Cleaning really badly tarnished copper

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Thank you for reminding me that my copper tray needs cleaning. I use Brasso wadding cleaner, which I think used to be called Duraglit. Although the tray is ornate it doesn't get stuck in the grooves. Rub on, buff off, hardly any elbow grease required and very satisfying.

Brown sauce, cheap and better than using harsh chemicals, rub it on leave for a few minutes rub off. Make sure you have sunglasses close to hand

It is the vinegar in the tomato sauce and brown sauce. The rest of the ingredients just spread it nicely around and keep it in place to do its work.

Yes I think it's ketchup too and I wonder if it works on brass as well? Anyone know?

Rinse it then, of course, and rub it up with a soft cloth. don't do this on any plated silver that has bare bits of the under metal, they will discolour.

And for silver, line a bowl with aluminium foil, add a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda, the pour over boiling water so that is fizzes. Soak the silver in it while it is still hot. You can almost watch the tarnish vanishing. The aluminium goes discoloured as the tarnish molecules transfer to it.

brown sauce works too

Thanks J52, I'd forgotten the toothpaste trick.

Tomato ketchup works beautifully. Spread it on, leave five minutes clean off with one of those sponge/scourer washing up pads. Depending on the brand it might leave a rosy glow.

I only do it about once a month,,,,was going to box pipes off but elderly plumber told me to do this over 30 years ago...Lovely feature attached to range

While we're on the subject, toothpaste cleans silver. I put it on a toothbrush and clean sliver bracelets etc with it.

If the tomato sauce works, kitty I'd stick with that - it's a helluva lot cheaper than Town Talk!!

It does sound daft but IT WORKS. Tomato sauce it is. I'll buy JL next time I go though for regular use!

I know it sounds daft but I accidentally spilt tomato ketchup on part of an old saucepan.The area affected came up like new so I decided to cover the whole pan with the stuff, it worked a treat!

I use tomato ketchup to clean my Cooper piping it's the only thing I can get t clean with

Thank you - I'll try anything that doesn't involve too much elbow grease!

I've heard you can make a paste with salt vinegar and flour then apply with a tooth brush leave for a while and just wash off in warm water... sposed to work well.

Or salt and white wine vinegar.

John Lewis do some stuff called Town Talk Anti Tarnish Brass and Copper polish. You rub it on and then rinse it off and dry with a soft cloth. I have only used the silver version of the polish but it is good. I used to use JL silver foam, but this is not as messy.