- Store-bought silver pastes are available for the most tarnished of items. They can range from a completely smooth paste to one with micro pieces of grit in them to aid in rubbing off the tarnish. Pastes can be left on for a certain amount of time to remove stains, but should be used according to the directions on the container. However, these products are usually toxic and should always be used with gloves in a well-ventilated area. The Society of American Silversmiths recommends Bon Ami cleanser as a good yet abrasive paste.
- Store-bought liquids are an easier alternative to creating your own, however they are similar to store-bought pastes in that they are usually toxic and gloves should always be worn when using the products. Use the liquid in a well-ventilated area. Some are concentrated liquids and require dilution with water. Be sure to check the label to find out whether it needs to be diluted. The Society of American Silversmiths recommends Hagerty's Silversmiths' Wash on its website.
- Pastes can be effective to clean tougher tarnish stains on silver. White toothpaste slightly diluted with water can be rubbed onto tarnished areas and then rinsed off. Mixing baking soda and water creates a paste you can scrub silver with using your fingers. If the silver is extremely tarnished, you can leave the baking soda on for about an hour before cleaning it off. Lemon juice can replace the water, but this is better for a silver alloy rather than silver plating as the acid can remove the silver plating from the item.
- Baking soda is the common ingredient in homemade liquid cleaners. It provides a liquid safe and gentle on jewelry and other precious silver items and does not require scrubbing. Mix two tablespoons each of baking soda and salt with hot water in a foil-lined container. Leave items in the water for five minutes or until clean.
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