Copper Cookware Care Guide - Mauviel

Founded in 1830 by Ernest Mauviel, the brand has since become world renowned for their craftsmanship in various materials. Mauviel is thriving in its 7th generation of ownership. While staying deep rooted in its traditions and values, the brand flourishes in the ever changing culinary market. This has earned the brand trust and loyalty of some of the world's most renowned chefs and the public.

Caring for your Mauviel with Copperbrill

Follow the guide below on how to safely and successfully clean yours. We will take you through a step by step guided process on various ways to clean your copper cookware.

Mauviel has a wide range of copper sets. Ranging from copper with stainless steel to complete copper sets. Depending on your selection, the following guide will provide you with the necessary information to care for the products.

Signs it's time to Clean your Copper Cookware

When a product is as high quality as Mauviel, cleaning the copper should be second nature. To ensure the products full experience, maintenance is necessary. This also enhances the product's longevity.

Copper is a soft metal but an excellent conductor of heat. It requires more care after use than most cookware. Because copper can scratch easily, washing it with a normal sponge can be more harmful to the product. That is why Mauviel has designed a product suitable for cleaning their copper cookware safely and successfully.

If left unkept, your copper will likely go from its shiny warm glow to a brown and rusty appearance. Copper will darken over time, but regular polishing will maintain its condition and usability. Cleaning the inside of unlined copper is essential to maintaining the lifespan of the product. When used regularly the copper cookware will begin showing signs of Verdigris - an aqua green or dark amber colour.

Proper care and cleaning can prolong the appearance of Verdigris.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Copper Cookware

With copper being a soft metal it is important to avoid certain methods of regular cookware cleaning. This means avoiding using steel wool sponges or any harsh detergents on the copper. Certain detergents can be harmful and corrode the lining of the stainless steel or tin inside that most copper cookware has.

Tara Steffen - Mauviel's marketing manager, advises against using dishwashers to clean the copper cookware. As dishwashers generally use bleach and harsh chemicals in their detergents. Avoiding any abrasive products altogether.

Step-by-Step Methods to Clean Copper Cookware

The following methods are not only suitable but recommended by Copper cookware brands. Depending on whether your copper is lined or not changes the method of cleaning.

Cleaning Lacquered finished Copper

Check if your copper has a lacquer finish by doing the following:

Lightly rub the surface of the copper with a white vinegar and baking soda mixture using a microfibre cloth. The copper is not lined if any tarnish comes off.

If your copper is lacquered, do the following:

1. Use cups of water to rinse
2. Use a mild soap
3. Wipe residue off with a dry cloth

Homemade Copper Cleaner

To Remove any Verdigris

1. Use a vinegar - salt solution
2. Or a sliced lemon with salt sprinkled on it
3. Apply to the surface of the copper
4. Buff with a soft cloth
5. Rinse and dry

For Badly Tarnished Copper

1. Combine lemon juice with baking soda
2. Stir until combined completely
3. Apply to the surface
4. Buff in a circular motion using a clean soft cloth
5. Rinse and dry

Mauviel's Copperbrill Cleaner

For effortless cleaning and polishing. Two reasons for using Copperbrill.

• Copperbrill cleaner keeps the copper surface looking shiny
• Copperbrill cleaner can enhance the Patina look of the copper, when used occasionally, admired and appreciated by professionals

With the natural darkening of copper without natural polishing, copperbrill can restore the original shiny surface.

Using Copperbrill:

1. Start by rinsing the pan thoroughly
2. Use a soft sponge or cloth
3. Apply a small amount of Copperbrill paste to the pan
4. Wash the pan with the Copperbrill paste
5. Rinse and dry

While the polished look is always easy on the eyes - and now easily achieved with the Copperbrill cleaner. Embracing the Patina look is admirable and vastly appreciated by professionals. Many professionals believe cultivating a good, dark patina improves the product.

Visit Mauviel South Africa for all your copper and cookware needs