Copper that is not lacquered will, over time, begin to discolor as it reacts with air and dust. Whether you have copper pots, sinks, utensils, or a decorative copper pot rack, I have three great ways to polish these items without using harsh chemicals, powders, or sprays. These cleaning tips also happen to be environmentally friendly for those wanting a green alternative.

1. Equal parts salt, flour, and vinegar: This method is great for smaller items like utensils. Before using this mixture though, you will want to pre-wash the copper with mild soap and warm water. Next, rub the copper with the salt/flour/vinegar mixture for a couple minutes. To finish the process, wash the copper again with warm water and mild soap and dry it thoroughly.

2. Kosher Salt and Lemon: This works well on medium and large copper pieces such as copper pots or copper pot racks. First, take a whole lemon and cut it in half. You will dip the cut half of the lemon in Kosher Salt. It needs to be Kosher Salt which is a larger salt crystal and won't dissolve like regular table salt. Next, polish the copper in circular motions, paying special attention to crevices and decorative embellishments. When you're finished with the lemon and salt, wash the copper with mild soap and water. To get a greater shine, take a soft cloth and buff the copper in a circular motion. The more you buff the copper, the greater the shine you will get.

3. Steel Wool and Ketchup: This process is great not only because it works, but because it's a nice conversation piece when someone notices how beautiful your copper looks. Your friends will never believe it when you tell them you used ketchup to polish you copper. To do this, start by smearing some ketchup on your copper and allow it to sit for a minute or two. Then take the steel wool and polish the copper in circular motions. This works well for hard to reach places like near handles or on small decorative details. Next, wash the copper in warm water and mild soap. After drying your copper, you can use a soft, dry cloth to add shine by buffing your copper in circular motions.