420 sailboat rigging

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DEVELOPMENT 420 Boat Settings - Beginner's Guide

© Event Media

Courtesy of the British 420 Class Association , below is information on some basic boat settings written by Matt Burge:

Guide to Barber Hauling

Guide to Mast Rake

Guide to Changing Mast Rake on the Water

Guide to using Mast Chocks

Guide to Spreaders

Guide to Main Sheet Bridles

Guide to Tuning

Barber hauling is the name given to tensioning the windward/slack jib sheet. This is not done in all boats (e.g. the Mirror) but in the 420 it helps to achieve a faster jib slot / leech shape. You apply barber hauler simply by pulling the windward jib sheet and cleating it. It is very important to know how much to pull it on though.

Barber hauling makes the jib fuller and therefore more powerful. It has the same effect on the jib as chocks do to the main, and therefore follows a similar pattern:

• In very light winds and when you are overpowered you want the jib flat, so none is needed, however it often pays to put on half an inch in strong wind because it makes the leech more stable.
• In wiring conditions before flat-wiring you again want power, so it is good to pull on about an inch and a half. If it is choppy as well up to two inches is good. Exceeding two inches however will close the slot and is not fast so be careful.
• Putting marks on your jib sheets in both the sheeting positions and the barber-hauler positions will help you to judge how much jib sheet and/or barber hauler you have on.
• Pull on rig tension until it reads 30 on the tension meter. (Always take the reading at shoulder height up the shroud).
• Tie the tape measure to the end of the main halyard and pull to the top of the mast. Then lower it slightly until it measures 16’1½” at the top of the black band at the gooseneck.
• Pull the tape measure to the transom & take the measurement at the top edge of the transom. We are aiming for a reading of 19’11” here (with 30 on the rig tension). So if it is 19’11” leave it and put a pen mark on the mast lining up with where the rig tension block/hook is. Label this mark ‘L’ and record which hole the shrouds are in on the chain plates. This is your light wind setting.
• If it does not read 19’11” then take the rig tension off & move the shrouds down the chain plates if the reading is above 19’11”, and up the plates if it is below. (Each hole on the chain plates will make a difference of roughly 1½” to your measurement).
• Repeat steps 1-4 until you achieve 19’11” with 30 on the rig tension.
• Then, repeat steps 1-4 but to get a measurement of 19’9¾”. Once achieved mark the mast with ‘M’ and again record the hole number (which is usually a hole down from the light wind setting). This is your medium wind setting. Don’t worry if a rig tension of 31 is needed to achieve this measurement.
• Then, do the same again but to get 19’8½” using 31-32 on the rig tension. Mark this as ‘S’ on your mast and record the hole number, (which is usually a hole down from the medium setting). This is your strong wind setting.
• If you & your crew are very light you may like to set up 19’7” with 31-32 on the rig tension. Use this only in very windy conditions.

The strengths of wind at which you should change settings depends entirely on your crew weight:

Use the light wind setting upto the point where you become overpowered. i.e. your crew is flat wiring and you are having to play more than 6” of mainsail.

Then change to medium wind settings. If you are then having to play more than 6” of mainsail all the time on medium settings then change to strong wind settings.

Always choose the setting that best suits the strength of the lulls.

• Go ‘heave-to’. (Back the jib, let the main sail go completely & put the tiller down to leeward).
• Completely let the rig tension off & pull the kicker on hard. This will make the leeward shroud go slack.
• Change the leeward shroud to the new hole.
• Tack & go ‘heave-to’ on the other tack.
• Change the leeward/other shroud to the new hole.
• Release the kicker and pull the rig tension onto the new mark on the mast (that corresponds to the new hole numbers).

This process will take a few minutes and so is not practical to do in a race. However it is useful to be able to do before a race and in between races should the wind get up or die.

It is a good idea to tie your shroud plate pins onto the plates so that you do not loose them whilst changing holes on the water. It is also safer to buy shroud plates that the shrouds cannot come out the top of should things go wrong!

