Copper Cup Guide (smooth)
The cup is made of solid copper, with no coating on the inside. Below is how to use it for the first time, how to let the water rest, and how to keep it clean.
In six steps
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Clean the cup first. Before first use, polish it inside and out with lemon and salt (not too hard: salt is mildly abrasive and dissolves well in the lemon juice), rinse thoroughly and dry it right away.
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Fill with still drinking water. Fill the cup to the brim. There's no prescribed amount.
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Set it out in the evening. Let the water stand overnight and drink it the next morning. Cover the cup with a small plate if you leave it standing.
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Also for other drinks. The cup isn't only meant for water, although that's the most common use. Avoid very acidic drinks such as pure citrus juice.
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Wash by hand. Warm water and a soft cloth, then dry immediately.
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Polish when the shine fades. Every one or two weeks with lemon and salt (not too hard: salt is mildly abrasive and dissolves well in the lemon juice). Rinse well and dry right away.
Patina is part of it
Solid copper naturally changes colour a little as you use the cup. That's completely normal and actually a sign of pure, uncoated copper. If you prefer the shine, simply polish the cup with lemon and salt (not too hard: salt is mildly abrasive and dissolves well in the lemon juice).
Cleaning
Never use the dishwasher or aggressive cleaning agents. Half a lemon with a pinch of salt is enough to make the cup shine again. Rinse well and dry immediately.
The heat and dishwasher detergent attack the copper and leave dull, uneven patches.
A velvet pouch is included. Keep your copper in it when you are not using it: that saves scratches and keeps the air off the metal, so the shine lasts longer. Put it away dry. If you see pale fibres on the velvet, they are sitting loose on top and a lint roller lifts them off in a few passes. There is more on that in the velvet pouch.
Polishing brings the shine back. To hold on to it, a hair-thin layer of wax keeps the air off the metal and stretches it from days to weeks. That is what how to keep copper shiny is about.
Questions about this product?
The most common questions are answered on the product page itself, or check the general FAQ page.