How to Clean & Care For Your Medals: 5 Easy Steps

Are you wondering how to clean your medals?

Without proper care, your hard-earned achievements can tarnish over time. But don't worry, you've come to the right place.

At MedalStudio, we have years of experience designing and manufacturing high-quality medals and awards, so we truly understand the importance of preserving their beauty and significance.

That's why, in this article, we’ll explain how to clean your metal, acrylic, or wooden medals. We’ll also share some useful tips to help preserve their condition for years to come.

Let's dive in!

How to Clean Your Medals?

Cleaning and caring for your medals is not just an act of maintenance; it is a way of honouring and preserving the achievements, efforts, and dedication they represent. Each medal tells a unique story, and taking the time to care for them is a means of keeping those special moments alive.

To do so properly, it is crucial to consider the material they are made of. Not all medals require the same treatment: a wooden medal needs very different care compared to one made of metal, as incorrect methods could cause damage.

Additionally, it is essential to use gentle cleaning tools and products to avoid scratches or deterioration, ensuring that your medals remain in their best condition for years to come.

Below, we provide specific tips for caring for your medals according to their material.

Metal Medals

Metal medals are among the most common types of awards due to their durability. When well-maintained, they can truly become the centre of attention and spark interesting conversations.

Although metal medals are durable, it is important to use non-abrasive materials to clean them.

According to Science Direct, metals can easily form a thin oxide layer when they come into contact with air. The way they react with oxygen can vary depending on the metal, so it's crucial to clean them periodically and use the correct cleaning supplies.

Most commercial cleaning products specific for metal found in supermarkets can work when cleaning your metal medals. However, at MedalStudio, we believe you can also use products you can find in your kitchen.

Here's how to clean your custom metal medals with natural ingredients:

1. Mix warm water with dish soap in a bowl For tarnished medals, try creating a paste using one tablespoon of baking soda and a small amount of water. You can also use vinegar to clean your medals.
2. Use a toothbrush or any other type of brush with soft bristles to clean the medal with the cleaning solution you previously prepared. Be gentle while scrubbing the medal to avoid scratching it.
3. Rinse the medal under running water to remove any soap, vinegar, or baking soda. This will prevent any corrosion.
4. Dry the metal medal with a clean, soft cloth.

Tip: If you have ketchup at home, try using it for tarnished medals. I know this might sound a bit unusual, but ketchup contains acids that can help dissolve tarnish and light stains. Simply apply ketchup directly onto a cloth and rub it onto the tarnished areas of the medal. Then, let it sit for a few minutes, gently scrub, and rinse.

Wooden Medals

If you've recently received a medal made from sustainable materials, such as wood, you may be wondering about the best way to preserve it without causing damage.

When cleaning wooden medals, it is important to handle them with care, as wood is a porous material that can absorb moisture. According to Britannica, moisture can affect all properties of wood, potentially leading to swelling and deterioration over time.

But don't worry, at MedalStudio, we have extensive experience with wooden medals. So here are some tips on cleaning and maintenance that we've found helpful.

1. Gently dust your wooden medals with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can also use a soft toothbrush, but take care to be gentle to avoid scratching the surface.
2. For light stains, dampen a cloth slightly with a small amount of vinegar and water, then gently rub the affected area. Be cautious not to over-wet the cloth, as too much moisture can damage the wood by causing it to absorb water.
3. To protect the finish, you can apply a thin layer of wood wax. This is usually available at most hardware shops or supermarkets.

Remember that it is important to avoid moisture to preserve your hard-earned wooden medals for the years to come. When not in use, try storing them in a dry place and keep them out of direct sunlight, as exposure can cause the wood to fade.

Acrylic Medals

Caring for and cleaning your acrylic medals is very straightforward. Unlike wood, acrylic has a smooth and non-porous surface, making it much easier to keep in good condition.

Additionally, acrylic is water-resistant and less prone to tough stains, ensuring your medals always look as good as new. That’s why, at MedalStudio, we love working with acrylic for our customised medals.

Follow these 4 simple steps to clean your acrylic medals:

1. Mix dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
2. Dip a soft microfibre cloth into the solution and use it to clean your medals. For tough stains, use a soft toothbrush.
3. Rinse your medals in warm water to remove the soap.
4. Dry the medals with a soft microfibre cloth.

Although acrylic is an easy material to clean, remember to avoid abrasive materials such as harsh chemicals or alcohol. It's also important to be gentle when wiping the medals to prevent scratching or causing any damage.

Historic Medals

Unlike modern medals, historic medals require special care to ensure their proper preservation.

So, if you own medals of significant value due to their age and historical context, it is essential to follow these care recommendations:

1. Inspect the medal and identify its material, as not all materials can be cleaned in the same way.
2. Use specialised cleaners for the specific type of material. While a commercial cleaner can be purchased, we recommend starting with a mild cleaning solution (water and neutral pH soap). DON'T use abrasives.
3. Avoid submerging the medal in the solution or water, as this may cause oxidation and corrosion.
4. Remove any residue from the solution and dry the medal immediately with a soft cloth.
5. To better preserve your historic medals, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

When cleaning historical medals, ensure that you remove the ribbon to prevent damage. If it cannot be removed, place a card or spacer beneath the ribbon to protect it from the cleaning solution.

Please keep in mind that if your medals and heavily tarnished, we recommend seeking professional help. Conservationists can clean historic medals without damaging their value.

Maintaining the Value of Your Medals

Properly cleaning and caring for your medals is crucial to preserve their significance. Each type of material requires specific cleaning methods, but all should be cleaned using gentle, non-abrasive materials. Consider using natural solutions such as mild soap or vinegar, and ensure that your wooden medals are not exposed to moisture.

If you have any questions regarding our custom awards or medals, please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected] or call us at 01377250449.

Thank you!

Updated: 07/01/2025