Chock are the small ‘mushroom-shaped’ plates that you can put in front of the mast. They affect the pre-bend and as a result affect the amount of power you have in the mainsail:

Less pre-bend = Straighter mast = Fuller mainsail = More power More pre-bend = More curved mast = Flatter mainsail = Less power

Chocks alter the pre-bend by pushing back on the lower mast, therefore straightening it. So the more chocks that you put in the straighter the mast becomes and the more power you achieve.

Therefore; more chocks = more power

If you set up your light wind mast rake you will find a gap in front of the mast where the chocks go. If you fill this gap with chocks so that they are touching the mast but not pushing back on it this is your neutral number of chocks. Record/remember this number of chocks.

When you have neutral chocks in your sail is at its flattest, so neutral chocks are good when the wind is very light or if you are overpowered. As soon as you get on the wire there is enough wind for the sail to cope with being a bit fuller & more powerful put one more chock in (we call this +1). When you are well out on the wire (but not flat wiring/overpowered), and especially in choppy conditions put two extra chocks in (+2) for maximum power. However, as soon as you become overpowered (i.e. flat-wiring & playing the mainsail all the time) then go back down to neutral chocks because you do not need any extra power.

Also, do not exceed two extra chocks – putting in three extra chocks is likely to invert the mast!!!

It is not always practical to change chocks in a race so make sure they are right before you start. If the wind does change in a race such that you need to change the chocks then the best time to do it is on a run – there is less forwards pressure on the mast on a run & the crew is in the boat and able to reach the chocks.

NOTE: If you are very overpowered in very strong wind then you can remove one of the neutral chocks (-1). This will help to flatten/de-power your sail even more.

If you set up your light wind setting you will notice that your mast has a slight bend/curve going up it, this is called the pre-bend. The amount of pre-bend is controlled by the spreaders. You can measure pre-bend by following these steps:

• Set up your light wind setting & make sure there are no chocks in.
• Get the heavier of the two of you to pull and hold the main halyard tight against the gooseneck on the back edge of the mast.
• Meanwhile the lighter one of you needs to climb onto the boat (carefully) and stand next to the mast where the chocks normally go.
• From this position measure (using a ruler) the distance between the halyard and the back edge of the mast where the spreaders join. (This is the point where the pre-bend is greatest).

Different makes of sails require different pre-bends, these are:

Pinnel & Bax – 35mm Olimpic – 33mm Speed – 32mm North – 32mm

If your pre-bend measurement does not equal your sail’s requirement then release the rig tension, adjust the spreaders so that they are angled further back if your measurement is too small or further forward if it is too large. Then re-measure the pre-bend using steps 1-4 and keep adjusting until its right!

The bridle is the piece of rope that holds your mainsheet block and joins onto each end of the bar behind the centreboard. The lengths of the bridle are very important because they control the mainsail leech tension when block to block. The rules state that you are allowed two settings on your bridle length, so we set up one to be used with the light wind mast rake and one to be used with the medium & strong wind mast rakes. (The bridle length is changed with mast rake like this because the boom height alters with mast rake).

To set up the light wind bridle:

• Choose a day with a force 3-4 wind & set up your light wind mast rake.
• Check that the bridle ropes are equal in length by lining the block up along the centreboard. Adjust them so that they are.
• Hoist the main sail and set it up as if you were going sailing (eg outhaul on etc but no kicker on). Also, turn the boat 45 degrees to the wind so that it’s in the close hauled position. You will need to get your crew to hold the side of the boat so that a gust doesn’t blow it off the trailer!
• Pull the main in block to block and look at the leech. If none of the telltails are flying & it’s straight/tight then your bridle is too short. If the leech is very bowed/slack and all the telltails are flying then your bridle is too long. If your leech has a slight curve and the top telltail is flying 50% of the time then your bridle is perfect. (Make sure the kicker is off all the time).
• Adjust your bridle until this perfect leech is achieved, making sure you make equal adjustments to each side so it always lines up with the centreboard. Once achieved this is your light wind bridle setting.

