How to Clean Military Medals Properly

A medal that has sat in a drawer for years often shows the same signs - dulled metal, dust in the detail, and ribbon that has picked up grime from handling or age. When families inherit a group or a veteran prepares medals for wear, the first question is usually the same: how to clean military medals without reducing their value, character or ceremonial standard.

That question deserves a careful answer. Military medals are not all made from the same metals, they do not all age in the same way, and a method that seems harmless on one piece can cause permanent damage on another. Cleaning should always be guided by the medal's material, age, finish and purpose - whether it is for parade wear, long-term display, or preservation as a family heirloom.

Before you clean military medals, identify what you have

The safest approach starts with identification. British military medals and associated decorations may be struck in silver, cupro-nickel, bronze or gilt finishes, while some later issues have a brighter, more resilient surface than earlier pieces. Miniatures, full-size medals, named medals and mounted groups all need slightly different handling.

If a medal has original naming on the rim, fine detail in the obverse and reverse, or obvious age-related toning, aggressive polishing is rarely appropriate. Collectors and families often assume shine equals condition, but on older medals that is not always true. A natural patina can be part of the medal's history. Remove it carelessly and the result may look flatter, harsher and less authentic than before.

Mounted groups also need special care because the metal is only one part of the piece. The ribbons, backing, brooch bar and stitching are just as important. Wet cleaning that seeps into the mount can stain ribbon, loosen adhesive or affect the shape of the group.

How to clean military medals safely at home

For most medals, the first stage should be dry and gentle. Use a soft microfibre cloth or a very soft brush to remove loose dust. A clean artist's brush works well around lettering, crowns, suspension rings and other recessed detail. This alone is often enough to improve appearance without altering the finish.

If further cleaning is needed, use lukewarm water with a very small amount of mild soap. Dampen, rather than soak, a soft cloth and wipe the medal carefully. Then remove any residue with a second cloth slightly dampened with clean water. Dry immediately with a soft cloth. The key point is control. You are cleaning the surface, not washing the medal as if it were kitchenware.

Where ribbons are attached, keep moisture away from the fabric as far as possible. Ribbon can bleed, fade or distort if over-wet, particularly on older mounted groups. If the medal is court mounted or swing mounted, clean around the ribbon rather than trying to saturate the entire piece.

A cotton bud can help with tight areas, but it should be only lightly moistened. If water is collecting in lettering or beneath a suspension bar, you are using too much.

What to avoid when cleaning medals

Most damage happens when owners try to speed things up. Silver dips, metal polishes, abrasive pastes and household cleaners can strip finish, scratch detail and leave residue in recessed areas. Even products marketed for jewellery can be too harsh for military medals, especially older die-struck pieces and medals with mixed materials.

Avoid these entirely: wire wool, scouring pads, stiff brushes, toothpaste, bicarbonate pastes and any cleaner containing strong acids or ammonia. These methods can leave fine scratching that is immediately obvious under light. On named medals, they can also soften edge detail over time.

It is also wise not to machine-clean, ultrasonic-clean or tumble-clean medals. Those methods may suit certain modern objects, but not historically significant awards, mounted groups or pieces with ribbon and fittings attached.

Silver medals, bronze medals and gilt finishes

Different finishes call for different restraint.

Silver medals often develop a grey tone or darker tarnish. That does not automatically mean they need polishing. If the surface is stable and the detail remains clear, a gentle clean with a soft cloth may be all that is required. If the medal is intended for formal wear and needs a brighter appearance, any polishing should be minimal and carefully controlled. Once silver is over-polished, the soft reflective look can become unnaturally bright and the high points can wear down over repeated treatment.

Bronze medals should be treated even more cautiously. Bronze often develops a brown patina that is entirely normal and usually desirable. Trying to return bronze to a bright metal finish is usually a mistake. It can produce patchiness and remove the aged character collectors expect to see.

Gilt or gold-coloured finishes need a light touch because the outer finish can be thinner than owners realise. Abrasive cleaning may cut through it, especially on miniatures or older pieces.

Cleaning ribbons, brooches and mounted groups

Ribbons are often the most vulnerable part of a medal group. Dust can be brushed away gently, but stain removal is another matter. Spot cleaning with plain water can create tide marks, and soap can leave discolouration. For old or delicate ribbon, it is generally better to accept minor wear than to risk obvious staining.

Brooch bars, pins and mounting hardware can be wiped gently with a dry cloth. Check for corrosion, but do not force stiff fittings or bends back into place without proper support. On court-mounted medals, pressure in the wrong area can distort the board beneath the ribbon and alter the line of the group.

If a mounted group is heavily soiled, poorly aligned, or showing signs of age in the backing and stitching, professional attention is usually the better option. Cleaning and remounting often go hand in hand because dirt may be less of an issue than tired ribbon or failing construction.

When not to clean military medals

Sometimes the right decision is to leave a medal alone.

If the medal is rare, officially named, part of an important family group, or appears to have significant age and original surface, cleaning may do more harm than good. The same applies where there is verdigris, corrosion around fittings, loose suspensions or damage to the ribbon. These are not routine cleaning issues. They are preservation issues.

There is also the question of purpose. A replacement or replica medal intended for wear can reasonably be kept brighter and cleaner than an original campaign medal preserved for heritage value. One is maintained for presentation. The Other may be better protected by minimal intervention.

That distinction matters. In the medal world, condition is not simply about shine. It is about originality, legibility, completeness and respectful care.

Storage after cleaning matters as much as the cleaning itself

A properly cleaned medal will not stay in good order if it is stored badly. Fingerprints, damp and poor-quality packaging are frequent causes of renewed tarnish and staining. Handle medals with clean, dry hands, or use cotton gloves if you are working with valuable groups.

Store them in a dry environment away from loft damp, direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. Acid-free presentation cases, proper framing materials and suitable storage trays all help preserve both metal and ribbon. Wrapping medals loosely in ordinary tissue or keeping them in plastic that traps moisture can create more work later.

If medals are worn regularly, inspect them after use. Perspiration, rain and repeated handling can affect both finish and ribbon. A light wipe after wear is far safer than occasional heavy cleaning.

Professional cleaning and restoration

There is a point where home care stops being sensible. If you are dealing with named gallantry awards, old campaign groups, severe tarnish, damaged ribbons or a medal group that needs to be parade-ready, specialist cleaning is the safer course. A professional service can assess the metal, preserve the detail, and handle remounting or ribbon replacement where needed.

That is particularly relevant for family groups being prepared for framing or formal wear. Good medal presentation is not just about the surface finish. It is about correct order, proper mounting, accurate ribbon use and an overall standard that respects the award. For that reason, many owners choose a specialist such as Empire Medals when a group needs cleaning as part of wider restoration or presentation work.

The best results usually come from restraint rather than enthusiasm. Clean only what needs cleaning, protect what gives the medal its history, and when the piece is too important to risk, treat expert craftsmanship as part of preservation rather than an optional extra.

A medal has already done its job in service. Looking after it properly is your part of the duty now.