Rubbed to a shine

Tarnished brass fittings and candlesticks can be brought back to brightness with the help of the household condiment, ketchup. Weak acid and salt help to dissolve copper oxide, so the citric acid in the tomatoes, vinegar and salt in the sauce can make an effective polish. It is simply rubbed onto the item and left for approximately 10 minutes before being wiped away with a clean cloth.