Cleaning copper block -exterior, suggestions?

[newconroer]

I have a few copper blocks lying around that have lost their original shine, as well as collected some dust(and oil/sweat I imagine from handling) on the exterior, that's leaving dark/dirt marks when I give them a wipe.

I have a feeling they need to be soaked in something, though I'm not sure at what kind of acid ratio the solution would be. I have to also consider that one side of the blocks have something similar to the Danger Den 'speck' finish, and am not sure if that will complicate things.

Lastly, I wonder if I need to stop gap or block the inlet/outlets, as to not let the solution/liquid get inside?

 

[sneekypeet]

if you are speaking of completely external cleaning...I use neverdull, wheel polish. Does a great job with minimal effort. then you just need to clean the mating surface with alcohol after.

http://www.nevrdull.com/

 

[erocker]

I use this stuff on a lapped heatsink to give it a mirror finish.

 

[Hayder_Master]

ok erocker user this , you should take him advice cuz he is the moderator , no talk , and sneekypeet piont to same thing

 

[Deleted member 3]

ok erocker user this , you should take him advice cuz he is the moderator , no talk , and sneekypeet piont to same thing

Just to mess with your logic, I say:

 

[Hayder_Master]

Just to mess with your logic, I say:

haha , that's funny , i think he is going to washing dishs now , ohh dan i see you skills improve you have other experience behind computer's

 

[Bytor]

Ketchup FTW...

I shined my EK 3870x2 full cover blocks with it tonight and they look sweet...

 

[sneekypeet]

Ketchup FTW...

I shined my EK 3870x2 full cover blocks with it tonight and they look sweet...

agreed also, the vinegar content is enough to clean it too!

 

[IggSter]

Cheap, non toxic (well relatively speaking) and cleans copper very very well:

 

[Hayder_Master]

Cheap, non toxic (well relatively speaking) and cleans copper very very well:

right , im almost forget this

 

[Flyordie]

Cheap, non toxic (well relatively speaking) and cleans copper very very well:

Literally, Coca-Cola uses it to clean their trucks engines... ;-p

 

[largon]

Slice o' lemon. Or orange.
Anything with citric acid in it.
I use pure crystallized citric acid (solved in water).

 

[newconroer]

Thanks.

I had figures on maybe lemon, vinegar or even ketchup... didn't think about coca-cola.

If I'm not going to be submerging the block(s), do I what? Rub something into the copper than leave it for...how long?

 

[IggSter]

I would suggest perhaps using a 2 part process:

1. Submerge blocks in coke/vinegar/lemon juice for a few hours. This will remove the tarnish and grime. Rinse well under very hot water and then dry using hair dryer etc.

2. Then use a metal polish on the exposed/easy to reach places to remove any scratches or stubborn stains.

If you can wear a pair of rubber gloves for the second stage as the sweat/oils on your hands will cause the block to tarnish again.

 

[sneekypeet]

Thanks.

I had figures on maybe lemon, vinegar or even ketchup... didn't think about coca-cola.

If I'm not going to be submerging the block(s), do I what? Rub something into the copper than leave it for...how long?

if you dont plan to clean the inside, just rub some neverdull/brasso on it . rub untill the discoloration is gone...wipe residue off with a cloth. No need for the acids and a rewash!

 

[newconroer]

Fortunatley Brasso was enough, but thanks for the other suggestions, as well as submersion ideas.