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✓ MoD Licensed Replica Medals | ✓ British Made & Die-Struck | ✓ Authentic Quality
✓ MoD Licensed Replica Medals | ✓ British Made & Die-Struck | ✓ Authentic Quality

Medal Cleaning Services

Medal Cleaning FAQ

Keep your medals looking their best with our professional medal cleaning service. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about medal cleaning, restoration, and care.

What does your medal cleaning service include?

Our medal cleaning service uses a combination of specialist cleaning techniques, including:

  • Silver dipping for silver medals
  • Brass cleaning for brass medals
  • Ultra-sonic cleaning to remove dirt and contaminants
  • Careful handling by experienced medal specialists

The service is suitable for both full-size and miniature medals.

Can you clean mounted medals?

No. Mounted medals cannot be cleaned while mounted. We recommend having medals cleaned at the same time as a re-mounting service, which allows proper access to the medal surfaces and ribbons.

Will cleaning make my medals look brand new?

Cleaning will significantly improve the appearance of most medals by removing dirt, tarnish, and surface contamination. However, cleaning is not the same as restoration or re-plating.

If a medal has deep scratches, corrosion, missing plating, or permanent damage, cleaning cannot restore the original finish.

Do you offer a medal restoration service?

If your medals are heavily tarnished, damaged, or require more than standard cleaning, please contact our team for advice. We can assess the condition of your medals and recommend the most suitable solution.

What's the difference between cleaning and plating?

Cleaning removes dirt, tarnish, and surface contaminants.

Plating involves applying a new layer of metal to restore the finish of a medal.

Our cleaning service does not replace lost plating or rebuild damaged surfaces.

Can you clean antique or historic medals?

Yes. We take extra care when handling older and historically significant medals. Historic medals often require specialist treatment to preserve their condition and value, so professional cleaning is recommended.

How often should medals be cleaned?

Medals generally do not require frequent cleaning. Excessive polishing or aggressive cleaning can cause unnecessary wear over time.

For most medals, occasional professional cleaning and careful storage are sufficient to maintain their appearance.

Can I clean my medals myself?

Light surface dust can usually be removed with a soft microfibre cloth. However, incorrect cleaning methods or harsh chemicals can damage medal finishes, ribbons, and protective coatings.

For valuable, sentimental, or historic medals, professional cleaning is always recommended.

What types of medals can be cleaned?

We can clean:

  • Full-size military medals
  • Miniature military medals
  • Civilian medals and awards
  • Silver medals
  • Brass medals

If you are unsure whether your medal is suitable for cleaning, please contact us before placing your order.

Do you clean medal ribbons?

Our cleaning service is primarily focused on the medal itself. If ribbons are heavily stained, faded, or damaged, we may recommend re-mounting or ribbon replacement instead.

What is Stay Bright Coating?

Stay Bright Coating is an optional protective treatment that applies a clear coating to cleaned medals to help reduce future tarnishing.

The coating can help protect medals for approximately two years depending on storage conditions.

How should I store my medals after cleaning?

To keep your medals in the best condition:

  • Store them in a dry environment
  • Keep them away from direct sunlight
  • Avoid excessive humidity and moisture
  • Use a display case, presentation box, or medal frame where possible

Proper storage helps reduce tarnishing and prolongs the appearance of your medals.

How do I send my medals for cleaning?

Simply place your order online and follow the instructions provided. If you are sending valuable, antique, or irreplaceable medals, we recommend using a tracked and insured postal service for added peace of mind.

Can medal cleaning be combined with other services?

Yes. Many customers choose to combine medal cleaning with:

  • Medal mounting
  • Medal re-mounting
  • Medal framing
  • Stay Bright Coating

This is often the most cost-effective way to refresh and preserve your medals.

Still have questions?

Our medal specialists are always happy to help. If you'd like advice on cleaning, restoring, mounting, or preserving your medals, please contact our team and we'll be happy to assist.