www.fofweb.com/Onfiles/SEOF/Science_Experiments/5-5.pdf#search='removing%20silver%20tarnish this is a VERY good article... www.silversmithing.com/care.htm FROM THE ARTICLE... " Objects cleaned by this method may tarnish more quickly than silver that has been polished, for the object's surface will act like a sponge and more readily absorb tarnish-producing gases and moisture. The solution can also seep into hollow areas such as coffee pot handles, unsoldered spun beads around the tops of lightweight holloware, weighted pieces with minute holes, and any porous attachments. For these reasons, this cleaning technique is not recommended." Personally I use a felt glove and maybe some polishing compound rubbed on the glove to clean off my silver. I "should" follow that up with some kind of wax (like johnsons or renesconnse (spelling)) or I could use some silver cleaning cream that will not only take off the tarnish but will protect the metal for a while afterwords. I have used some cleaning wipes (for kitchens and furnature) however, after reading that article I'm leery of doign that again, or I will wash the metal off very well after using the wipes. however the article is right, and just a light cleaning now and then will go a long ways. So will tarnish strips and other things.