Should the need arise, my go to steps for cleaning chainmaille are listed below.
1 - put the item in a bowl with room temperature water and mild liquid dish soap
2 - stir around for a moment to agitate the soap, then let soak for a couple minutes
3 - if it's extra dirty, rub with a soft cloth after soaking
4 - rinse thoroughly and lightly pat dry with a cotton cloth and let air dry completely
- storage recommendations -
When not in use, it's best not to store your chainmaille with sharp objects. Especially stainless steel since it can scratch.
Hanging up each item on some sort of hooks works well. So does storing in individual fabric bags in a jewelry box.
- important note for aluminum chainmaille -
When it comes to cleaning aluminum, in particular anodized aluminum, it's best to avoid anything acidic so the color doesn't wear off. Using mild liquid dish soap that's citrus free is recommended.
- tips for copper, brass, and sterling silver chainmaille -
1 - to help minimize tarnish and skin discoloration, limit extreme exposure such as during working out, swimming, at the beach, in high humidity, or in the sun for long periods of time
2 - to help keep it shiny, wipe it down with a jewelers cloth (or anti-tarnish cloth)
3 - when not being worn, store in a non tarnish bag in a low humidity environment