I use super fine steel wool to clean the burnt stuff off of pyrex.
This
but I use Goo Gone as well & I just use regular steel wool at first then use the super fine 0000 steel wool after, seems to work fine for me!
Polishing the old aluminum could provide beneficial for resale purpose (if it's real scratched up) but if they are in pretty good shape I say don't do anything but clean them up real well! I sell a lot of old aluminum pots, pans, utensils & small appliances + I have amassed a fine collection of stuff I use regularly. I really love aluminum pans & the better quality stainless over aluminum pots.
Old vintage EKCO made in USA SS utensils like mr rich said are good things like cake/pie servers, can openers, spatulas, large spoons, graters, large 2 prong meat forks, pizza cutters, potato peelers & so on. I regularly get $50 out of a 7-8 piece set like I just listed.
The tupperware with the clear type lids are safer bets as they don't shatter like boristhespider88 showed you can happen. But if the stuff is still real flexible & not real dry feeling you should be fine. The clear is great as long as there are no rips or the start of a rip.
Vintage Corning ware especially the blue wheat pattern always sells real good as does the old Gold Butterfly pattern Corelle dishes (platters, plates, bowls, mugs). The Pyrex lids Corning Ware came with sell great by their selves too! Some old Glasbake does pretty well!
I probably do the best on old aluminum &/or chrome small appliances from the 50's on back to the 20's.