Quick Answer
Clean enamel pins with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals and never submerge the pin. Store them on a soft backing in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent tarnish and fading.
Why Enamel Pins Need Special Care
Enamel pins are made of metal and hard enamel, which can tarnish or scratch if handled roughly. Dirt, oils from your hands, and moisture can dull the finish over time. Regular but gentle cleaning keeps the colors bright and the metal shiny without damaging the pin's surface or backing.
What You'll Need
Gather a soft microfiber cloth, lukewarm water, a drop of mild dish soap, a soft-bristled toothbrush (optional for crevices), and a dry towel. Avoid paper towels, abrasive sponges, or any cleaning solution with alcohol, bleach, or ammonia.
When to Clean Your Pins
Clean your pins when you notice visible dirt, smudges, or a dull appearance. For pins worn regularly on bags or lanyards, a quick wipe every few weeks is enough. Pins stored in displays may only need cleaning once or twice a year. Over-cleaning can wear down the enamel, so clean only when necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Never soak an enamel pin in water or run it through a dishwasher. Water can seep into the pin's backing and cause rust or loosen the clutch. Also, avoid using jewelry polishing cloths that contain chemicals—they can strip the enamel's gloss. If a pin has a rubber clutch, remove it before cleaning to prevent moisture from getting trapped.
Step-by-Step Enamel Pin Cleaning Routine
- Step 1: Remove the Pin Backing: Take off the rubber or metal clutch from the back of the pin. This prevents moisture from getting trapped behind the pin and allows you to clean the entire surface. Checkpoint: Make sure the clutch is completely dry before reattaching to avoid rust.
- Step 2: Wipe With a Damp Cloth: Dampen a microfiber cloth with a mixture of lukewarm water and a tiny drop of mild dish soap. Gently wipe the front and back of the pin in a circular motion. For dirt in crevices, use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in the same solution. Checkpoint: Don't press hard—let the soap do the work. Scrubbing can scratch the enamel.
- Step 3: Rinse and Dry Immediately: Wipe the pin with a clean, damp cloth (no soap) to remove any residue. Then pat dry with a soft, lint-free towel. Let the pin air-dry for 10 minutes on a towel before reattaching the backing. Verdict: A dry pin is a happy pin. Any leftover moisture can cause the metal to tarnish or the clutch to corrode.
- Step 4: Store Properly: Place cleaned pins on a soft fabric surface, such as a felt board or inside a padded case. Keep them away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperatures. If stacking pins, separate them with a soft cloth to prevent scratches. Next step: Check your pins every few months for signs of tarnish or loose backs. A little prevention goes a long way.
Enamel Pins That Benefit From Good Care
- Pathfinder Class Icon Pin: Cleric: Constructed of durable metal and enamel and crafted with precision. Wear on your clothes, bag, lanyard or anywhere you want to show off your pins. Regular cleaning keeps the precise details and colors of officially licensed Pathfinder pins looking crisp and vibrant, whether you wear them daily or display them.
- Lost Tome of Heroes: Elf Warlock: Made of durable metal and enamel. Wear on your clothes, bag, or lanyard as a pin, and then fold it into a miniature when you're ready to play. The folding mechanism needs extra care during cleaning—avoid getting moisture into the hinge. Gentle wiping keeps both the pin and miniature function working smoothly.
- Pride Flag Alignment Pin: Polyamorous: Hard enamel construction for a durable, polished look. Features the polyamorous pride flag design paired with a classic alignment label. Hard enamel pins have a smooth, glass-like finish that resists scratches but can show fingerprints. A quick wipe with a dry cloth keeps the pride flag design looking polished and vibrant.
