Removing mineral buildup on copper plumbing pipes in basement

[Davma]

Hi.

I'm going to be insulating the copper water pipes this weekend but before I do I'd like to remove the blue/green/white buildup that has occurred in a few places.

I've heard one opinion to just leave it alone. If I want to remove it, what's the best method? Baking soda? Vinegar? Steel Wool?

Any thoughts are welcomed.

Thanks Dave

[Joseph Meehan]

What places is this stuff? Has it changed any in the last couple of years?

[scott_z500]

I used steel wool and soap on my copper pipes, Then I used brasson on it. Then I waxed it. It looks like new now.