Cleaning silverplate

[elihellsten]

Hi. I just got home a compensating Eb from my brass band. However it is very dirty. Not tarnished, just dirty. What can I use to make remove the dirt? Is just water okay? I've heard that dish soap will result in tarnish. I have no polish around, except La Tromba spray polish (for lacquered instruments).

[Lee Stofer]

I would suggest that you find a good silver polish that has a tarnish inhibitor, then give the instrument a good bath, dry it, and polish it. Doing this should keep it looking good for 6 months to a year, depending upon the amount of usage.

[elihellsten]

Will do that as soon as I can, but I have got a concert tomorrow and wondering if it is fine to just try to rub some of the dirt away with a soft cloth and water?

[PMeuph]

Will do that as soon as I can, but I have got a concert tomorrow and wondering if it is fine to just try to rub some of the dirt away with a soft cloth and water?

A soft cloth and water is fine. I use one of those blue polishing cloths to remove finger smudges after I play.

You can also wipe it down with an ammonia free window cleaner.

[jsmn4vu]

The most tarnish-inhibiting polish I have found is Tarni-Shield, from 3M.