Cleaning Chainmail Armor

Chainmail is a tricky item to keep clean and to rejuvenate after storage. It is important to keep up on your chain mail to make sure it does not rust or tarnish over the years. We have a lot of people ask us how to get their chainmail clean and how to keep it that way. The best advice we can give is to keep the chain mail dry and to store it in a cool, dry area.  

1.    1.   Fill a tub, sink or bucket of warm water mixed with gentle dish soap. Make sure whatever container you are using will not be scratched by the chainmail. Some porcelain tubs or sinks can be easily scratched by metal.

2.    2.   Immerse the chainmail in the water. Swish it around in the detergent and water for a couple of minutes. When you take out the chain mail, be sure to hang it in an area that gets a lot of airflow or on a thick towel. Make sure the chainmail gets completely dry as quickly as possible. Any moisture left on it can cause rust and tarnish.

3.    3.   Polish up the chainmail with a bit of Paste Wax. One recommended brand is the Johnson Paste Wax (http://www.floorcareproducts.com/wood-floor-wax/index.asp). Use a small amount of paste wax on a soft cloth. Rub the wax onto the chainmail, section by section. It is easier if you section the chainmail out when doing this to make sure every inch gets waxed. With a dry, soft cloth, wipe off each section as you go along.

4.     4.  Cover the entire chainmail in a thin layer of the paste wax. Let the wax dry for approximately one hour (or as directed by the wax brand) then wipe away with a clean, soft cloth.

Make sure you stay away from harsh, acidic cleaning detergents. Also avoid using steel wood, sand paper or wire brushes. If your chainmail does develop some rust to it, a bit of WD-40 usually cleans any tarnish off easily. Think soft and smooth when you decide to clean your armor!

Keeping your chainmail clean and dry will ensure its luster and brilliance for years to come.