The old-fashioned way of removing tarnish by hand polishing is with a non-abrasive silver polish is best for your antique or vintage silver. Hand polishing will remove tarnish and it will not remove the patina but rather, add to it. Many people do not know that silver actually does acquire a patina over time. It isn't all just tarnish. Whatever you do, never use a chemical dip type cleaner to clean silver. Personally i'd leave it alone, it gives it more character.