Copper and brass Turkish coffee pots (ibriks) are sensitive to air, and oxidize (tarnish) faster in moist air.

Copper Pots

To remove tarnish from copper pots, rub with lemon halves dipped in salt.

Alternatively, if copper is tarnished, boil the ibrik in a bigger stainless pot of water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar for several hours. Wash with soap in hot water. Rinse and dry.

Brass Pots

Buff oxidizes far less than copper. If you clean a brass pot properly after each use and you let it dry it will remain shiny for a long time. When it gets oxidized you can use homemade cleaner.

For a homemade cleaner, dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in 1/2 cup vinegar and add enough flour to make a paste. Rub onto the brass and leave for 10 minutes; rinse and buff dry.

Tip

A way to make your copper or brass pot more shiny and also protect the metal (partially) from oxidation is to rub the exterior with a bit of olive oil. Use only a tiny amount and rub it evenly. If you use too much it will get sticky and it will also attract dust.