How to Clean a Copper Weathervane

One of the most common questions we get from customers is how to clean a copper weathervane. Nothing beats the beautiful glow of a polished copper weathervane, but that shine will diminish over time as the copper is exposed to air, water and dirt, eventually turning to a blue-green patina. If you want your copper weathervane to develop a patina over time, it will not require cleaning outside of occasionally rinsing off dirt and debris. However, if you wish to preserve a polished sheen on your weathervane, that will require more regular and involved cleaning.

How to Clean a Copper Weathervane

There are many methods for cleaning copper. Choosing the method that works best for you will depend on your particular circumstances. These are the key questions to keep in mind:

• How easy is it to access your weathervane?
  
• Will you be taking your weathervane down to clean it, or cleaning it in place?
  
• How large is your weathervane? (How much cleaning product will you need?)
  

There are chemical cleaners for copper, but they are not only toxic to people, they can damage your weathervane if not applied properly. Here are 5 natural methods for cleaning copper, with items you likely already have in your home.

1. Vinegar and salt - Plain table salt and vinegar are an effective combination for removing oxidation from copper. Simply pour the vinegar and salt over your weathervane and rub it it. Continue rubbing to remove any tarnish and grime, then rinse off and polish the weathervane with a clean, dry, soft cloth. If you are cleaning an assembled weathervane, this method isn’t as effective, as it will be difficult to apply the vinegar and salt evenly.
   
2. Lemons - Simply cut a lemon in half, then rub the lemon over tarnished areas until clean. Rinse the copper and polish with a clean cloth. This method is most effective for small garden weathervanes, as it can require a large number of lemons.
   
3. Lemon and salt - You can use fresh lemons or bottled lemon juice for this method. Simply combine the salt and lemon juice to form a paste, then apply the paste to your copper weathervane with a soft cloth. Rinse with warm water and polish. This method is effective for cleaning assembled weathervanes as the paste assures uniform cleaning.
   
4. Salt, vinegar, and flour - Add 1 tablespoon of salt to 1 cup of white vinegar, then gradually add flour until a paste forms. Apply the paste to the copper and let sit for 15 minutes to one hour, then rinse with warm water and polish. This works well for assembled, easily-accessed weathervanes, since you will be letting the paste sit and returning later to wash it off.
   
5. Ketchup - Believe it or not, ketchup is one of the most effective ways to remove oxidation from copper. Simply apply the ketchup to the weathervane so that it forms a light to moderate film, let it sit for a few minutes, then rub vigorously with a non-scratch pad and rinse clean. The only downside to this method is the mess of the ketchup; it is best done on dismantled weathervanes, as you don’t want to have to rinse ketchup off your roof.
   

If you wish to preserve your copper weathervane’s shine without cleaning - or to halt the patina process when it has reached the desired color - there are copper sealants available. Be sure to wear protective gear and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent illness and injury.

Looking to purchase a copper weathervane? Call Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes today at 866-400-1776.