A good silver cleaner is a must-have for any home. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options for those looking to banish tarnish from their silverware and jewelry.
Many readers suggested cleaning with baking soda, which is something that Arm & Hammer suggests on their website. Simply put, baking soda is an inexpensive alternative to commercial polish that works to remove tarnish without scratches or abrasion. To use this natural cleaner, mix a small amount of baking soda with water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to a cloth or sponge and rub onto your silver material. Depending on how heavily tarnished your silver is you may need to leave the baking soda on for up to 10 minutes before rinsing clean with cool water.
Vinegar is another option for a cheap silver cleaner. It’s not as effective as other commercial products, but it’s still an affordable way to get your silver back in shape. To use this homemade cleaner, simply line a pot or pan with aluminum foil and add the dirty silver items you wish to clean. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow the silver to sit in the boiling liquid for a few minutes before removing it. Rinse well and dry.
A more expensive, yet very effective silver cleaner is ProtectaClear. This product is formulated to create an anti-tarnish barrier that can help reduce the frequency of scrubbing your silver pieces. The product comes in an applicator for applying it to a silver piece, and it’s also available in aerosol cans for those with larger items or hard-to-reach areas. To use the product, simply apply a thin coat to your silver with the applicator that’s included or any soft, lint-free cloth.