thanks ladies - I'll give it a go.

Fletch - I had them under control in much the same manner until DH and my dad took over the washing up and kitchen cleaning while I was sick and post c/section and with sick kids etc - neither of them believed in cleaning them and they are now, after a couple of months of brief rinse only (to tell you the truth I'm surprised they got that) in need of a good scrub with something - ajax by the sound of it - although i might try the bicarb paste first since I have some of that in the cupboard.