How to Restore a Copper Vent Hood

Wipe down the surface of the vent hood with a damp rag, then sprinkle copper cleaning powder onto the surfaces of the vent hood that are flat enough to hold it. Rub the cleaning powder over the surface and allow it to set for the time specified by the manufacturer, then wipe the cleaner off of the surface with a clean rag. Continue wiping until the copper shines.

Clean grease and oil from the surface of the vent hood by wiping the surface with a mild soap and water solution. Wipe paint thinner onto the grease spots, then wipe it off of the copper with a clean rag. Spray a water-dispersing lubricant onto the copper to provide a protective barrier against grease. Use this method if the vent hood has a patina, which is a green tarnish on the surface of the copper.

Wipe off the surface of the vent hood with a mild soap and water solution to remove grease, fingerprints and other contaminants, then polish the surface of the vent hood with copper polish. Use this method if the copper does not have a patina.

Prepare a mild solution of lemon juice or vinegar mixed with water and wipe it onto the surface of the copper. Wipe the solution from the surface before it air-dries, because the acid in the vinegar and lemon juice can eat away at the copper.