• Wash your hands first to remove any oils prior to polishing or use nitrile gloves (not latex as it contains sulfur) so you won't get fingerprints on your silver. • Wax porous attachments – such as wooden handles and ivory insulators – prior to cleaning unless you're certain you won't get water on them. • Rinse the object under warm running water while gently wiping it with a cellulose sponge to remove any particulate. If dried polish has accumulated in recessed or ornamental areas, it should be lightly tapped out (also under running water) with a natural-bristle brush, such as a hoursehair or white china bristle brush after the polish has been rehydrated. (See other brush options here.)  Dry the object immediately with a cotton towel. • Remove any remaining grime with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol using cotton balls, cotton makeup pads, and/or cotton swabs. This step will remove light tarnish as well as grime. This is an important step as you won't be polishing grime into your silver, plus it will make polishing that much easier. • Herman's is concentrated – a little goes a long way! • Don't be stingy with the cotton balls or makeup pads (I prefer Walmart's Swisspers Premium Exfoliating Rounds because they're sturdier than regular makeup pads). Constantly rotate them to expose clean material. • To remove tarnish in tight spaces, use a Q-tip or wrap a Popsicle stick or wooden skewer with a cotton makeup pad or cotton ball. • Use your sink's sprayer to rinse off Herman's as it's more efficient. • Hold a piece of white paper up to the piece you're polishing as it will reveal if there is additional tarnish that needs to be removed. • Rinse with warm water and dry immediately with a cotton towel to avoid water spotting. • Remember, it's always better to take more time using a gentle polish than skimping on time using a harsher brand that may damage your silver. • Learn from a professional conservator how to properly care for all your silver here.

  
Jeffrey Herman, ASAS, FIPG
Herman Silver Restoration & Conservation
PO Box 786, West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893, USA
401/461-6840 • hermansilver.com • jeff@hermansilver.com
Comprehensive Silver Care Instructions • Herman's Simply Clean SDS