As for general cymbal care and maintenance, it is always good to regularly wipe cymbals after every usage, using a dry, clean, non-abrasive cloth. And whenever we'll be handling cymbals (set-up, storage, etc.), it's recommended to wear gloves so that we won't be leaving any finger marks on the cymbal's surface. I don't have a pair of gloves, so what I do is I hold my cymbals on its edges. Then, like what I said, I'll wipe my cymbals.
Based on experiences, the more I neglect the dirt and marks on my cymbals, the harder it will be to remove it when it's time for actual polishing. For me, cymbals are like fine jewelry. We have to take really great care of it, and it always looks better when it's clean and shiny.
If we want to keep our cymbals looking like new, I believe that proper cymbal care and cleaning must become a good habit. Parang kotse... Kapag bago, syempre maganda at makintab pa... But if one doesn't have the habit of cleaning and maintaining the car regularly, mas mabilis siyang magmumukhang luma. Drive lang nang drive, pero di naman marunong mag-alaga hehe!
I never tried kerosene for cymbal cleaning. I know someone who uses oil for their cymbals (ex. - Singer oil, for sewing machines and household items). It works, but it leaves an oily surface to work with (which is tough for drummers who do lots of cymbal chokes). Like what I said in my previous reply, I use cleaners which are specially formulated for cymbals. That, I think, is our safest bet.
