7 Reasons to Keep Copper Sulfate Handy in Your Home

Written by Amir Tajer

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Posted on January 08 2018

7 Reasons to Keep Copper Sulfate Handy in Your Home

Of the many substances found in nature, few are as versatile as Copper Sulfate.

An inorganic compound derived from the combination of Copper and Sulfur, Copper Sulfate takes the form of a bright blue salt.

Due to its vivid color, it also goes by the names Cupric Sulfate, Copper Sulfite, chalcanthite, blue vitriol, and bluestone.

Color isn't the only outstanding characteristic of Copper Sulfate, however.

Affordable and extremely useful to everyone from farmers to science teachers, the benefits of Copper Sulfate are vast and far-reaching.

Due to its chemical makeup, this compound is highly advantageous in addressing an overly alkaline environment, remedying plant fungi, unwanted root growth, algae growth, and so much more.

1. Fertilizer and Fungicide

Agricultural applications are among the most common uses of Copper Sulfate, boasting numerous functions throughout the care and management of crops. Copper Sulfate is often used as a fertilizer, increasing the copper content of the soil.

This can help to rectify peaty and acidic soils in order to create a hospitable climate for plant growth. Further, Copper Sulfate can be used to address mildew, leaf spots, blight and apple scabs on field fruit trees, nut trees, and vegetables.

2. Pipe Clearing

As a potent compound, Copper Sulfate can be used to clear out problems within your pipes.

Copper Sulfate is particularly effective in clearing root growth from pipes, killing roots safely and quickly.

Due to the minimal absorption required to trigger root death, utilizing Copper Sulfate does not harm the tree itself, preserving plant health while offering a natural alternative to corrosive chemicals.

3. Water Treatments

Algae can be problematic, creating issues with water quality in ponds and lakes.

In order to address algae without compromising the sustainability of fish and other animal communities, Copper Sulfate can be applied to the water.

Copper is most appropriate in situations with alkalinity values over 50 parts per million; alkalinity below this amount may trigger copper sensitivity, increasing the risks of copper poisoning.

4. Pest Control

For a more natural form of pest control, Copper Sulfate can be used to clear trees and gardens of unwanted critters.

A coating of Bordeaux Copper Sulfate mixture can be applied directly to tree trunks to kill snails and slugs, helping to protect commercial or residential property from infestation.

5. Etching

Etching on metal is a popular pastime, both for individuals who are artistically inclined as well as those who want to create a monogrammed or custom look for household items.

Copper Sulfate is an effective way to leave a lasting imprint on soft metals like zinc, mild steel, and aluminum, creating an easy at-home approach to crafting.

A saline sulfate etch mixture can be formed using a combination of Copper Sulfate, sodium chloride, and water, leading to beautiful marks left on metal without a significant investment of time or money.

6. Fun Science

Chemical compounds aren't just for practical purposes. Copper Sulfate also plays a role in science experiments, including the development of beautiful blue crystals.

Performed using a saturated Copper Sulfate, water, and a jar, the evaporation process can create an exciting science project children will love.

Simply pour Copper Sulfate into your jar, mix with water, and watch and wait. In hours, crystals will start to form, growing upwards. Once a desirable shape and size have been reached, gently remove the crystals from the jar and lay them to dry on paper towels.

Shop Our Copper Sulfate Crystals

From agriculture to etching, Copper Sulfate is a versatile, flexible, and effective compound perfect in countless applications.

Whether you're seeking a fun experiment to share with your child or a way to strengthen your garden's potential, Copper Sulfate can do wonders inside and outside your home.

Shop our Copper Sulfate powder below to get started on any of these projects and more!

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Jan 08, 18 • By Amir

15 Comments

Comments

15 Comments

I live in a area of copper poor soils. This really shows up in my fruit trees, especially the peaches.
I was wondering how much copper sulfate should be added to the soil around the trees.
I already spray them, but would like to correct the soil problem..
Thanks

Posted by Joe | August 19, 2021
Jen: Hi there, thanks for your concern! You’ll be happy to know that our product has a section on the product label with a warning regarding some of the risks you mention. Additionally, a full description of possible adverse affects and further warnings are provided on the product page of our Copper Sulfate Crystals within the Material Safety Data Sheet that is available under the “more information” tab on the product page. Thank you!