To make the strong wind setting just tie two loops 7cm up from where the ends of the bridle join the clips on the bar. To use the strong setting you just need to clip the loops onto the bar:

NOTE: You will now need to set up your light wind setting again because tying the loops will have shortened the light wind settings quite a lot.

The following is a general table on how you might set up your 420 for different conditions. This does depend upon your crew weight though and so should not be followed religiously. I would encourage you however to make a table of your own personal settings built up through trail and error.

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420 Rigging Guide

Go To: Sailing - Rigging Guides

Posted on 14 March 2009 19:26

A smaller version of the olympic 470 class, the 420 was formerly a youth development class (i.e. young people trained up in the 420 before moving onto olympic class boats), the 420 has a good class following, and is a good introduction to performance boats.

The 420 has a Plymouth Yardstick (Handicap Number) of 1087 - pretty fast, but still fair. For those who like the 420, as they progress they may move into the larger 470, which has a similar layout but is slightly larger. The 420 has a single crew trapeze and a symmetric spinnaker, and for those nutters amongst you, can even be setup to sail single handed.

Photo 1, The 420, ready to rig with no wind.

Photo 2, Cockpit layout

Photo 3, Front bulkhead and mast

What You need

- Hull - Mast + Shrouds and Forestay - Boom - Main Sail - Rudder - Centreboard (usually attached) - Outhaul - Downhaul - Kicking Strap - Bungs - Painter Rope - Elastic bungee for the trapeze

Photo 4, Mast and halyard jammer arrangement

Photo 5, Thwarte and centreboard

Photo 6, Rudder pintles

Photo 7, Traveller

Lets Get Started!

Photo 8, Jib sheet jammers

Photo 9, Parts laid out ready to rig

Before starting for the first time, make sure you have everything available, or a rope and spares box handy. The 420 hull is smooth with no chines (ridges), so can be quite "tippy". Once again the 420 is a restricted design rather than one design, so there is room for alternatives, if you want to experiment or upgrade, we suggest you take a look at the 420 Class Rules for more information.

Photo 10, Closeup of kicker parts

Photo 11, Underside of boom

We chose not to take apart the mast and take it down. If yours comes with the mast off, which it possibly will, it's a simple matter of untangling the shroud and forestay wires, dropping the bottom of the mast into the mast step inside the boat (after checking the bottom of the mast is clean), and then securing the shroud and forestay wires with split pins and rings or whatever other fittings are on your boat. It's a good idea to check the state of the pulley sheaves in the bottom of the mast - if these are rusted, jammed up or just don't run very well it makes it harder to hoist the sails.

We recommend two people to step the mast - one to hold the mast up while the other attaches the pins. Masts on 420's can vary, with jammers and pulley blocks in different positions. The spreaders should be adjustable - although we haven't yet covered adjusting these in an article, look for one soon.

Photo 12, Back end of boom

Photo 13, Kicker attachment on boom

Photo 14, Spinnaker pole holders

Photo 15, Attach the jib to the front chainplate

Attach the fitting at the bottom of the jib luff to the chainplate or fixing at the front of the deck, as shown in Photo 15. The jib goes behind the forestay, as shown. Attach the top of the jib luff to the free end of the halyard with a shackle (Photo 16), and then hoist the jib. Tie the halyard off into the appropriate jammer/cleat, usually found on the mast on a 420. At this point, if the mast is adjusted correctly, the jib luff should now be tight, and the forestay a little slack, as shown in the photo. To achieve this, the best way is for one person to pull forward on the forestay to pull the mast forward slightly, while the other hoists the jib.

Photo 16, Attach the jib to the end of the halyard

Next, attach the jib sheets to the clew on the jib. The easiest way is to double the rope over to find the midpoint, tie one stopper knot, feed it through the clew, and then tie another stopper knot the other side - this keeps the rope with equal lengths either side (Photo 19). Feed the working ends of each jib sheet inside each shroud and trapeze wire, through the fairlead and jammer block (Photo 20). Finish it off with a stopper or figure 8 knot.

Photo 17, Hoist the jib

Photo 18, Jib hoisted. The wind was starting to pick up...

