dough is effective for cezves that have engraving or embossing, as it removes dirt well in hard-to-reach recesses.
It is convenient to use an old toothbrush as a brush.

Using ammonia

Ammonia, also known as ammonia, is a very active chemical compound, so you need to work with it carefully. But this method is well suited for removing deep dirt, as well as for combating green spots.

Dilute ammonia with water in a ratio of 1:2.
Moisten the cotton wool generously with the resulting mixture.
Use a swab to wipe the outer surface of the turk well.
Wash dishes thoroughly with warm water and soap or a non-abrasive detergent.
Wipe the Turk dry with a soft cloth.

Adviсe

Ammonia binds oxidation products and pollution, forming an ammonia complex that is easily washed off with warm water and soap. Therefore, final processing of the Turks is mandatory.
Ammonia has a pungent odor; you should work with it in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves.
You can buy ammonia at any pharmacy.

Using whey

The ancient method, which helped our grandmothers more than once, is quite effective for cleaning copper utensils today.

Take one glass of whey and dissolve 1 full spoon of table salt in it.
Soak a flannel napkin with the resulting solution.
Clean the Turk thoroughly with a damp cloth.
Cover heavily soiled areas with a cloth well moistened in the prepared solution and leave for 3-4 minutes. Then wipe again.
After processing, rinse the Turk with warm water and wipe dry.

For good results

It is better to take table salt of fine or medium grinding so that it dissolves well, saturating the solution.
There should be no undissolved salt grains left on the napkin with which you will process the Turka.
It is better to work with gloves.

Using ketchup

It contains citric acid and tomato paste, rich in natural acids. Therefore, if you have this food product on hand, feel free to use it for household purposes.

Apply a layer of ketchup to the dry surface of the cezve.
Leave for 2-3 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a napkin.

What to remember?

The cheapest ketchup works best
Turka will not only become cleaner, but will also restore its bright, copper color
You can use expired ketchup

There are also more extreme means of acid cleaning of copper Turks. So, some advise using oxalic acid or even hydrochloric acid. But these tips are more suitable for very severe pollution with a long history. In ordinary life, it is better to avoid actions with such potent drugs, especially if you do not have the necessary skill.

How and with what to clean the inner surface of the cezve

The inside of such cookware cannot be cleaned using the above methods. Coffee stains are best removed with baking soda.

I clean the inside of the Turk as follows:

The dishes must be filled with water;
add a tablespoon of baking soda;
Boil this solution for fifteen minutes.

Using this method, coffee stains are effectively removed, and there is no need to use chemicals to clean dishes.

I clean the inside of the Turk as follows:

The dishes must be filled with water,
add a tablespoon of baking soda,
Boil this solution for fifteen minutes.

Dry abrasive cleaning of copper Turk

Copper cookware can be cleaned by dry cleaning using mild abrasives. This method is effective for heavy soiling. It is also suitable if you are not sure about the reaction of the Turkish alloy to cleaning with acids. The following products are used as dry abrasives.

paste GOI,
crushed chalk,
wholemeal flour.

It is highly undesirable to use coarse and medium salt, crushed brick and other coarse abrasives. This may damage the soft copper surface of the Turk.

The dry cleaning technology for any product will be the same.

Place dry abrasive on a flannel cloth.
Polish the surface of the Turk in a circular motion.
Rinse the dishes with warm water and wipe dry with a linen or flannel napkin.

Useful tips

If the bottom of the cezve is not clean enough, use a fine powder (chalk, tooth powder, fine salt or soda).
Do not forget that metal does not tolerate sharp temperature contrasts. You cannot immediately immerse a hot Turk into cold water, and vice versa.
Store the product so that its surface does not come into contact with other dishes.
Try to wash the vessel thoroughly immediately after each preparation of coffee. Then plaque will not form quickly.
Do not use harsh household chemicals, especially chlorine-based ones, to clean copper.
For long-term storage, the container is wrapped in paper or cotton cloth.

Now you know how to clean your copper pot yourself using simple means and without damaging its surface. With proper care, such cezves last for many years and can be passed on from generation to generation.

Varieties

Today you can find several varieties of copper Turks on sale. It is worth considering their features in more detail.

Made from thin copper. This option can be considered as a simple “tin can”. It is suitable as a souvenir because it is usually decorated with a stylish design. The wall thickness is quite thin, and the edges of the dishes are usually untreated.

