The Complete Preservation Guide
Military medals are more than decorative pieces—they are lasting symbols of courage, sacrifice, and honorable service. Whether you own medals earned by your own military service or inherited decorations from a family member, proper care is essential to preserving their appearance and historical significance.
One of the most common questions collectors, veterans, and families ask is, “Should military medals be cleaned?” The answer depends on the medal, its age, the materials used, and its historical value. Cleaning a medal improperly can permanently damage its finish, reduce its collector value, or even erase details that make it historically important.
This guide explains when military medals should be cleaned, when they should be left alone, which cleaning methods are considered safe, and which products should never be used.
Should You Clean Military Medals?
The short answer is sometimes.
Not every military medal should be cleaned. Many older medals develop a natural patina over time. This thin layer forms naturally through age and exposure to air and often adds character and authenticity to the medal.
For collectors, original finishes are usually more desirable than highly polished medals. Removing that patina can reduce both historical and collector value.
Modern medals that have accumulated fingerprints, dust, or light surface dirt can often be cleaned carefully without causing damage.
Before cleaning any medal, ask yourself:
- Is the medal simply dusty?
- Does it have fingerprints?
- Is it heavily tarnished?
- Is it rare or historically significant?
- Am I trying to preserve it or restore it?
Answering these questions will help determine whether cleaning is appropriate.
Know What Your Medal Is Made Of
Military medals have been manufactured using a variety of materials over the years.
Common materials include:
- Bronze
- Brass
- Copper
- Silver
- Gold-plated metals
- Nickel
- Zinc alloys
Different metals react differently to cleaning products. A cleaner that works on silver may permanently damage bronze or brass.
If you’re unsure of the material, avoid chemical cleaners until you’ve identified the medal.
Start With the Least Aggressive Method
Professional museum conservators always begin with the gentlest cleaning method possible.
For most medals, all you need is:
- A clean microfiber cloth
- Cotton gloves
- A soft artist’s paintbrush
- Compressed air (used carefully)
Lightly dust the medal and ribbon without rubbing aggressively. Often, this is enough to restore the medal’s appearance.
Never begin with metal polish.
Wear Cotton Gloves
Your hands naturally contain oils, moisture, and acids.
Touching medals with bare hands can leave fingerprints that eventually stain metal surfaces.
When handling military medals:
- Wear clean cotton gloves.
- Handle medals by the edges whenever possible.
- Avoid touching ribbons with dirty hands.
These simple habits dramatically reduce long-term deterioration.
Cleaning Dust and Dirt
Dust is the most common problem affecting displayed medals.
To remove dust:
- Use a soft artist’s brush.
- Gently brush away loose particles.
- Wipe the metal with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Clean around suspension rings carefully.
Never scrub aggressively.
If dirt does not come off easily, it is better to leave it than risk damaging the finish.
Cleaning Ribbon Fabric
Military ribbons require different care than metal medals.
Never soak ribbons in water.
Instead:
- Use a soft brush.
- Remove dust carefully.
- Avoid pulling loose threads.
- Store ribbons away from sunlight.
If ribbons become badly stained, replacement ribbons are often available while preserving the original medal.
Many collectors store the original ribbon separately and display a replacement ribbon to protect the original from further wear.
Should You Polish Military Medals?
In most cases, polishing is not recommended.
Metal polish removes a microscopic layer of metal each time it is used.
Over time this can:
- Remove original finishes
- Round sharp details
- Damage lettering
- Reduce collector value
- Alter the medal’s appearance
Collectors generally prefer medals that retain their original finish rather than those polished to a mirror shine.
Avoid Household Cleaning Products
Many common household cleaners are far too harsh for military medals.
Never use:
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Ammonia
- Baking soda pastes
- Steel wool
- Abrasive pads
- Wire brushes
- Toothpaste
- Commercial bathroom cleaners
These products can scratch surfaces, discolor finishes, and permanently damage ribbons.
Dealing With Tarnish
Tarnish is a natural chemical reaction that occurs over time.
Light tarnish often does not need to be removed.
Heavy tarnish should only be addressed after determining:
- The medal’s age
- Its rarity
- Its metal composition
- Its collector value
If the medal is historically important, leaving the tarnish intact is often the best choice.
Cleaning Antique Military Medals
Antique medals deserve extra caution.
Examples include:
- Civil War medals
- Spanish-American War medals
- World War I medals
- World War II medals
- Early campaign medals
Cleaning these medals improperly may permanently reduce their historical significance.
If you’re uncertain, consult a professional conservator or experienced military medal dealer before attempting any restoration.
What About Rust or Corrosion?
Rust and corrosion require special attention.
If you notice:
- Green corrosion on bronze
- White powder on zinc
- Black oxidation
- Flaking metal
Do not attempt aggressive cleaning.
Corrosion can spread if left untreated, but improper cleaning often causes even greater damage.
Professional conservation is usually the safest option.
Proper Storage After Cleaning
Cleaning is only part of preserving military medals.
Once clean, store medals correctly.
Ideal storage includes:
- Acid-free storage boxes
- Shadow boxes with UV glass
- Climate-controlled rooms
- Low humidity
- Stable temperatures
- Soft fabric lining
Avoid storing medals in plastic bags, damp basements, garages, or attics.
Proper storage significantly reduces the need for future cleaning.
How Often Should Military Medals Be Cleaned?
Less is usually better.
Most medals require only occasional dusting.
A good maintenance schedule includes:
- Light dusting every few months
- Annual inspection
- Immediate removal of fingerprints
- Cleaning only when necessary
Frequent polishing does far more harm than good.
Common Cleaning Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
- Using metal polish on antique medals
- Washing ribbons with soap
- Soaking medals in water
- Using toothbrushes or abrasive brushes
- Cleaning with vinegar or baking soda
- Scrubbing corrosion aggressively
- Handling medals without gloves
- Removing natural patina unnecessarily
Following museum-style preservation practices helps ensure your medals remain in excellent condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean military medals with silver polish?
Not unless you are certain the medal is solid silver and appropriate for polishing. Many military medals are made from bronze, brass, or plated metals that can be damaged by silver polish.
Is tarnish bad?
Not necessarily. Tarnish is a natural part of aging and is often preferred by collectors because it reflects the medal’s originality.
Should I wash military ribbons?
No. Water and detergents can weaken the fabric, cause colors to fade, and damage stitching. Dust ribbons gently instead.
Can cleaning reduce a medal’s value?
Yes. Over-cleaning, polishing, or removing the original finish can significantly reduce the historical and collector value of many medals.
What is the safest way to clean a military medal?
For most medals, gently removing dust with a soft brush and wiping with a clean microfiber cloth is the safest approach. More aggressive cleaning should only be considered when absolutely necessary.
Final Thoughts
Military medals are tangible reminders of service, sacrifice, and achievement. While it may be tempting to restore an old medal to a bright shine, preservation is almost always more important than appearance. Gentle cleaning, careful handling, and proper storage are the keys to protecting these important pieces of military history.
Whether you’re preserving your own decorations or caring for medals passed down through your family, taking a conservative approach will help ensure they remain in excellent condition for future generations.