Use a mild soap on a clean washrag to remove any accumulated residue.
Rinse and dry the instrument.
Determine if the instrument has a lacquer finish sprayed over silver plating. If it does, do not use a silver cleaner on it!
Use silver cleaning paste or cream only if a silver-plated instrument has no lacquer finish! In this case, use very small amounts of the paste or cream on a small portion of the bell.
Remove the paste or cream with a damp rag and note the effect on the metal beneath.
Be cautious and note if the silver plating is so thin that it is wearing away and the darker metal beneath is being exposed. If so, stop!
Continue using in larger areas only if you see a rich and even reflection in the metal.
