On Sun, 15 Jul 2012 14:39:48 GMT, "l, not -l" > wrote:

>
>On 15-Jul-2012, Gary > wrote:
>
>> jmcquown wrote:
>> >
>> > Ketchup! from the following website (and also a recommendation by a
>> > maid
>> > service):
>> >
>> > http://www.realsimple.com/home-organ...572/index.html
>> >
>> > Use ketchup to: Remove tarnish from copper and brass cookware. Squeeze
>> > ketchup onto a cloth and rub it on pots and pans. They should go back to
>> > their coppery color in minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry with a
>> > towel.
>> >
>> > I don't like ketchup, but like a lot of people I do have a bottle of it.
>> > I
>> > had no idea I could use it to clean my copper-clad Revere Ware.
>> > Surprise!
>> >
>> > Jill
>>
>> LOL!
>> I have lots of Revereware with copper bottoms. Try the ketchup and report
>> back. I'll bet it's a joke and won't work at all. I used to scrub mine
>> clean for a short while but finally gave up as it takes way more time than
>> the average cook has.
>
>Salt and vinegar are commonly used to remove tarnish from copper pans; given
>the amount of salt and vinegar in ketchup, I'd imagine it would do the job.
>Of course, salt and vinegar are much less expensive than ketchup and,
>generally, as widely found in the home.

The thing is that salt and vinegar will damage copper and other
cookware, it will cause pitting. If one insists on shiney cookware
then use a metal polish made specifically for that particular metal...
acid and salt is the last thing I'd use for polishing any metal.