How to Clean, Care, & Steam Medal Ribbons

Are you looking for ways to clean and care for your medal ribbons?

Medal ribbons symbolise your achievements and are just as important as the medals themselves. However, over time, they can show signs of wear, collect dust, or develop stains.

At MedalStudio, we have years of experience crafting medals and helping people maintain them, ensuring they look as good as the day they were received.

That’s why, in this article, we’ll guide you through the best ways to clean, steam, and properly care for your medal ribbons in just a few simple steps.

Are you ready? Let's get started!

How to Clean Medal Ribbons

It is very common for medal ribbons to collect dust or stains over time, making them difficult to clean. But don’t worry, there are different cleaning methods that can help restore their appearance and make them look as good as new.

If your medal has a synthetic, cotton, or fabric ribbon, follow these steps to clean it safely:

1. Carefully remove the ribbon from the medal. If you are unsure how to do this, check out this guide with step-by-step instructions.
2. Use a soft-bristled brush and a microfibre cloth to remove any accumulated dust.
3. Mix a few drops of detergent for delicate fabrics with warm water and soak a clean cloth in the solution. If the ribbon has tough stains, add a small amount of white vinegar.
4. Gently rub the ribbon with the dampened cloth.
5. Use another clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue.
6. Allow the ribbon to dry completely before storing it to prevent unpleasant odours.

When cleaning your medal's ribbon, you should avoid using harsh cleaning products or hot water, as they may alter the ribbon’s colour. Additionally, lay the ribbon flat to dry—do not wring it out, as this could cause damage or deformation.

However, if the ribbon belongs to an antique or historical medal, it is essential to use dry cleaning methods to avoid damage. Follow these steps:

1. Carefully remove the ribbon from the medal.
2. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove surface dust.
3. If the ribbon has a significant buildup of dust, use compressed air (available from online stores such as Amazon) to clean it.
4. If the ribbon requires a deeper clean, place it in a sealed bag with bicarbonate of soda for 24 hours. This method effectively absorbs odours without damaging the fabric.

If the ribbon is already in poor condition, we recommend seeking professional advice, as attempting to restore it yourself could affect the medal’s historical value.

How to Steam Medal Ribbons

When smoothing the ribbons of your medals with steam, it is essential to consider their material to prevent any damage.

For ribbons made of polyester, nylon, or other synthetic fibres, follow these steps to remove wrinkles:

• Use an iron with a steam function or a garment steamer.
• Place a cotton cloth over the ribbon to prevent direct contact with the iron.
• Gently run the iron over the ribbon at a low temperature, avoiding excessive pressure.
• Hang the ribbon until it has completely cooled to prevent new wrinkles from forming.

If you have antique or historical medals, the ribbon may be made of silk or other delicate materials that can be easily damaged. To smooth them safely, follow these tips:

• Hang the ribbon in a place where the steam from a handheld steamer can act on it without direct contact.
• If you do not have a steamer, you can place the ribbon in the bathroom while you shower. The indirect steam will help relax the wrinkles. However, if you use this method, ensure the ribbon does not get too damp and allow it to dry fully before handling it again.

How to Take Care of Your Medal Ribbons

Over time, medal ribbons can gather dust, become stained, or deteriorate, which may affect the appearance and value of your medal.

To keep them in good condition, follow these tips:

• Store them in a cool, dry place. Humidity can damage ribbons and even lead to mould, which can be dangerous and hard to remove. If you wish to display your medals, don't forget to check out our specialized guide!
• Clean them regularly. Dust them at least once a month using a soft brush or compressed air to prevent stains and dirt build-up.
• Avoid using chemicals. Harsh substances can discolour ribbons and weaken their fibres, causing irreversible damage.
• Do not iron them directly. Heat can ruin the material. If they need de-wrinkling, use safe methods such as the ones we mentioned in the section above.
• Wash your hands before handling them. This is particularly important for historical or military medals, as it will help you prevent stains.
• Keep ribbons extended. Excessive folding can create creases that are difficult to remove.

If your ribbons are already too damaged, it is best to replace them with new ones. In the case of historical medals, consult a professional before making any changes to avoid reducing their value.

The Key to Long-Lasting Medal Ribbons

Regular maitenance is key to keeping your medal ribbons in good condition. Remember to dust them regularly to prevent stains. For historical or delicate ribbons, try dry cleaning them and be extra careful when de-wrinkling them. You should always avoid direct heat.

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

Thank you!

Updated: 21/02/2025