Copper care & FAQ

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Copper care & FAQ

Everything you need to know to choose, use and look after your copper, so it stays beautiful for years.

Care guideShop the collection

Care guide

Four steps to glowing copper

Copper is a living metal: it reacts with air, water and acid. Five minutes of care keeps it bright, or you can let a rich patina develop. Your choice.

  1. 01

    Rinse & wash

    Warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft sponge. No dishwasher, no scourers.

  2. 02

    Dry immediately

    Towel-dry inside and out right away. Water left to dry is the main cause of spots.

  3. 03

    Polish monthly

    Half a lemon dipped in salt, or baking soda and vinegar. Rub, rinse and dry.

  4. 04

    Store it dry

    Keep it somewhere airy. Patina is natural, so polish it away or let it deepen.

Always

  • Hand wash and dry straight away
  • Use plain water in unlined bottles and cups
  • Enjoy cocktails and juice promptly
  • Polish with lemon and salt when it dulls
  • Store dry, away from humid cupboards

Never

  • Put copper in the dishwasher or microwave
  • Use steel wool or abrasive scourers
  • Store acidic or hot drinks in unlined copper
  • Leave it soaking or drying with water spots
  • Drink from a vessel with green deposits inside

Using copper

Drinking from copper

Is copper safe to drink from?

Yes. Copper has been used for drinking vessels for thousands of years. Our unlined pieces are made for water and cold drinks that you enjoy straight away. Don't store acidic drinks (citrus juice, lemon water, vinegar, wine, soft drinks) or hot drinks in unlined copper for long periods, because acid draws copper into the drink.

Which pieces are lined and which are pure copper?

The Forge Lined Moscow Mule Mug has a stainless-steel interior with a copper-plated exterior. Every other piece (Luna, Kiln, Heritage, Tamra, Ojas and Rasa) is unlined copper. You'll find the material and lining listed under Details on each product page.

Can I serve Moscow Mules in an unlined copper mug?

Yes, it's the classic serve. Mix it, pour it and enjoy it fresh. Just don't let a lime-heavy cocktail stand in unlined copper for hours, and don't use the mug to batch or store drinks. If you like to sip slowly, choose the lined Forge mug.

What is tamra jal, and how do I do it?

Tamra is Sanskrit for copper and jal means water. It's a traditional Ayurvedic practice: fill a clean copper bottle or cup with plain, room-temperature water at night and drink it the next morning. Use plain water only, and wash and dry the vessel regularly.

This is a traditional practice, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, including any affecting copper metabolism, check with your doctor first.

Can I put hot drinks in copper?

We don't recommend it. Copper conducts heat very well, so the cup gets too hot to hold comfortably, and heat speeds up the reaction between copper and acidic drinks. Our range is designed for water and cold drinks.

Why does the outside of my mug frost over?

Copper takes on the temperature of what's inside it almost instantly, so with ice in the mug, moisture in the air condenses and frosts on the surface. That's why a mule tastes so cold from copper.

Care & cleaning

Cleaning & patina

How do I wash my copper?

Hand wash with warm water and a drop of mild washing-up liquid, using a soft sponge. Rinse, then dry straight away with a soft cloth. Leaving water spots to dry is what causes most marks.

Why is my copper turning darker or spotty?

That's natural oxidation. Copper reacts with air and moisture and slowly develops a warm, darker patina. It's harmless on the outside, and some people love the antique look. If you prefer it bright, polish it back (see below).

How do I bring back the shine?

Cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt and rub it over the copper. You can also use a paste of 1 tbsp baking soda and a splash of white vinegar. Rinse well and dry immediately. For hammered finishes, a soft toothbrush gets into the dimples. A dedicated copper polish works too, but use it on the outside only.

I've seen green marks. What are they?

A green or blue-green film (verdigris) can form where copper stays damp for a long time. Clean it off with the lemon-and-salt method, rinse and dry thoroughly. Don't drink from a vessel with green deposits inside until it's been cleaned.

How do I clean inside the Ojas bottle?

Add a tablespoon of salt, the juice of half a lemon and some warm water. Close the lid, shake well for a minute, empty it, then rinse several times with clean water. Leave it to air-dry upside down with the lid off. Do this every week or two.

Is it dishwasher safe?

No. Dishwasher detergents and heat dull and discolour copper and can damage plating and lacquer. Copper also isn't microwave safe.

Orders

Shipping, returns & gifting

How long will my order take?

Delivery times depend on where you are. You'll see the shipping options and estimated delivery for your address at checkout.

How do I track my order?

As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number and link. If you haven't received it, check your spam folder or contact us.

What if my copper arrives damaged?

Copper is sturdy, but dents can happen in transit. Email us within a few days of delivery with your order number and a photo, and we'll make it right.

Can I return or exchange an item?

Yes. Please see our refund policy for the full details. For hygiene reasons, drinkware should be returned unused and in its original packaging.

Is copper a good gift?

A lovely one. Copper is the traditional gift for a 7th wedding anniversary, and a set of mule mugs or a bottle-and-cup pairing makes a thoughtful housewarming present.

We're happy to help.

Still curious?

We're happy to help.

Can't find your answer? Send us a message and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

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