How to Clean Chainmaille Jewellery

Table of Contents

• Why Cleaning Chainmaille Jewellery Matters
• What You'll Need Before You Start
• Step 1: Basic Soap and Water Cleaning
• Step 2: Deep Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar
• How to Prevent Chainmaille from Tarnishing
• Best Way to Polish Stainless Steel Jewellery
• Storing Chainmaille Jewellery to Avoid Tangles
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning
• Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: September 28, 2026

Why Cleaning Chainmaille Jewellery Matters

Chainmaille jewellery is built to last. Unlike mass-produced pieces that tarnish and fade, handcrafted stainless steel chainmaille resists corrosion and keeps its lustre for years. But it still needs care. Dust, skin oils, and environmental grime collect between the rings. Left uncleaned, your piece loses its shine and the intricate weave becomes hard to see.

Proper cleaning maintains both beauty and function. It keeps the rings moving freely and prevents the build-up that can dull even the finest stainless steel. The good news is that learning how to clean chainmaille jewellery is straightforward once you know the right approach.

At Sanctuary Studio, we craft every piece by hand using food-service grade stainless steel. That material choice matters because it means your jewellery won't rust or corrode even with regular cleaning and daily wear. Below, we'll walk you through the exact methods to keep your chainmaille looking sharp.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you begin. You won't need expensive specialist products.

Basic cleaning supplies:

• Warm water
• Mild washing-up liquid
• Soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly)
• Soft cloth for drying
• Small bowl or sink

For deeper cleaning:

• Bicarbonate of soda
• White vinegar
• Small container or cup

For polishing:

• Microfibre cloth
• Optional: jewellery polish designed for stainless steel

Start with what you have at home. Most households already own everything needed for routine cleaning. You only need specialist products if your chainmaille jewellery has stubborn tarnish or heavy oxidation, which is rare with quality stainless steel.

Step 1: Basic Soap and Water Cleaning

This is your go-to method for regular maintenance. Do this every two to four weeks, or whenever you notice dust settling between the rings.

Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid. Remove your chainmaille bracelet or other piece and submerge it completely. Use your soft-bristled brush to gently scrub between the rings, working in circular motions. Pay special attention to areas where rings overlap, as grime collects there.

Rinse thoroughly under running water until all soap residue is gone. Water should run clear. Pat the piece dry with a soft cloth, making sure no moisture sits between the rings. If water lingers, it can leave spots on the stainless steel.

This method works because soap lifts oils and dust without harming the metal. Stainless steel is forgiving with gentle soap and water, which is why this approach is safe for daily use.

Step 2: Deep Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Use this method when soap and water isn't enough. Stubborn grime or slight discolouration calls for a deeper clean. This works especially well if your chainmaille has been worn heavily or stored without protection.

Create a paste by mixing bicarbonate of soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to your chainmaille jewellery and let it sit for five to ten minutes. The paste works gently on the metal whilst breaking down stubborn deposits.

Scrub gently with your soft brush, then rinse completely under running water. Now pour a small amount of white vinegar into a bowl and soak your piece for two to three minutes. The vinegar reacts with any remaining baking soda residue and helps restore shine. Rinse again thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.

This combination is safe for stainless steel and won't cause damage. The chemical reaction between bicarbonate of soda and vinegar lifts grime without scratching. Your chainmaille will look noticeably brighter after this treatment.

How to Prevent Chainmaille from Tarnishing

Prevention is easier than cure. Stainless steel resists tarnishing naturally, but you can extend that protection with simple habits.

Store your chainmaille jewellery in a dry place. Moisture is the enemy of any metal. A dedicated jewellery box or small container works well. Avoid bathroom cabinets where humidity from showers can settle on your pieces.

Wear your chainmaille regularly. This sounds counterintuitive, but regular wear actually protects stainless steel. Your skin's natural oils create a protective layer on the metal. Pieces worn daily stay brighter than pieces left in storage.

Remove your chainmaille before swimming or bathing in salt water. Salt accelerates oxidation even on stainless steel. Chlorine in pools can also damage the metal's finish over time. Freshwater is fine, but salt water requires extra care.

Keep your pieces away from harsh chemicals. Cleaning products, perfumes, and lotions can build up on the rings. Wipe your chainmaille with a soft cloth after wearing it if you've been exposed to strong chemicals.

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Best Way to Polish Stainless Steel Jewellery

Polish your chainmaille jewellery every three to six months, depending on how often you wear it. This keeps the stainless steel bright and restores shine that regular cleaning alone won't achieve.

Use a microfibre cloth designed for jewellery. These cloths are soft enough that they won't scratch, yet effective at removing fingerprints and light oxidation. Simply rub each ring gently in circular motions. The friction helps restore the metal's natural lustre without any products.

For heavier polishing, use a stainless steel jewellery polish. Apply a tiny amount to your microfibre cloth and work it gently across the entire piece. Buff away excess polish with a clean section of the cloth. This method brings back shine that months of wear might have dulled.

Never polish aggressively or use rotary tools on handcrafted chainmaille. The rings are connected by links that can loosen with too much force. Gentle, manual polishing is always safer and produces better results than mechanical methods.

Sanctuary Studio pieces are tumbled and polished after assembly, so they arrive bright and ready to wear. Regular polishing at home keeps that finish looking fresh for years to come.

Storing Chainmaille Jewellery to Avoid Tangles

Proper storage protects your chainmaille from damage and keeps it tangle-free. A tangled bracelet is frustrating to untangle and risks bending the rings.

Store each piece separately if possible. A small zippered pouch or individual compartment in a jewellery box works well. This prevents pieces from catching on each other during storage.

Keep your chainmaille flat rather than coiled. Lay bracelets flat in a drawer or box. This reduces stress on the rings and prevents the weave from becoming compressed. If you must hang pieces, use a jewellery stand with hooks designed for bracelets, not a tangled pile on a hook.

Avoid storing chainmaille in plastic bags for long periods. Plastic can trap moisture against the metal. Use breathable storage like cloth pouches instead. Cotton or linen pouches are ideal because they allow air circulation whilst protecting from dust.

Label your storage if you have multiple pieces. This helps you find what you want without rummaging through everything. You're less likely to accidentally tangle pieces if you can grab the right one immediately.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity accelerate oxidation. A bedroom drawer or wardrobe is perfect. Avoid windowsills or damp areas like bathrooms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning

Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the right method. These mistakes can damage even high-quality stainless steel chainmaille.

Never soak your chainmaille in harsh chemicals. Bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, and acetone can damage the metal's finish. Stick to mild soap and water for routine cleaning. Save baking soda and vinegar for deeper cleans when needed.

Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive brushes. These scratch the stainless steel and leave visible marks on the rings. Always use soft-bristled brushes designed for delicate items. An old toothbrush is perfect because the bristles are gentle enough for jewellery.

Don't let your chainmaille air-dry without wiping it down. Water spots form when moisture evaporates on stainless steel. Always pat your piece dry with a soft cloth immediately after rinsing.

Never use a dishwasher to clean chainmaille jewellery. The high heat and aggressive water jets can damage the weave and stress the rings. Hand washing takes only minutes and is far safer.

Avoid storing chainmaille while it's still damp.