Wax Porous Attachments
Before cleaning apply wax to any porous components, such as wooden handles or ivory insulators, to protect them from moisture during the process.

Clean the silver
Gently rinse the object under warm running water, using a cellulose sponge and phosphate-free detergent (Dawn) to wipe away any loose particles. If dried polish has accumulated in recessed or decorative areas, rehydrate the polish and lightly work it out with a natural-bristle brush under running water. Aloe-free hand sanitizer can also be used to clean light tarnish, and plant-based window clean used to clean any remaining residues.

Polish
Once clean, silver is much easier to polish. Understand silver polish is inherently abrasive, you want to use the least abrasive option. Prep a surface with a town, using plastic under the towel if on a wood or porous surface. Apply polish with a clean cotton rag, cellulose sponge, cotton balls, makeup pads, or cotton swabs by rubbing in a straight, back-and-forth motion to maintain a uniform appearance. Cotton tend to remove tarnish more quickly than a sponge as the polish compacts in the cotton. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of cotton balls and such.

Check for Tarnish

Hold a piece of white paper next to the silver while polishing. The reflection will help you see any remaining tarnish. Be careful not to mistake tarnish for firestain, and understand the effects of salt encrustation.

Rinse and Dry
Rinse the object thoroughly under warm water to remove any residual polish, and dry it immediately with a cotton towel to avoid water spots. Use brush gently to ensure no polish is left in recessed or decorative areas.

Inspect for Base Metals

If you see exposed copper or white metal inside silver-plated pieces you drink from or use for eating, do not use them. The object will need to be re-plated as base metals can contain lead.

Store in treated flannel, in dry and air-tight space

Understand what causes tarnish to prevent it in storage. When not in use, silver is best stored in treated flannel bags which help draw sulfer away from the object, in air-tight and dry space. A plastic bag or box that tightly seals with gel silica is effective at slowing tarnishing. Modern silver polishes offer tarnish inhibitors that can leave silver sparkling for years when polished and stored correctly.