How to Clean Copper Clad Cookware Without Damaging It

By Cookware Brands | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: Tips & Care

Keep your copper clad cookware looking like new with these gentle cleaning steps. Avoid common mistakes that strip the finish or scratch the surface.

Quick answer

Clean copper clad cookware by hand with mild dish soap, non-abrasive sponges, and gentle polishing pastes for the copper exterior. Avoid harsh chemicals, steel wool, and dishwasher cycles that can dull the finish.

Why copper clad needs special care

Copper clad cookware combines a pure copper exterior with a stainless steel interior — like the Hestan CopperBond® Aura line. The copper layer is soft and reactive, making it prone to scratches and tarnish if cleaned aggressively. At the same time, the stainless steel cooking surface can show water spots and burnt stains if not dried properly. A gentle routine keeps both metals looking their best for years.

The 1.5mm copper layer on a Hestan CopperBond saucepan gives exceptional heat responsiveness, but that same thin wall means you must avoid abrasive scrubs that could wear the copper down over time. Harsh chlorine-based cleaners also react with copper and can cause pitting.

Step-by-step cleaning routine for copper clad cookware

Cool the pan completely before washing: Let the cookware cool to room temperature on a trivet. Sudden temperature changes from cold water on hot copper can warp the base or loosen the bonding. Never run cold water into a hot copper pan — thermal shock can permanently damage the 2-ply bond.
Wash the stainless steel interior with mild dish soap: Use a soft sponge with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Scrub gently in circular motions to lift stuck food. Avoid steel wool or green abrasive pads — they leave micro-scratches that trap residue. For burnt-on food, soak the pan with warm water and baking soda for 30 minutes, then scrub with a non-scratch pad. Do not use chlorine bleach.
Clean the copper exterior with a gentle commercial polish or homemade paste: Apply a copper-specific polish (like Wright's Copper Cream) or a paste of lemon juice and salt on a damp cloth. Rub in small circles, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft towel. Avoid soaking copper in acidic solutions for more than a minute. Store-bought polishes work well but can leave a residue if not rinsed fully. Homemade lemon-salt paste is gentle but may not remove deep tarnish as quickly.
Dry and buff immediately with a microfiber cloth: Once clean, dry the entire pan with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots on the stainless steel interior. For extra shine on the copper, buff lightly with a dry section of the same cloth. Air-drying leaves mineral deposits that cloud the copper finish. Always hand-dry immediately.
Store with care to avoid scratches: If you stack pans, place a soft cloth, paper towel, or pan protector between each piece. Copper scratches easily when metal rubs against metal during storage. Hanging copper clad cookware on a pot rack is ideal — it prevents stacking damage and lets the copper patina develop naturally if you prefer that look.

Product highlights

Hestan CopperBond® Aura Copper Clad Covered Saucepan 20cm/2.8L: The CopperBond® Aura Covered Saucepan 20cm is 2-ply construction with 1.5mm of pure copper bonded directly to stainless steel. The thin but responsive copper layer needs gentle cleaning to preserve heat transfer and avoid surface damage; steel wool would scratch the copper and reduce its luster.
Hestan CopperBond® Aura Copper Clad Covered Saucepan 20cm/2.8L