Today the concept of a “whole” Turk is often encountered. Of course, it’s difficult to imagine anything else, but thanks to poor quality manufacturers, it is recommended to buy one-piece models. Some manufacturers make the Turk in two parts, with a visible weld that runs vertically. It is customary to hide it with the help of decorative elements.

Usually, uneven notches imitating scales are used for this purpose. Be careful to avoid such options, because the seam may oxidize or leak. If it falls, such a Turk can break into 2 parts.

The Turk must be solid-rolled, that is, made from one piece, there should be no seams. Of course, all models are presented with handles for ease of use, so the only possible attachment to the Turk is the handles to the container. The most popular option is a 100 ml Turk, since it allows you to make coffee for two, but few people buy large containers (500 ml).

The handles are made of wood. Some models are presented with a removable handle, which makes storage more comfortable.

Features of the material

Copper utensils are often used in households. But such dishes require special care. Do not use hard brushes or other abrasive materials for cleaning. To extend the service life, polish as often as possible. Do not wash a hot Turk with cold water. After making coffee, it should cool down.

We hope that our tips and recommendations helped you clean the copper pot, and at the same time all objects made of this metal. Enjoy the taste of coffee and don’t forget about the rules of caring for your coffee pot!

What products will help restore the shine of dishes?

Silicate-based office glue dissolves even heavy stains on aluminum utensils without leaving any residue. The product has been in demand by housewives for decades, because it copes with heavy soot and dirt, and returns the lost shine to dishes.

Cleaning Recipes:

In a large container, stir a piece of laundry soap, 250 grams of soda and a bottle of silicate glue in 10 liters of water. Immerse the pans with soot and carbon deposits in a container with the prepared solution. Begin to heat the water and bring to a boil. The duration of treatment depends on the intensity of contamination - from 15 minutes to 3 hours. All you have to do is wait until it cools down, take out the kitchen utensils, and rinse well.

The method is almost the same as the previous one, only with some differences. The procedure is also carried out in a larger container. Place the pan in the tank, fill it with four liters of water, and bring to a boil. Dissolve 1/3 of a piece of laundry soap with 125 g of silicate glue in the liquid. Close with a lid and leave on low heat for another 50 minutes.

After boiling, leave the kitchen utensils until they cool completely or remove them while still hot, placing them on a special stand. Continue cleaning aluminum pans with a foam sponge and dishwashing liquid and rinse with running water.

Choose wisely

Turka or cezve is a special vessel in which you can prepare natural aromatic coffee. Its peculiarity is a wide bottom and a narrow neck. This shape helps preserve the aroma of the coffee beans, and the thicker contents settle to the bottom faster.

Professionals recommend buying cookware made of copper, as it ensures uniform heating of the liquid and complete extraction of coffee oils.

Additional selection criteria:

the diameter of the neck is 2-3 times smaller than the bottom;
wall thickness – 1.5 mm;
the handle is long, located at an angle;
volume - 100-150 ml.

Find out more in the article “How to choose the right copper Turk”.

Basic Precautions

It is not recommended to use abrasive particles to clean the internal surface. The latter is less resistant to damage. Scratches and cracks on the inner walls often become places for bacteria to accumulate. Natural dyes easily penetrate into such areas, which aggravates the problem.

The use of steel wool and abrasive sponges should be avoided. They are capable of leaving scratches on the surface of the Turk.

To prevent the appearance of plaque, it is not recommended to boil dishes until dry. Plastic and wooden spoons should be used to prepare coffee. Metal cutlery damages copper. Turkey cannot be washed in the dishwasher.

Milk serum

Using whey you can also achieve excellent results. This method was often used by our grandmothers: they took one glass of whey and dissolved 1 tablespoon of table salt in it.

The following steps need to be taken:

Prepare the solution: 1 cup whey 1 tablespoon fine salt.
Soak a napkin with the resulting liquid.
Rub the contaminated areas thoroughly with a napkin.
Repeat the action after 3-4 minutes.
Rinse the pot thoroughly and wipe dry.

This cleaning method is considered ancient. Our great-grandmothers used whey and passed this recipe down from generation to generation.

