Method for polishing silicon wafer

A method of polishing a silicon wafer, comprising:

• a first polishing step of polishing a surface of the silicon wafer while supplying to a polishing cloth a first polishing liquid comprising:
• a primary agent in a form of an alkaline aqueous solution;
• and abrasive grains, the first polishing liquid comprising no water-soluble polymer;
• subsequent to the first polishing step, a protection film formation step of supplying a protection film formation solution comprising a water-soluble polymer to the polishing cloth after being used in the first polishing step, and bringing the protection film formation solution into contact with the polished surface of the silicon wafer subjected to the first polishing step to form a protection film on the polished surface;
• and
• a second polishing step of polishing the surface of the silicon wafer where the protection film is formed while supplying, to a polishing cloth different from the polishing cloth used in the first polishing step, a second polishing liquid comprising:
• a primary agent in a form of an alkaline aqueous solution;
• abrasive grains;
• and a water-soluble polymer.