Are you thinking of installing a new copper bathtub in your home? This is a wise choice for many reasons. Aesthetically, copper tubs are attractive. They’re also versatile. A copper bath will likely blend in fairly well with many different types of interior design styles. The same can’t necessarily be said for all other types of bathtubs.
That said, you might not be completely prepared to purchase a new copper bathtub until certain questions are answered. For example, you may be wondering if a copper bath tub will eventually turn green. It’s easy to understand why this is a matter of concern. A new copper tub may look gorgeous when you first buy it. However, you might worry the shiny copper will lose its luster over time. Luckily, copper baths can be relied on to look their best for years to come. This guide will explain why you don’t need to worry about your copper bathtub becoming unsightly as it ages.
Your Copper Bathtub Likely Won’t Turn Green
Why some people worry about copper sinks and tubs turning green
You may be under the impression that copper bathtubs turn green because you’ve seen another copper surface change color. A popular example is the Statue of Liberty. This iconic landmark wasn’t always green. It’s made of copper, and thus looked different when it was first built. Another copper surface that can turn green is a roof. If you’ve seen shiny copper roofs or gutters lose their original color, you might assume the same will happen to your copper tub.
Why a copper tub and copper sink won’t turn green
Copper roofs, gutters, and statues turn green because they’re exposed to seawater and various other elements that naturally cause their colors to change over time. This doesn’t mean the same will happen to your copper bath. On the contrary, a copper bath is safe inside your home. It’s not exposed to the elements. Thus, a copper sink and copper bath are more likely to retain their looks. However, copper bathtubs don’t stay beautiful on their own. You can keep your copper bathtub looking its best for as long as possible if you stay on top of basic cleaning and maintenance.
Prevent Copper Bathtubs from Turning Green With These Cleaning Tips
Dry your copper bath
This is an important copper bathtub cleaning tip. It’s also a very easy one to follow. Every time you use your copper bathtub or copper sink, dry it. Doing so will slow down the copper’s aging process. Copper ages more quickly when copper interacts with water and other elements.
Consider wiping your copper tubs down with a soft cloth after use. Although copper is a durable material, you’re better off protecting it by cleaning it with something soft. Steel wool or another such abrasive cleaning material can potentially damage bath tubs regardless of what they’re made from.
Clean your copper bathtub with mild soap
Drying a copper bathtub after every use is a simple way to preserve its appearance. However, all bathtubs need more thorough cleaning from time to time. Copper bathtubs are no exception. A couple of times a month, clean your copper tub with a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth to thoroughly clean every inch of the tub. As always, copper bathtubs stay beautiful when they stay dry. After cleaning your copper tubs and copper sinks, remember to dry them.
Use a soft cloth to prevent spotting
Wiping your copper bathtub down after cleaning it is always smart. However, this is particularly important to do if you have naturally hard water. Hard water can result in spotting. Because you have no choice but to clean your copper bathtub with the water that’s available to you, be sure to carefully and thoroughly wipe down your copper tub with a soft cloth when you’re done cleaning it. The more you remove any hard water that could be left behind, the less you’ll have to worry about spotting.
Keep the window near your copper bathtub closed
Always be aware that pure copper changes its color as a result of exposure to the elements. Knowing this, you should take various steps to minimize the degree to which your copper bath is exposed to outside air and water. For example, maybe your copper bathtub is near a window. To some extent, it’s acceptable to leave this window open at times. If you’re relaxing in a warm bath in your copper tub, an open window can let in fresh air, adding to the overall experience.
However, when you’re not actively using your copper bath, consider closing the nearby window. This is especially important when it’s raining outside. You might not think a little bit of rainwater can do much to change the color of your copper bathtub. Still, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Over time, allowing your copper bath to be consistently exposed to water could have a negative impact on its natural beauty.
Consider waxing your copper bath tub
You have likely now realized that the best way to prevent a copper bath tub from turning green is to minimize the extent to which it remains wet or exposed to the elements for a prolonged period of time. Another way you can achieve this goal is to apply a special wax to your copper bath regularly.
It’s easy to find various waxes designed specifically for the care and maintenance of copper products. Applying this type of wax to your copper bath (and copper sink if you have one) on a monthly basis creates a barrier between the copper and outside elements.
Just make sure you use a wax designed for use on copper products. Read the directions closely too. If the wax was made to protect a copper product, odds are it won’t cause any harm, but you should confirm you know how to apply it properly to ensure you’re taking full advantage of it.
Consider installing a dehumidifier
Your bathroom is a naturally moist environment. The problem is, when a copper product is exposed to moisture, its color is more likely to change sooner rather than later. That doesn’t have to happen to your copper bathtub. If you have reason to suspect your bathroom is excessively humid or moist, consider running a dehumidifier unit in the bathroom from time to time.
