How to Clean a Badge: Your Complete Guide

Regardless of what your badges represent to you, whether it’s an achievement, a memory you treasure or you just simply see them as pretty objects that you enjoy, they do need a little bit of care to keep them looking their best. Different materials will need different cleaning methods however and it’s important to choose the right one as otherwise you may risk damaging your pin, which is why we’ve put this handy guide together. Here’s how to clean a badge:

How to Clean a Badge in 4 Easy Steps

Below are the main steps of cleaning badges to maintain their appearance without risking damaging the finish:

Check the Badge Material and Condition

Before you begin it’s important to consider what the accessory is made of as for example metal and enamel badges can need a different type of treatment to fabric pins. Some combine several types of materials e.g. metal base with a printed surface so it’s a good idea to consider the whole badge when choosing your method.

You’ll also need to check for any signs of damage like chipped enamel or peeling finishes, any loose parts of a bent pin to be able to avoid scrubbing or applying too much pressure to these areas as this could worsen the damage.

Remove Dust

Start by removing any surface dirt or dust particles before using any water, spray, etc. on the pin. For enamel badges you can use a clean, soft microfibre cloth and wipe gently whereas for fabric badges a soft bristle brush can help you lift any dust.

Then pause for a minute and have a look at the result. If dusting has left the accessory looking clean then you don’t need to take any additional steps.

Use a Lightly Dampened Cloth (Where Suitable)

If dry dusting isn’t enough you can use a lightly dampened cloth to clean the badge, however make sure to wring it out really well. Here’s what you need to keep in mind depending on the type of pin you have:

• Enamel and metal badges: If the finish is intact you can start with water alone and if needed, add a little bit of mild soap. Avoid any chipped enamel or peeling finishes, though.
• Printed and button badges: Make sure to keep moisture away from exposed print or edges where water might get in and reach a paper insert. If you’re not sure whether your badge has a waterproof covering it might be best to stick to dry dusting.
• Fabric badges and patches: Rather than rubbing, try gently dabbing the area you’re looking to clean and make sure not to saturate the fabric. 

If you’re unsure how to care for a badge supplied by Badges Plus, feel free to get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to advise. 

Remove Residue and Dry

If you’ve used soap, wipe away any residue using a separate dampened cloth but make sure not to rinse the badge under a tap or immersing it in water as that can damage it. For metal/enamel badges, pat dry with a clean soft microfibre towel (especially edges/fastenings where water tends to collect) and for fabric patches, blot away excess moisture without rubbing or wringing. 

What to Avoid When Cleaning Badges

Even if your intentions are good, using the wrong products or trying to scrub a mark too hard can damage your badge instead of improving its appearance so it’s important to be aware of what to avoid when cleaning a badge:

• Household cleaning products: Bleach, acetone, alcohol cleaners etc can affect the colours and coating of your pin 
• Metal polish: Even if your badge is made of metal this doesn’t mean polishes can be used on it as it might feature a thin plated/lacquered surface which these products can damage
• Jewellery cleaning equipment: This often uses heat and vibration which may not be suitable 
• Over-cleaning vintage/collectible badges: Some tarnish or patina are often expected and form part of an older piece’s character which can be valued by collectors, so trying to restore a ‘like-new’ finish may remove original surface details and reduce its value 

Looking for Custom Badges?

Badges Plus has decades of experience creating high-quality custom badges and pins combining traditional methods that our expert technicians have perfected over the years and state-of-the-art equipment. If you’re looking to have custom badges created with a high-quality finish that will keep its appearance for years to come, we can help. We also offer a free design service to help bring your vision to life. Make an enquiry online today or get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help!