I agree I would not go near any of my DUI or wings with polishing compounds of any type.
What I will do for most of my metal insignia is use a mild neutral unscented soap and cold or luke warm water to hand wash them (no brushes, which could harm any soft metal) and then dry with a soft towel or cloth. Using soap and water will take off any dirt, oils or grease from handling, etc., but will not remove / change patination and should do no harm to metal and enamel insignia.
Plastic or painted insignia I will just leave alone or use a sterile Q-tip as suggested above if there is dirt that needs to be removed.
Soap and water WILL remove tarnish from sterling silver wings, but not the patination again. Personally I am comfortable with this, as then you get a shine back to wings without all the risks associated with polishing, including wear to the details of a wing. And of course if you leave the wing for long enough the tarnish will return once again.
The wings below have been washed with mild soap and as can be seen there is a nice natural shine to them, but none of the patina has been affect.
Caveat is of course if you do anything too much / harshly, then you will risk damage.
Cheers......John
Edited by Glidertrooper, 11 July 2019 - 04:13 PM.