Copper
Simply cut a lemon in half, dip in some salt and start scrubbing. When you have finished, give it a rub with a cloth and some olive oil.
Cast iron
To remove rust, rub with the cut side of half a potato dipped in liquid detergent. Rinse. Wipe with oil to seal.
Burnt on food
Sprinkle with baking soda, add a little water to make a paste and leave overnight. If that doesn’t work, ramp it up with washing soda, a little water to make a paste and leave overnight.
Silver Cleaner
You’ll need a container, preferably made of aluminium, such as a pot or jam pan. Alternatively, use aluminium foil to cover the bottom of a glass bowl. Make a solution by mixing one rounded dessertspoon of washing soda per litre of hot water, enough to cover the item to be cleaned. Immerse, making sure it is in contact with the aluminium when in the solution. Heavily tarnished ones may need repeat treatment and even the help of a soft-bristled paintbrush.
If you’re cleaning lots of cutlery in a stainless steel sink or container this will take longer, as the solution will first clean the steel. It’s the aluminium that sets off the cleaning action. Rinse in water and dry with a cloth.
Warning: do not immerse non-metal items or those with painted surfaces, as they could be damaged. Be cautious if silver items have other non-silver components.
