Copper is a popular jewellery material: it is affordable, warm in colour and looks great in bracelets, pendants and earrings. But moisture, sweat and household chemicals make copper dull quickly, darken it and can leave a greenish film.
To keep your pieces looking good for longer, they need protecting as well as cleaning. Here is a simple routine: clean, dry, apply a protective layer and store correctly.
What you will need
Important: Treat pieces with stones, enamel, cords or glued parts carefully, avoiding those elements. After the protective treatment always rinse the jewellery so the product does not stay on your skin. Keep the sink plug in so nothing gets lost down the drain.
Step 1
Clean with a copper cleaner
Gather your copper jewellery and read the instructions of your chosen copper cleaner carefully. Depending on the product, the pieces are either placed in a bowl of solution or treated with a cloth.
Follow the contact time stated on the label. A product designed for copper will not damage the metal.
Step 2
Rinse and dry
Take the jewellery out of the solution and place it in a clean bowl. Rinse it under warm running water with the sink plug in.
Dry each piece thoroughly with a clean microfibre cloth. The next step must only be done on completely dry metal.
Step 3
Apply a protective layer
Lay the jewellery on a clean towel to protect your table. Spray it with WD-40 Smart Straw: the thin straw reaches into chain links, clasps and pattern recesses, while the folded position gives a wider spray for flat pieces.
For very small items you can also spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto a cloth and wipe the jewellery with it.
Step 4
Buff to a shine
With the second clean cloth, gently work the product into the copper in circular motions. This helps lift remaining tarnish and brings back the metal's warm glow.
The product displaces moisture from the surface and slows down further tarnishing.
Step 5
Rinse before wearing
Before putting the jewellery on, rinse it again under warm water to remove the excess product. Remember to keep the plug in.
Lay the pieces on a towel and let them air dry.
Step 6
Store it correctly
Copper darkens with moisture, so do not wear it in the shower, the pool or while cleaning. Store each piece separately in a dry closed box or zip bag, away from the bathroom.
This matters most in damp autumns and in winter, when heated homes often swing between dry air and condensation.
Tip: Put a sachet of silica gel in your jewellery box: it absorbs moisture and noticeably slows down tarnishing of copper and brass.
What next
Repeat the protective treatment every one to two months or as soon as the copper starts to dull. The same care works for brass jewellery and copper ornaments.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».