How to Use a Silver Cleaner

Silver cleaner remove tarnish from flatware, jewelry and other silver pieces. Unlike rust, which requires a strong metal cleaner to work effectively, tarnish can be easily removed with common household items like baking soda and lemon juice. Many of these cleaning solutions are inexpensive, easy to use and non-toxic. Some are available as a dip, others come in a liquid or cream formula for deeper cleaning and polishing. Liquids and creams typically work best for bigger pieces of silverware, while dips are ideal for rings and delicate necklaces. Before buying any product, be sure to read the label and test it on a small section of your item to make sure it won’t cause any damage or discoloration.

A gentle and cost effective option for tarnished silver is Weiman’s Silver Cleaner and Polish. This solution is ammonia-free and provides a slight amount of scrubbing to remove the tarnish, then delivers a high shine as the final step. To use, apply the cleaner to a soft cloth and buff over your silver piece, following the instructions on the packaging. Generally, you should rub in a straight back and forth motion, and switch to a fresh cloth or sponge as the old one becomes discolored.

If you’d prefer to use a more natural method, try mixing water and baking soda to create a paste and then applying it with a soft cloth to your silver pieces. This will remove tarnish without any scrubbing or abrasion and is a safe, environmentally friendly choice.