Armor Cleaning Instructions:
Suggestions for Cleaning Armor, Chain Mail and Swords
Cleaning Armor and Other High-Carbon Steel Products:
For best results in armor cleaning, only use acid free oil (fine gun oil, sword oil) or acid free wax. Both of these products can be found in our Sword Cleaning Kit section. (More specific, step-by-step, Sword Cleaning Instructions are available for the care and cleaning of a katana and swords in general.)
The best way to clean high carbon steel armor, swords and chain mail is to not let it get rusted in the first place.
Keeping your high carbon steel armor, swords and weapons cleaned and waxed (or oiled) prevents rust by keeping oxygen from being able to come into direct contact with the metal surface. Many antique dealers and museums, including the British Museum in England, as well as most armor and sword restoration experts worldwide prefer to use wax for armor cleaning to preserve high carbon steel items instead of oil.
Waxing armor and sword blades is a very good way to thoroughly clean high carbon steel and stop rust from forming. Wax is especially good for preventing any old rust from continuing to spread and keep new rust from occurring.
Another advantage of using wax when cleaning armor and swords is that the wax coating protects the steel when being handled. Unlike oil, wax will prevent the salt and acids naturally occurring on your hands from forming rust (rust fingerprints).
There are two good wax products recommended for armor cleaning:
DO NOT WAX JAPANESE SWORD BLADES. Instead use oil based sword cleaning kits like the Hanwei Sword Cleaning Kit.
Minor Cleaning:
For lighter armor cleaning needs you can use a soft cloth. First apply a small amount of wax on one area of the steel you wish to clean, rub it in, then immediately wipe off the area with a second cloth that is clean. Repeat this armor cleaning process two or more times until the wipe off cloth no longer shows dirt being removed.
Next, wipe a thin coat of wax on the area and allow it to dry for approximately 2 hours. Hand polish steel to a nice shine using soft clothes (towel or old sock).
Red Rust Removal: (new rust only)
If your high carbon steel armor, sword or weapons have already rusted, more through cleaning is needed. Using a Sotch-Brite Pad with a large amount of wax on it, you should very lightly rub the rusted area until the rust is removed. Immediately wipe everything off with clean cloth.
Note: Look at the steel surface carefully to determine the direction of the steel grain (the direction of the lines in the steel). Remember to gently use the Sotch-Brite Pad in a brushing stroke parallel to the grain of the steel. Warning - rubbing in circles or across the grain will scratch the steel. Also, the grain of some swords runs from the middle (fuller) towards the sharp edges on both sides.
Repeat this armor cleaning process as many times as required to remove the red rust. Once the steel surface is sufficiently clean of rust, you should re-clean the steel following the Minor Cleaning instructions above.
Note: It is recommended that armor cleaning be done every 3 months. When cleaning armor, swords and weapons all processes should be done very lightly to avoid scratching the steel. These cleaning suggestions are specific to only remove red (fresh) rust and heavy dirt from blade. Do not try to remove old dark rust or pitted areas. Instead, send it to a professional for cleaning.
Wax can easily be removed by using Acetone. Once wax is removed, you should immediately protect the steel surfaces from rust by using Hanwei Sword Oil or equivalent.
Chain Mail:
The best way to clean chain mail is to not let the mail get rusted in the first place.
Most manufacturers suggest the historical method of cleaning chain mail. In the middle ages, chain mail was cleaned by rolling it around in a barrel filled with coarse sand. Another option is to use a strong bag and toss it back and forth between two or more people as you would a medicine ball.
Sand blasting has also been said to work when cleaning chain mail, but it is recommended to find someone experienced in this method. You will need a form or upper mannequin to put the chain mail on to ensure the mail is held fully stretched open (rigid). Remember when cleaning chain mail you should turn the mail inside-out so you can clean all surface areas.
Once the rust is removed, store your chain mail wrapped in oil soaked towels and keep it out of the elements (as in a waterproof nylon stuff-sack).
Important Note:
- NEVER wire brush to remove rust or clean armor, chain mail, sword hilts or blades
- NEVER sandpaper to remove rust or clean armor, chain mail, sword hilts or blades
- NEVER use acid cleaners to remove rust on armor, chain mail, sword hilts or blades
- NEVER use brass polish on old armor and swords to clean brass guards and hilts
- NEVER clean with naval jelly
- NEVER sand surfaces of armour
- NEVER acid dip armour
- NEVER use WD-40 on armour
For best results, only have your swords, armor and weapons cleaned by a professional to avoid scratching or damage. All suggestions and tips on this page are for informational purposes only. All liability remains with the individual performing the cleaning. Stainless steel does not need to be cleaned using any of these processes or suggestions.
Sources:
- RESTORATION, by Ron Ruble
- The Care And Use Of Your Swords, by Hank Reinhardt
- How To Care For Your Mail, by Hank Reinhardt
- ANST - Mail Cleaning And Care, by J'Lynn Yeates
- Cleaning Chain, by John Groseclose
If you have any questions about our products or would like to have us carry something you did not see here today, contact us and we will see what we can locate for you.
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