Preserving Oxidation

• 1). Mix a few drops of non-lemon dish soap in water. Use a soft cloth to wash the silver piece. Remove dirt and buildup from small crevices, such as in jewelry, with cotton swabs.
  
  
• 2). Dry the silver thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth and swabs. Take special care to dry the oxidized sections especially well.
  
  
• 3). Rub a flannel polishing cloth along the non-oxidized portions of the item until it is clean and shiny.
  
  

Removing Oxidation

• 1). Wash the piece in soapy water and dry it well. Rub a polishing cloth over the entire surface to remove a light coat of oxidation.
  
  
• 2). Apply a nonabrasive paste to clean stubborn layers of oxidation. Place a small amount of polish on a cotton ball and rub on the paste in a back-and-forth pattern, not in circles. Rotate sides or use a new cotton ball when it becomes dirty, as some of the dirt and tarnish may attain contain abrasive elements that can scratch the silver.
  
  
• 3). Allow the paste to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the paste with a soft flannel cloth.
  
  
• 4). Clean paste from crevices and embellishments with a wetted soft-bristled art brush, cotton swab/ball or toothpick.