How to clean a copper Turk:

You will need 200 ml of whey and 1 tbsp. l. table salt.
Soak a flannel cloth with the solution and clean the bowl.
If there are heavily contaminated areas, the material is well soaked in the product and left on the Turk for 3-4 minutes. Then wipe again.

Cleaning the cezve is completed by rinsing in warm water and wiping with a dry cloth.

Ammonia

Ammonia or ammonia is suitable for very strong stains; it is especially effective in combating green stains. When working, be sure to use thick gloves or two pairs of thin ones. The room should be well ventilated because ammonia vapors are toxic.

Ammonia can be purchased at any pharmacy. This component perfectly binds pollution and oxidation products. At the end of the work, the Turk is thoroughly washed.

The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

Ammonia is diluted with warm water in a ratio of 1:2.
The prepared cotton wool is generously moistened with the resulting liquid.
Rub the stained area thoroughly with a moistened swab.
Thoroughly wash off the remaining ammonia with a weak soap solution.
Wipe dry with a clean dry cloth.

An aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide can deal with brown deposits on the cezve. Ammonia is applied to the product for a few minutes, then washed off and wiped with a dry flannel cloth. It does not need to be diluted with water, but gloves must be used.

Ammonia is ideal for removing old stains. Cleaning with this method must be done outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

You can mix ammonia with water in equal proportions and soak the Turk in this solution for 15–20 minutes. Finish cleaning by washing in clean water.

Using ketchup

Tomato sauce contains citric acid, so ketchup perfectly cleans dark spots on the Turk. Experts say that you can use the cheapest or even expired ketchup, which is no longer suitable for consumption. Dirt and darkening will quickly disappear, and the Turk will acquire a bright copper color.

The method of application will be as follows:

Ketchup is applied to a dry, darkened surface.
Leave for 2-3 minutes.
Wash off with warm running water.
The procedure can be repeated until the Turk becomes absolutely clean.

Tomato ketchup or paste is also a good way to clean copper products. They can be used for Turks, coins and other cutlery.

The cezve is placed in a plastic container. Pour in ketchup or paste. The product must be completely covered with the product.

After 10 minutes, the Turk is removed from the ketchup and thoroughly washed with warm water. For a better effect, you can clean the item with a brush.

Finally, the cezve is rubbed with a soft cloth.

What not to use

We found out how to clean a copper Turk outside and inside. Now let's talk about what you should not use to clean copper.

It is prohibited to use hydrochloric and sulfuric acid. When reacting with oxygen and acids, copper begins to dissolve. Therefore, avoid products that contain these components.

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When using the dry cleaning method, do not use powders that contain large abrasive particles. They scratch the surface of the Turks.

Caring for duralumin cookware

Duralumin or aluminum cookware deteriorates if operating instructions are not followed. Careful use during cooking contributes to long-term preservation of the presentable appearance of kitchen utensils:

Before first use, boil a weak saline solution in a saucepan.
When cleaning, do not use household chlorine-containing products.
Do not cook food over high heat to avoid blackened areas.
Use only silicone or plastic spatulas that do not cause mechanical damage to the dishes.
To prevent the formation of soot, you need to stir food more often when cooking.
It is contraindicated to pickle foods or cook sour or dairy dishes.
Immediately after the cooking process is completed, the dish should be poured into another container. Prolonged contact of aluminum with food leads to darkening of the surface and the appearance of a specific taste of food.

To clean aluminum cookware and restore its original shine, you should first boil a cut lemon in it and then drain the liquid. The dry surface is polished to a shine with an ordinary ink eraser. Chop the rhubarb stems and boil in a bowl for 20 minutes. All pots and pans will shine in the hands of a skilled housewife who knows a lot about simple folk recipes.

Soda

Baking soda perfectly removes any dirt. You just need to boil the Turk, and not just rub the dishes with the product.

Algorithm of actions:

The Turk is placed in a deep container that you don’t mind using for manipulation.
A copper object is filled with the following solution: 1 liter of water and 1 tbsp. l. soda
Place the container with the Turk on the stove and turn on medium heat. After boiling, the liquid should bubble for another half hour. Water can be added if it evaporates quickly. The liquid should completely cover the product.
After the time allotted for the procedure has expired, the cezve is removed from the container and wiped with a dry cloth.

Be careful when you begin to remove the product. Hot water can easily burn you. You can wait for the liquid to cool and then take out the cezve.