Sterling silver has a quiet kind of beauty — bright, luminous and full of character. But over time, even the finest silver can begin to dull or tarnish. It is a natural process, not a flaw. And with a little care, your silver jewellery can keep its soft glow for years to come.
Here is how to clean your sterling silver safely and keep it looking its best.
Why Silver Tarnishes
Tarnish forms when silver reacts with the air, especially if exposed to moisture, sulphur or certain chemicals (like those found in perfumes or lotions). It is a thin layer that darkens the surface — but the silver beneath is still perfectly sound.
The Gentle Way: A Soft Cloth
For light tarnish or everyday care, this is often all you need:
➤ Use a clean, dry, lint-free cloth (a jewellery polishing cloth is ideal)
➤ Gently rub the surface to restore its brightness
➤ Avoid rubbing too hard — silver is soft and can scratch
Tip: Polish in straight lines, not circles, to avoid texture changes.
A Simple Home Cleaning Method
If your silver needs more than a polish:
➤ Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up.
➤ Add a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and a tablespoon of salt.
➤ Pour in hot water — just enough to cover your jewellery.
➤ Drop in the pieces (not touching each other) and wait 2–5 minutes.
➤ Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.
This chemical reaction gently lifts tarnish without harsh scrubbing.
What to Avoid
➤ No toothpaste or baking soda pastes — they are too abrasive and can scratch your jewellery.
➤ Do not use tissue or paper towels — they may leave fine marks.
➤ Avoid soaking pieces with pearls, opals or soft stones, which can be damaged by water or the solution.
Storing Your Jewellery
To keep tarnish at bay:
➤ Store your pieces in a dry, cool place, away from sunlight
➤ Use anti-tarnish pouches or soft fabric bags
➤ Keep jewellery separate to avoid tangling or scratching
Tip: Wearing your silver often can help keep it brighter. The natural movement and contact with your skin help slow tarnish.
At LENAE, our sterling silver pieces are designed to age beautifully. We choose materials not just for their appearance, but for how they live and change over time. Every mark is a memory, every soft gleam is a quiet reminder of what matters.
A little care goes a long way. And we think there is something poetic about looking after the things you love.