If you are spending money on products that are "DESIGNED" to clean cymbals, STOP!  Most of the products that are made by cymbal companies are just re-packaged products that are intended for other purposes.  Take Buckaroo Cymbal Polish... You can get the same thing called wadding polish from an automotive store for a fraction of the price.  It even comes in the same kind of can.

What we want to talk about here is BAR KEEPERS FRIEND. This is a powder based cleaner formulated for various metals.  It just so happens to do a great job on cymbals... especially brilliant cymbals.  It can be purchased at Lowe's for a couple of bucks and there is enough in the can to last a long time.

This cleaner does not require any buffing action so it is a real time saver.  You do have to be able to rinse the cymbals off so it is best to be at a large sink like I have in my garage or use your bathtub.  You will need a lint free cloth or sponge for the actual cleaning and soft towel for drying.

1. Wet the cloth or sponge and dampen the side of the cymbal you are working on.

2.  Apply cleaning powder to the cloth or sponge and work it in with a little water so it forms a paste.

3. Begin rubbing the cloth or sponge into the cymbal surface in a circular fashion following the grain of the lathe.  It is not necessary to apply much pressure... just a little elbow grease will do the job.

4.  Rinse and repeat on the other side.

5.  Towel dry.

RESULTS >>                      BEFORE                                              AFTER