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Metal fittings should be cleaned in progression, starting with the mildest solutions first such as mineral oil applied with cotton wadding.
If at all possible, the goal should be to clean brass of silver fittings to remove dirt and grime, not polish and buff if at all possible. Personally, I do not like to polish fittings and I will only polish if the fittings are black and becoming green with verdigris; then the fittings must be cleaned to stop the corrosion.
As these fittings were heavily tarnished, they were cleaned with a non-abrasive metal polish. Recommended brands are Nevr-Dull and Hagerty Silversmith Polish although I have never used the latter. Although liquid polishes can be used, they tend to run in between the fittings and are difficult to remove. For this reason, a good quality polish that is supplied in cotton wads is the most efficient. Careful rubbing will remove the tarnish and reveal the German silver or brass underneath. This is then lightly buffed with a soft, clean cloth. | | |
