Marti, Since I made mine I don't have directions with it...But if your directions say that there must be a reason. Somewhere I thought I read to use salt water. But I think tonight I'll wash the copper real good and use plain water and see if the same discoloration happens. I don't believe I read the salt water thing in Dr. Clarks book...I think it was in someone's post and now that I think about it maybe it was for zappers with wrist bands ?