Copper Care & Maintenance Guide

Preserve the Beauty of Your Handcrafted Copper

Akicon copper products are crafted to bring timeless beauty, warmth, and character to your home. With proper care and maintenance, your copper range hood or sink can maintain its distinctive appearance for years to come.

Copper is a natural material that reacts to moisture, air, and everyday use. Its appearance and maintenance requirements depend on the type of finish applied. Understanding your copper finish is the first step toward proper care.

1. Understanding Your Copper Finish

Sealed Finish — Clear-Coat Gloss or Matte

Sealed copper finishes feature a transparent protective coating designed to help preserve the original color and appearance while reducing natural oxidation and tarnishing.

  • Helps maintain a more consistent color and finish.

  • Provides additional protection against everyday exposure.

  • Requires gentle cleaning to avoid damaging the protective coating.

Important: Avoid acidic cleaners, copper polish, abrasive materials, and harsh chemicals, as these may damage or remove the protective coating.

Living Finish — Natural Patina

A living finish allows copper to develop a natural patina over time. Changes in color and tone are expected and contribute to the unique character of handcrafted copper.

  • Naturally develops deeper, richer tones with age.

  • May show variations in color from moisture, air, and everyday contact.

  • Requires gentle maintenance to preserve its original hand-applied appearance.

Natural patina development is not necessarily a product defect. Avoid attempting to remove discoloration with acidic cleaners or metal polish, especially on antique or hand-applied finishes.

2. Everyday Cleaning Instructions

For routine care of your Akicon copper product, we recommend the following steps:

Step 1 — Prepare a Gentle Cleaning Solution

Mix a small amount of mild, pH-neutral, non-abrasive liquid soap with warm water.

Step 2 — Gently Wipe the Surface

Use a soft microfiber or cotton cloth dampened with the cleaning solution. Gently wipe away dust, fingerprints, grease, and everyday residue without excessive rubbing.

Step 3 — Remove Soap Residue

Wipe the surface again with a separate soft cloth lightly dampened with clean water.

Step 4 — Dry Thoroughly

Immediately dry the cleaned area with a clean, soft cloth to help prevent water spots and moisture buildup.

For stubborn grease or residue, repeat the gentle cleaning process rather than using abrasive tools or stronger chemicals.

3. What to Avoid

To protect your copper finish, avoid the following:

  • Acidic substances: Vinegar, lemon juice, acidic descalers, and acid-based cleaning products.

  • Abrasive materials: Steel wool, scouring pads, rough brushes, and abrasive cleaning powders.

  • Harsh chemicals: Bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, acetone, strong degreasers, and chemical solvents.

  • Copper polish: Commercial metal polish or tarnish removers unless specifically approved for your product's finish.

  • Unapproved treatments: Homemade cleaning mixtures, oils, waxes, or protective coatings not recommended for the specific finish.

  • Prolonged moisture exposure: Standing water, wet cloths, or cleaning products left on the surface for extended periods.

Always test any manufacturer-approved cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area before general use.


4. Special Care for Copper Range Hoods

Copper range hoods are exposed to cooking vapors, airborne grease, and occasional moisture. Regular, gentle cleaning helps maintain their appearance.

  • Turn off the range hood and allow nearby cooking surfaces to cool before cleaning.

  • Wipe away accumulated grease and fingerprints with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.

  • Do not spray cleaning solutions directly onto the hood, especially near electrical components, seams, or ventilation openings.

  • Carefully clean decorative details such as straps, rivets, crowns, and hammered textures without aggressive scrubbing.

  • Follow the ventilation insert manufacturer's instructions when cleaning filters or internal components.

5. Special Care for Copper Sinks

Copper sinks come into frequent contact with water, food residue, and cleaning products.

  • Rinse away food residue and cleaning products promptly after use.

  • Avoid prolonged contact with acidic foods, harsh cleaners, or standing water.

  • Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth.

  • Dry the sink after use whenever practical, particularly around the drain and corners.

  • Expect natural color variations over time on products with a living finish.

6. Understanding Natural Patina and Color Changes

Copper naturally responds to its environment. Depending on the finish, gradual variations in color may develop over time.

For living finishes, these changes are a normal part of the material's aging process.

For sealed finishes, unexpected discoloration, peeling, cloudiness, or changes beneath the protective coating may require further evaluation.

Do not attempt to restore the original color using vinegar, salt, lemon juice, abrasive polishing, or other DIY treatments. These methods can alter the hand-applied finish or damage protective coatings.

If you notice unusual discoloration or damage, contact Akicon before attempting any restoration.

7. Need Assistance?

Every Akicon copper product is unique, and the appropriate care method may depend on its finish and construction.

If you're unsure whether your product has a sealed or living finish, or if you have questions about cleaning or restoration, our team is here to help.

Please contact service@akicon.com with your product model, order information, and photos of the affected area so we can review your concerns and provide appropriate guidance.

Proper care helps preserve the beauty and craftsmanship of your Akicon copper product for years to come.