Photo 19, Jib sheet attached to clew of jib

An alternative method is to use continuous jib sheets, particularly if you are mad enough to sail it single handed. There are two ways to do this - either rig as above, and tie the ends together, or for a more permanent arrangement without any knots in the boat, dou need to do this slightly back to front, and feed the working ends through the jammers backwards, before attaching to the sail. Pass each end through the clew so there are two lengths of rope going through the clew, and then tie a fishermans knot - tie a single basic knot in each piece of rope, with the other end passing through the middle of it. This will make it harder to take the jib sheets off, so don't do it if you need to derig quickly; it also means you can't use the jibsheet to help right the boat after a capsize.

Photo 20, Pass the jib sheets through the jammers

Photo 21, Slide the main sail foot car into the boom

3. Main Sail onto boom

Next, feed the car on the bottom of the mainsail (Photo 21), and then the mainsail foot, into the slot on the top of the boom (Photo 22). Pull it along until it reaches the end (photo 23), then slide a cotter pin into the fitting at the end (Photo 24), through the eye in the tack, to hold the front egde of the sail.

Photo 22, Pull the main sail along the boom

Photo 23, All the way to the end

Photo 24, Pin the tack of the main sail

Photo 25, Thread the outhaul rope thorugh the jammer

We have the end of our outhaul rope whipped with tape to stop it fraying, and we had no source of flame available. Put a knot in one end of the outhaul rope, and then pass the other, working end, through the v jammer style cleat on the underside of the boom (Photo 25). Pass it through the boom end (Photo 26), around the sheave (Photo 27), and through to the top of the boom (Photo 28). Next, either attach it to a shackle (Photo 29) and the shackle to the clew of the sail, or directly attach it to the clew using a bowline. The complete outhaul can be seen in Photo 31. If you are setting up the boat for competitive racing, you may wish to change this arrangement, just remember to keep within the class rules!

Photo 26, Then through the end of the boom

Photo 27, Around the sheave

Photo 28, Pull it through

Photo 29, Attach to a shackle or the sail

Photo 30, A shackle can be used for quick derigging

Photo 31, Outhaul complete

5. Hoist mainsail

Attach the main sail halyard to the top of the mainsail using an appropriate shackle (Photo 32), then one person should feed the main sail luff into the slot on the back of the mast (Photo 33), as the other hoists it using the halyard (Photo 34).

Photo 32, Attach the main sail halyard

Photo 33, Feed the main sail luff into the mast slot

Do not put the boom on the gooseneck yet - one person should lift the boom to take the weight off the sail, and then hoist the sail to the top of the mast. Next, pull down on the boom and feed it onto the gooseneck (Photo 35).

Photo 34, Hoist the main sail

Photo 35, Pull the boom down to the gooseneck

Now, put the kicker together. A swivel block is attached to the mast, and a v-jammer to the underside of the boom. In our pictures, the v-jammer is attached to a short length of steel wire, which is permanently fixed onto the underside of the boom.

Photo 36, Assemble the kicker

Photo 37, Assemble the kicker

Next, feed the rope through the blocks as shown, starting by tying the one end to the becket on the v-jammer, down through the swivel block from underneath up to the top, then back up to the v-jammer, around and out through the jammer. Put a stopper or figure 8 knot in the end to sop it going through. See Photos 36-38 to assemble the kicker, and Photo 39 for the completed kicking strap.

7. Trapeze Handles + Elastic

Assemble the trapeze handle jammers in the same manner as the kicker - although in the picture shown, our top block is twisted round (Photo 40). A length of elastic reaches from one handle to the other, going from a handle, through a fairlead, through a whole in the deck/bow, behind the mast, then out the other side to the other trapeze handle (Photos 41 and 42). We'd recommend not using the trapeze the first time you go out, until you get more used to the boat, unless you are a very experienced trapeze artist!