Theoretically, this can protect your copper bathtub from being exposed to too much moisture in the air. It may also guard against mold growth in your bathroom. Mold thrives in moist environments. If your bathroom is too humid, it can become exactly the type of environment where mold is likely to develop and spread. This can have a negative impact on your comfort. If you or anyone in your home is allergic to mold, it may even threaten your health.
Take steps to prevent this from happening by reducing humidity and moisture in the bathroom. Doing so may boost your health while also protecting your copper bathtub.
What You Need to Know About the Copper Patina Finish
Pure copper interacts with elements and naturally oxidizes if left alone. This causes it to develop a patina finish. Some people actually prefer the appearance of a patina finish. They believe it’s an essential element of copper’s natural beauty. If you’re such a person, you may not feel as inclined to regularly dry your copper bathtub. If you actually want your copper tub to develop its natural patina finish, drying it too often could prevent this from happening.
That said, although a patina finish may be natural, it’s not something you might want to see in your bathroom. When you purchase a pure CopperSmith copper tub, you likely are doing so in the hopes that it will retain its original appearance. That’s why you should remember to keep the tips here in mind. Additionally, the experts who supply and install your copper bath tub can likely answer any other questions you may have on this topic. They know what it takes to keep pure copper in ideal condition. By applying both their advice and the tips in this guide, you’ll ensure your copper bath impresses for a very long time.
Just be aware that even high quality copper does naturally darken as time goes by. All copper products develop some patina. Luckily, cleaning your copper bath can allow it to age gracefully, as subtle changes add to its beauty instead of detracting from it.
How long do Copper Bathtubs last?
If you are concerned about whether or not your copper bathtub will turn green or become otherwise discolored, you may also be anxious about how long it will last when compared to more traditional materials, such as acrylics.
Fortunately, their lifecycle is one of the main reasons copper bathtubs are worth the investment. In fact, they can last for generations, as the metal is particularly strong, durable and resistant to damage. Of course, you can also extend the lifespan of your tub (and other fixtures within your home) by ensuring you keep it clean and well-maintained.
As they are designed to be durable, this also means that you do not need to worry about discoloration of any kind, meaning that your interior vision for your bathroom can be brought to life and enjoyed for years to come - whether you prefer a quick bath or like to soak in the bubbles for hours on end!
What are other misconceptions surrounding Copper Bathtubs?
As discussed previously, many shoppers worry about copper bathtubs turning green because they’ve noticed this happens with outdoor fixtures, such as garden furniture and pipes. However, this discolouration process does not happen within the home, especially when proper care is taken to maintain your bathtub so that you can enjoy it for years to come.
However, this is one of many misconceptions you may hear about copper bathtubs. For example, many people believe that copper bathtubs are outdated or old-fashioned. Again, it's relatively easy to see where this belief came from, as their use throughout history is well-documented, stretching as far back as the 1800s. In fact, it's reported that Marie Antoinette used a copper bathtub.
However, there’s a reason they remain a consistent fixture within homes to this day - they have a certain timeless quality to them. As a result, this means they can blend easily with all manner of interior design choices, whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or a little more traditional. Furthermore, as you can choose from a range of different shapes and styles when installing a copper bathtub, you can quickly ditch the ‘older’ styles in favor of something a little more sleek and modern, meaning you can bring this traditional tub into the 21st century.
Many people also believe that they are relatively hard to maintain, but again, this is not strictly the case. As discussed above, routine cleaning only needs to be carried out every couple of weeks, and this can sometimes be omitted if you enjoy the natural Patina finish of your tub. Furthermore, as they can be cleaned with soap and water, you do not need to purchase any special cleaning products. As a result, they’re a cost-effective addition to any bathroom.
Top Tips for Purchasing a Copper Bathtub that Will Stand the Test of Time.
If you’ve decided to upgrade your bathroom with a copper bathtub, there are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to ensuring it stays in top condition.
- Choose a Copper Bathtub that blends in with the rest of your bathroom decor or design choices. For example, you may want to choose a tub with a specific colored finish to complement the rest of your color palette. There is also a range of styles to choose from, such as the modern Prestige PT2 or the more traditional Heritage HX4.
- Once you’ve selected a bathtub you love, or customised your design, use our 3D rendering tool to see how it will fit into your home, making it easier for you to create the bathroom of your dreams. Once you’ve submitted a quote, you should receive your 3D rendering within 24 hours.
- If you have any further questions about your copper bathtub, whether that relates to installation, design or maintenance, speak to a professional, such as a member of the team at CopperSmith. We’re always on hand to answer any questions you might have prior to transforming your bathroom or home.
- Once installed within your home, put together a care plan for your bathtub. For example, this should include regular cleaning with the relevant cleaning products to help it retain its natural shine and prevent issues such as discoloration and more.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the benefits of copper bathtubs, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.