An old habit, done the right way.
Filling a copper vessel at night and drinking from it in the morning is a habit many Indian homes have kept for generations. Here's how to enjoy it safely — and keep your bottle gleaming.
Why people use copper
Copper vessels have been used for drinking water in India for centuries. Copper is naturally antimicrobial, and laboratory studies have found that storing water in a copper pot overnight can reduce some types of bacteria. Copper is also an essential trace mineral the body needs in small amounts.
Do's and don'ts
✓ Do
- Fill with plain drinking water at night
- Drink it the next morning or through the day
- Refill with fresh water every day
- Clean the inside every week
- Dry it upside down after washing
✗ Don't
- Add lemon, juice, buttermilk or anything sour
- Fill it with hot water or tea
- Keep the same water in it for days
- Put it in the dishwasher or fridge door
- Drink from it if the inside has turned green
How much is too much?
Copper is good for you in small amounts, but too much can upset your stomach. Sour drinks pull far more copper out of the metal than plain water, which is why they should never go in a copper vessel. India's drinking water standard (IS 10500) sets an acceptable copper level of 0.05 mg per litre.
Practical rule: a couple of glasses of copper-stored water a day is plenty — there's no need to drink all your water from copper. If you have a medical condition that affects how your body handles copper, or you're pregnant, check with your doctor first.
How to clean a copper bottle
Mix
Squeeze half a lemon into the bottle and add a teaspoon of salt.
Shake
Add a little warm water, close the lid and shake well for a minute.
Scrub
Use a long bottle brush on the inside, and rub the outside with the same lemon half.
Rinse & dry
Rinse well and stand it upside down to dry completely.
Other kitchen-cupboard cleaners
Lemon + salt
The everyday method. Quick and gentle.
Tamarind pulp
Traditional and great for heavy darkening on the outside.
Vinegar + salt
For stubborn spots. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Green patches inside are copper corrosion (verdigris). Scrub them away completely with lemon and salt before using the bottle again. For a dull exterior or a heirloom chombu, our team offers professional copper polishing — or browse all polishing services.
Is it real copper? A quick check
- Look inside. For drinking, the inner surface should be bare copper, not coated or plated steel.
- Feel the weight. Pure copper feels noticeably heavy for its size.
- Check the joint. Good bottles have neat, leak-proof joints and a well-fitting lid.
- Buy from a trusted seller who states the material clearly.
Copper bottles we stock
Explore jugs, tumblers and chombus in our Copper collection.
Frequently asked questions
How long should water be stored in a copper bottle?
Overnight, or about 6–8 hours, is the traditional practice. Drink it during the day and refill with fresh water daily.
Can I put lemon water in a copper bottle?
No. Lemon and other sour drinks react with copper and can dissolve too much of it into the drink. Use only plain water.
Can I drink copper water every day?
Many people do. Keep it moderate — a couple of glasses a day — and use plain water only. If you have a health condition, ask your doctor.
Why has my copper bottle turned black or green?
Copper naturally darkens as it reacts with air and water. Black tarnish is normal; green spots inside should be scrubbed off with lemon and salt before use.
Can I keep a copper bottle in the fridge?
It's best not to. Store it at room temperature and drink the water as it is.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Please speak to your doctor about any health concerns.