Photo 38, Assemble the kicker

Photo 39, The complete kicker (2:1)

Photo 40, An assembled trapeze wire and handle

Photo 41, The trapeze elastic

8. Mainsheet + Traveller

Tie one end of the main sheet to the fairlead fixing in the middle of the underside of the boom behind the swivel block (Photo 43), with a bowline (Photo 44). Feed it through the block attached to the traveller behind the centreboard (Photo 45), then back up and through the swivel block on the boom (Photo 46). Next, take the working end down, and through the pull and then the jammer block (Photo 47), and finish off with a stopper or figure 8 knot.

Photo 42, The trapeze elastic

Photo 43, Attach the main sheet to the boom

Different traveller designs are used on 420s - on ours an older one is in use, which has seen better days. Unfortunately, its broken to the point where it can no longer be used as a traveller, and is difficult to replace because it is fixed onto the bouyancy tanks at either side - this is an important thing to look out for when buying a 420.

Photo 44, Attach the main sheet to the boom

Photo 45, Through the pulley on the traveller

In theory, the position of the traveller can either be fixed by jamming the adjustment lines to control the amount of twist in the sail, or left to move from side to side as required.

Photo 46, Back up to the pulley on the boom

Photo 47, The complete mainsheet

This is an easy one - attach the rudder to the pintles on transom as shown (Photo 48). Depending on your style of rudder/tiller, you may have uphaul and/or downhaul lines on it (Photo 49).

Photo 48, Add the rudder

Photo 49, Attach the rudder uphaul

Ensure you place all bungs into holes that require them - this is important, as 420's have very large bouyancy tanks which don't take well to filling up with water (Photos 50 and 51).

Photo 50, Don't forget the bungs!

Photo 51, Don't forget the bungs!

11. Buying a 420

There are several things to watch out for when buying a second hand 420. First of all, check for the springiness of the tops of the bouyancy tanks, where you sit - these can be weaker on older models and are difficult to strengthen. Also look at the traveller and see what condition it is in, and how easy to replace - be careful if it is similar to ours as we are having difficulty locating spares to repair ours. As always, check for the condition of the deck, and look for any cracks or damage, particularly along seams, joins and structural areas.

On the mast, the pulley blocks can wear out quickly, as they tend to sit in water at the bottom of the boat. This can make it hard to hoist the sail. On the subject of the sail - check the luff for any damage, particularly around the top full length batten where it can wear and make it hard to hoist the sail.

Check any hairline cracks around the hull - it is usual to see them on an older boat, just make sure they aren't hiding more damage, particularly in corners or joins.

There you have it - a fully rigged and ready to sail 420. The 420 does have a spinnaker - unfortunately we had no wind when we started rigging our boat, but a devilish Force 6 by the time we finished, so not very good for rigging a spinnaker on land. We will revisit the 420 soon and add an article on rigging the spinnaker.

Photo 52, The 420, all rigged (minus spinnaker)

Photo 53, A rather windy day by now, with good sail shape and streaming telltales!

- Download the PDF version of this article

Fig 1. Get all the gear ready

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Moscow Muled

How to clean and care for copper mugs: the definitive guide.

Oct 15, 2019

In this post, we reveal the complete guide to cleaning and caring for your copper mugs. From how to maximize the lifespan of your mugs to how to ensure that they maintain that brilliant copper shine, we have you covered. Let's get started!

Introduction

Since the creation of the Moscow Mule in the 1940's, copper mugs have never been more popular than they are today. This refreshing cocktail made of lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer is traditionally served over ice in an iconic copper mule mug. No matter what beverage you choose to serve in it, the appeal of the copper mug is hard to deny. As bars, restaurants and at-home use of copper mugs continues to grow in popularity, it is important to know how to properly care for and clean copper. This article will tell you everything you need to know, including:

Why is Cleaning Copper Mugs Important?

Why does copper tarnish.

• How Do you Clean Copper Mugs?
• 5 Easy & Natural Ways to Remove Copper Tarnish
• Is it Safe to Drink from Copper Mugs?

Are Copper Mugs Dishwasher Safe?

• Lined Versus Unlined Copper Mugs
• The Benefits of Using Copper Mugs
• Essential Tips to Care for your Copper Mugs

Like any drinking vessel, copper cups, mugs, water bottles and tumblers need to be washed after every use. Copper does require specific care and maintenance, however it's quite simple and easy to learn and do.

