What is the Best Silver Cleaner?

If you have silver that tarnishes, you want to find the best cleaner to restore its mirror-like shine. A silver cleaner isn’t just for removing stains and grime–it can also add a protective coating that prevents tarnish in the future.

The best silver cleaner is one that won’t harm your jewelry or heirlooms, and will leave them sparkling like new. Look for products that are ammonia-free, non-toxic, and free of abrasive chemicals.

Some of the best silver cleaners are creams, liquids, or dips that can be used to soak and clean a variety of different items. These cleaning methods are effective for heavily tarnished pieces, and they’re easy to use. Some of these options even come with trays that make it easy to apply the cleaner to smaller items.

Liquids are less messy than creams, but they do take some time to work through a piece of silver. They can be applied with a cloth or sponge, then rinsed to remove any excess polish. If your silver is especially delicate, it might be easier to just submerge it in a liquid solution and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and buffing.

For large and complex objects that are hard to reach with a rag, foams may be the most effective option. These polishes can be applied with a brush or sponge, and they also cling to surfaces to help remove stubborn tarnish in difficult spots.

Goddard’s Silver Polish Foam works well for complicated trays and candelabras because it dries quickly to a shine that lasts, without needing a tough buffing afterward. It comes in a 6-ounce tub and even includes a sponge stick for easy application.

Wright’s Never Dull is a popular metal polish that “brings out the lustre of any metal, including silver,” according to antique dealer Nathan Horowicz. The product is safe for sterling silver, plated silver, and antique silver. It also contains an anti-tarnish agent, so it’s not likely to wear down the shiny layer of your silver pieces over time.

Another great polish, Wright’s is made with a natural oil that’s safe for silver. It’s also free of ammonia and scratch-resistant, so it can be used on a wide variety of silver products. It also has a fragrance, so it’s pleasant to use on silver items.

Some polishes are gentler than others, but they’re still best for lightly tarnished or not yet discolored silver items. They can be mixed with a bit of dish soap and water to create a DIY silver cleaner that’s effective and easy on delicate silver items.

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable way to clean silver that’s easy on your wallet and the environment, a baking soda-lemon juice solution is an excellent choice. This homemade cleaner is made with common pantry ingredients, and it’s a great way to get your silver looking brand-new again.

This all-natural silver cleaner works by oxidizing tarnish on silver, removing it and leaving it with a bright sheen. It’s best to spot test it on a small area first, and be sure to use a non-scratch sponge or cloth.