Make Dull Copper Pieces Shine Like New Using A Common Bathroom Essential

Copper decor is a favorite for a reason — it adds warmth, sophistication, and a timeless touch to any space. Whether it's a vintage bowl, wall art, or kitchenware, copper brings character and charm that few other metals can match. But there's a catch: Over time, copper darkens and develops a dull, greenish patina. It's a natural process, and the copper in your home is not rusting, but this oxidation sure can take the shine out of your statement pieces, leaving them looking tired and worn. The good news? You can hold off on expensive polishes or a trip to a professional to bring back that original gleam. All you need is a common bathroom essential: Toothpaste.

Toothpaste works wonders on copper because it contains mild abrasives — such as baking soda or hydrated silica — that gently scrub away tarnish without damaging the metal. And the best part about this decades-old copper cleaning hack is that you likely have some toothpaste and an old toothbrush on hand at all times. The result? Smooth, shiny copper in minutes.

One of the reasons why toothpaste might be the best way to clean copper hardware at home is its ease of use. Just grab your toothpaste and an old toothbrush, or any other soft brush you have lying around. Apply the toothpaste to the copper piece and scrub the entire thing with the brush, spreading the toothpaste everywhere and getting the patina out. If you're using a toothbrush, you'll have an easier time getting into any small crevices that need polishing. Once the surface is shiny again, rinse the toothpaste off with lukewarm water and dry the piece completely. If your copper piece is particularly large or you're cleaning multiple items, you might spend a lot of your toothpaste tube — but when the metal is as good as new, it should all be worth it.

To keep your copper shining longer after you polish it with toothpaste, there's a couple of hacks that can help. You can try applying a thin layer of beeswax or baby or mineral oil after cleaning. This creates a protective barrier that slows down oxidation and helps maintain that beautiful glow.