First and foremost, copper mugs should be cleaned properly for health and safety reasons. Whether at a restaurant or at home, you don't want anyone getting sick from drinking from an unwashed cup.

There is something compelling about the warm glow of polished copper. A huge part of the appeal and popularity of cocktails like the Moscow Mule is the unique aesthetic of the copper mug. This metal will tarnish naturally with time and use, so cleaning it properly can be essential to keeping it shiny, and fully experiencing the many benefits of drinking from a copper mug.

Like iron developing rust, copper will naturally tarnish  over time with exposure to humidity and other elements found in the air. Copper's blue-green tarnish, known as patina, can be either useful or annoying, depending on its intended use.

The patina actually serves as a protective layer for the copper beneath, and can be useful in outdoor applications such as roofing or pipes.  However, when it comes to mugs or cups, we want the copper to shine as warmly as possible, so it is essential to know about preventative care and maintenance.

Don't worry, it's super easy to do, and incredibly satisfying to restore and polish your tarnished copper mugs.

How Do You Clean Copper Mugs?

Cleaning copper mugs is like cleaning most anything, except that it MUST be washed by hand. In other words, never put them in the dishwasher, ever. Take 30 seconds to gently wash them by hand with a soft sponge, soap and warm water.

For most people at home, this shouldn't be a problem. But some high-volume bars or restaurants might not be able to dedicate the time needed for proper care. This is one reason a business may prefer a tin-lined  or lacquered copper cup that may need less polishing, although they too should still be washed by hand.

The most important part of cleaning your copper mug is drying it!

Residual water in the slightest amount can lead to tarnishing, so experts highly recommend you dry your copper mug twice, with two different soft towels or cloths until all moisture is removed.  This extra step only takes a few moments, and will go a long way towards the durability and cleanliness of your copper mule mugs.

If you want your copper mug to look nice, dry it twice!

5 Easy and Natural Ways to Remove Copper Tarnish

Owning a copper mug comes with the added responsibility of some occasional, simple maintenance. When your favorite mug starts to turn green, here are some easy solutions to restore its natural shine!

Lemon or Limes and Salt

This simple method is quick and easy, and ideal for bars or restaurants that may have an abundance of lemons on hand. Simply pour some table or sea salt onto a dish, and cut a fresh lemon or lime into 1/4th slices. Dip the fruit slice into the salt, and scrub the copper mug with slow, methodical circles inside and out. The change should be almost instantaneous, and when the tarnish has been removed, wash under warm or cool water, and dry thoroughly.

Vinegar and Salt

Mix one cup of vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and five cups of water. Pour the solution into a saucepan, place your mug into the saucepan, and bring it to a boil. After a few minutes, the tarnish will have disappeared, and you can remove the mug with tongs, rinse it in cold water, and dry thoroughly with two soft dish towels.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Create a paste with three parts baking soda, and one part vinegar. Use a sponge to apply it to the mug with small circular motions and let it sit for about 10 minutes in order for the magic to happen. After that, simply rinse and dry until all moisture has been removed.

Harness the power of tomatoes to clean your tarnished copper mug! Apply the ketchup using a soft sponge or toothbrush, always rubbing in small circles. Then let it stand for 30 minutes. Remove the ketchup in the same way you applied it (a specially designated tarnish-toothbrush can be a highly effective tool for getting into those hard to reach places). Finally, rinse with water, and dry thoroughly with two soft towels.

Tamarind Paste

Tamarind is a tropical fruit, popular in Caribbean, African and Indian cuisine. It contains tartaric acid, which helps remove tarnish from brass and copper. If this is something you have access to, simply add water to create a paste, and rub it onto the copper with a soft sponge or cloth.  After a few minutes, rinse off the paste, and dry completely.

Metal Polish

Although the natural methods listed above are all equally effective, inexpensive and safe, another option is to use a tarnish remover or metal polish. Popular brands like Brasso are great for polishing many different kinds of metals, but the main ingredients may be less than desirable (rubbing alcohol, ammonia, mineral spirits and silica powder). Chances are you can easily find most of the ingredients for cleaning copper mugs in your pantry, and can avoid buying a product full of harsh chemicals.

