For tarnished silver items, 'Jif" is a great stand-in silver polish (or any similar cream cleanser with amonia in, but nothing with abrasive qualities). You just need to GENTLY rub it on (no scrubbing - you're not trying to rub off the tarnish, just allow the cleanser to do it's stuff), and watch it turn grey as it removes the tarnish. Now here's the trick - make sure it's completely rinsed off in cold water, then COMPLETELY dried with a soft cloth.  Even the slightest bit damp will mean the item immediately begins the tarnishing process again, but if cleaned and completely dry, it will stay bright and shiny for much longer.