# Is it possible to remove carbon(ized gunk) from copper by electrolysis?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-remove-carbon-ized-gunk-from-copper-by-electrolysis/752823>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 21, 2016, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-remove-carbon-ized-gunk-from-copper-by-electrolysis/752823 "2016-04-21T15:48:36Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\
**Post date:** [April 21, 2016, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-remove-carbon-ized-gunk-from-copper-by-electrolysis/752823/1 "2016-04-21T15:48:36Z")

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Just thinking about something I only know in the abstract–separation of chemical elements by zapping them with electricity.

I have pure copper pans unattended-to for a few years. Cleaning mixtures of abrasive and chemical nature, homemade and commercial, abound; at the stage I’m at, it’s Easy-Off doses and then step downs to ketchup, flour, and vinegar.

But the problem seems easily identified in physical chemistry. Even if I needed to construct an industrial facility to get the results, what is entailed?

Note: The pots and pans are lined with tin on the non-carbonized (inner) side. Optimally, the procedure would leave that alone, or at least not alter its other physical (and “physiological” (non-toxic in normal usage) properties as well. For a price, copper pans are easily re-tinned, however.

The handles are cast iron. That’s the complete rundown.

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**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\
**Post date:** [April 21, 2016, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-remove-carbon-ized-gunk-from-copper-by-electrolysis/752823/2 "2016-04-21T17:54:39Z")

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I think electrolytic cleaning is likely to leave the copper dull and pitted. Same for any acidic cleaning methods, including home remedy types like cola, ketchup, etc.

I would try a non abrasive metal polish and a drill powered felt buffing wheel., or if you’re going to take them to an industrial workshop, a floorstanding buffer.

Are you sure they’re solid copper, not plated? does a magnet stick to them?

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**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\
**Post date:** [April 21, 2016, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-remove-carbon-ized-gunk-from-copper-by-electrolysis/752823/3 "2016-04-21T18:05:48Z")

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Here’s [a video about it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQjjruX8UAQ). And [this kind of process claims to just add a metal plate instead of using wires](http://www.ebay.com/itm/Never-Polish-Silver-Again-Remove-Tarnish-Instantly-Super-Power-Free-activator-/360523134057?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368). I have no experience with either of those methods.

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**Author:** ![Isilder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@Isilder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isilder)\
**Post date:** [April 23, 2016, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-remove-carbon-ized-gunk-from-copper-by-electrolysis/752823/4 "2016-04-23T03:20:44Z")

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Electrolysis doesn’t do the job.

The stain removers (brasso, CLR, Metal Brite) are mild acids that attack the hydroxide/oxide hydrate layer… and prevent it reforming instantly you clean it away mechanically… The polish contains grit to help remove the black stuff mechanically.