Kitchen Hacks Revealed – In the olden days, our grandmothers always used copper and brass utensils. Whether for health reasons or tradition, these utensils are still a source of pride in our kitchens today. But we all face one problem—when exposed to air and moisture, these utensils start to tarnish or develop a stubborn green layer.

Scrubbing them clean is no less than a workout! But don’t worry, you don’t need expensive brass polish or chemicals. The ‘magic’ ingredient that will make them shine in minutes is hidden right in your kitchen.

The Real Desi Jugaad (Indian Hack): The Magic of Lemon and Salt
If your puja utensils or copper bottle have tarnished, this method is the best:

How to do it: Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle some plain salt on it.

Process: Now gently rub the utensil with this lemon. You will see the tarnish disappearing like magic.

Finishing: After rubbing, wash it with plain water and immediately wipe it dry with a clean cotton cloth. (Remember, if you leave water on it, stains will reappear.)

Why does this method work? 

From a scientific perspective, the black layer on copper is copper oxide. The citric acid in the lemon and the sodium chloride in the salt combine to create a chemical reaction that reverses the oxidation, bringing out the utensil’s original shine.

Some special tips that will come in handy:

Tamarind water: If the utensil is very dirty, soak tamarind in water and clean it with the pulp. This is even more powerful than lemon.

White vinegar and baking soda: For stubborn stains, make a paste of vinegar and baking soda, leave it for 5 minutes, then clean it.

Avoid steel scrubbers: Never use iron or steel wool scrubbers on brass utensils, as this can cause fine scratches. Cleaning copper utensils is no longer a chore, but a breeze! So what are you waiting for? Take out your copper cookware today and give them that brand new shine!