Posted by Greenway Biotech | April 21, 2021
I agree that copper sulfate is a wonder chemical in many ways and I cannot speak enough about its ability to deal with fungal infections, especially on roses! However, I am greatly disappointed that while you tout all its positive attributes, you make absolutely ZERO effort to warn people about just how corrosive and dangerous a chemical it is.

Copper sulfate is a strong acid and will burn your skin if you touch it with bare hands. If you get it in your eyes, you could lose your sight. It will also eat into clothes that are not washed immediately. So yeah, not only should you wear long pants and long sleeves but throw them in the wash immediately after spraying anything with copper sulfate.

Just because it has been given the label ‘organic’ in the context of gardening, does not mean that it is in fact organic. It is an inorganic compound and a potentially very dangerous one! As such, you need to be extremely careful when dealing with copper sulfate.

Posted by Jen | April 21, 2021
Good morning, our garden is a magnet for slugs and snails, what would you suggest we encourage them to move to our neighbours gardens instead of eating our vegetables before we can?

Many thanks.

Posted by Bren | December 02, 2020
I want to kill the moss that’s growing on the asphalt shingles on my roof. I’ve been told a mild solution of Copper Sulfate will do that, but will it harm the latex or acrylic paint or the Hardiplank that’s on the exterior of my house.

Posted by Linda Smith | November 24, 2020
Can you use it on drains for a washing machine

Posted by Elaine corner | July 31, 2020
Venkatachalampalanisamy: Hello, thanks for reaching out! We would suggest removing the decayed tree trunk completely. We have an article on how to do this with Epsom Salt if you’d like to try to remove the trunk on your own which is linked here: https://www.greenwaybiotech.com/blogs/news/epsom-salt-formula-for-stump-removal
We hope this helps. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

Posted by Greenway Biotech | August 13, 2019
in.My 10 years Old Flowers, Tree One of the. Trunk Infected Decay Adjacent Trunks Bear Flowers What Shall I Do Prevent Further Lass Of Trunks To Bear Flowers Year’s Around From Decaying If Trunks.

Posted by Venkatachalampalanisamy | August 13, 2019
Ruben: Hello, thank you for your question! For blight, you’ll want to create an anti fungal spray. Mix 4 tsp os Copper Sulfate Crystals in 1 gallon of water. Spray this solution onto your plants. Avoid spraying on hot, windy or rainy days. You’ll also want to wear goggles, pants and a long sleeve shirt to prevent the solution irritating your skin or eyes. Repeat application every 7 to 10 days.

Posted by Greenway Biotech | August 08, 2019
Susan: Hello Susan, thank you for reaching out! First, you must determine the alkalinity of your pond. You can do this by using a pH test kit. Secondly, divide the alkalinity level provided from the test kit, by 100. This will give you the amount of Copper Sulfate needed for your pond. We hope this helps! Please reach out with any additional questions or concerns.

Posted by Greenway Biotech | August 08, 2019
How much would I use in a 1/4 acre pond?

Posted by Susan | August 08, 2019
would like information how to mix copper sulfate for blight in my garden

Posted by Ruben Rose | August 08, 2019
Ellen if you have an acre of water I would buy a container with a hose attachment so the spray will cover a large area. Start with 2 cups of bluestone and let the wind help move your spray. Your pond will clear up and grow a different type of algae, like sea weed. Wait a couple days and repeat. My fish, bullfrogs never died. You can always add more so start slowly and just use good judgment. The wind is your friend so move the spray to help coverage. Don’t spray into the wind. A 1/2 inch drip irrigation line is a cheap way to make a hose to reach, just put female and male connectors to water fossets and the sprayer. Water will fill the container and dilute the bluestone as it sprays out.

Posted by Steve Thaning | July 23, 2019
Ellen: Hello Ellen, thanks for your question! The answer to your question is twofold: First, you must determine the alkalinity of your pond. You can do this by using a pH test kit. Secondly, divide the alkalinity level provided from the test kit, by 100. This will give you the amount of Copper Sulfate needed for your pond. We hope this helps! Please reach out with any additional questions or concerns.

Posted by Greenway Biotech | July 22, 2019
How much would I need to put into a pond that is around 1 ac. It is covered in algea

Posted by Ellen Moore | July 22, 2019