Cross:
The symbol of the Christian faith. Considered to have power against the vampire and symbolic of all that is holy.
The cross wards off vampires and burns their flesh. However, the Master was able to conquer his fear and actually grabbed a huge cross without any damage to himself. I think his palm smoked a little though.
Holy Water:
Symbol of life and all that is holy.
Holy water burns the vampire's flash but the effects are not permanent.
Garlic:
Traditionally used as an herb and medicine, it wards off vampires and burns their flesh.
I think I've seen Buffy have some in her slayer trunk but I've never actually seen her use it.
Stake:
Very effective and Buffy's weapon of choice. Pierces the vampires' heart turning it to dust. However, it must be the heart, or nothing happens.
Can be anything made of wood: tree branch, chair leg, etc.
Sunlight:
Debated. Some vampire lore note that vampires can walk during the day but their powers are weakened.
Sunlight burns and turns vampires to dust.
Fire:
Associated with ritual, cleansing and the sun. Considered an effective way to kill vampires but their ashes must be scattered to prevent resurrection.
In the past, Buffy used fire to slay vampires, by burning down her old school's gym. Recently, she's used it to destroy the vampire Absalom.
