I left a container of 6,000 Copperhead copper-plated steel bb's outside accidentally for about a week. That happened about a year ago, and I discovered them today very discolored. I know copper doesn't produce iron rust, but they have oxidized. Is there any way I can revive them or clean them? Because they are copper plated, the bottle was $16 and I'd hate to just throw them out. I don't want to put them in my bb guns, as they'd gunk up my barrels.
How To Clean Oxidized Copper
Hello there, If the copper has oxidized, you can clean copper with muratic acid. I'd start with a mix of 1 part acid to 20 parts water. You can always add more acid if needed to cut the oxidation. That should bring the copper back to bright and shiny. You might try some vinegar and salt. That may work and is more commonly available than muratic acid. Of course copper cleaners such as Brasso would work, but who wants to wipe 6,000 bbs with Brasso. With the acid, you can just soak them for a bit. Later, Hello again, Coppersmiths use muratic acid to clean copper pieces. It does work. After cleaning, you need to rinse them well. Also you should use rubber gloves with working with the acid. Even diluted, it is rough on skin. Also wear old clothes with working with acid. You will likely get some small splashes on your clothes. Do not inhale the acid fumes. Wnenever you work with acid, you need to take certain safety precautions. But, it will definitely clean the copper.
Just take a few of the BBs and soak them in vinegar to see if this will help before dumping the entire container. I would avoid the acid as this could lead to more issues.