Is It Safe To Drink From Copper Mugs?

Yes, it is safe to drink from copper mugs , despite click-bait headlines, myths and legislation that may suggest otherwise. True, when using 100% pure copper mugs it is possible that trace amounts of copper could be ingested. However, this can be mitigated by using stainless-steel plated copper mugs.

Copper is an essential part of human biology, and is necessary for regulating metabolic systems and vital organs. Copper deficiency can lead to arthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and colon cancer.

Not only do our bodies need copper, we also have systems in place to naturally deal with any excess copper. Verified scientific studies have shown copper can do impressive things.

• Copper and Iron work together to form red blood cells.
• Copper helps maintain collagen, and along with other antioxidants, can reduce signs of aging.
• Copper helps absorb excess iron in the liver.
• Copper improves brain and nerve cell synaptic responses.
• Copper aids in digestion and helps with ulcers and inflammation.

Copper toxicity is quite rare and, according to the World Health Organization , "There is a greater risk of health effects from a deficiency of copper intake than excessive copper intake."

The FDA guidelines do not recommend using copper for any food or beverage purposes, solely because of the extra care needed to maintain it, and applies exclusively to commercial operations, with varying local and state regulations.

This is meant to protect consumers from improperly cleaned or exposed copper mugs and cookware in bars and restaurants, and does not apply to home use. The FDA suggests the public learn about proper care and maintenance before using copper mugs, but scientists have debunked the claim that a Moscow Mule can give you copper poisoning.

When using 100% pure copper mugs and a liquid with a pH below 6.0 (like lime juice), and that liquid remains in the mug for an extended period of time, there is a chance you could consume amounts of copper. This is the reason why it is generally a good idea to use copper mugs lined with stainless-steel .

No, never! All copper cookware, utensils or mugs should be washed by hand, no exceptions. Dishwashers typically use harsh detergent, powerful water sprays and high heat that can seriously harm your copper mug both inside and out.

Dishwashers can lead to dents, tarnishing, and flaking or cracking. So take 30 seconds to do right by your copper mugs, and wash and dry them by hand!

Lines Versus Unlined Copper Mugs

When purchasing a copper mug, there are three basic options - 100% copper, tin-lined, and copper plated.

Copper is a great thermal conductor, and will keep your drink colder for longer (or hotter for longer, depending on the drinks). This is a big part of what makes the Moscow Mule an attractive summer beverage, and why copper mugs are great for cocktails in general.

Lined copper mugs  (usually with zinc, stainless-steel  or tin) can be a great choice. The double lining improves their durability, and can give them a great look. Unlike pure copper, lined copper mugs also offer additional health benefits by avoiding reactions between acids in your drink and pure copper.

Both lined and unlined copper mugs must be washed by hand and both will develop a patina over time. Lined mugs might take slightly less time to polish, because you only need worry about the outside. However, now that you know how to clean tarnished copper mugs, it's nothing you can't handle.

Essential Tips To Care For Your Copper Mugs

Copper mugs are stylish and good for your health. They keep your cold drinks chilled, and your hot drinks steaming. Copper mugs have been used for thousands of years for water purification and health benefits, and have made a triumphant rise in popularity since the invention of the Moscow Mule in the 1940's.

Whatever you choose to put in your copper mug, remember these three simple tips:

• When serving drinks, don't let them sit for more than 4 hours. Drink up!
• After each use, take the time to hand-wash your copper mugs with soap and water, and use TWO TOWELS to dry them thoroughly.
• When your copper mug begins to tarnish, use one of the five easy and natural ways listed above to polish it to perfection.

Thank you for taking the time to become an expert on using, cleaning and caring for copper mugs. Cheers!

Did You Enjoy This Article?

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles:  Why You Should Only Use Moscow Mule Copper Mugs With Stainless Steel Lining and  Which Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Are Best?

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Moscow Mule Copper Mug

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