WWII War Medal Cleaning

[gkw90]

Hi all!

Not sure where to put this so please move if required.

I’m looking at trying to clean up my grandfathers WWII medals for his funeral. He passed on Saturday and would like to place them on his coffin during the service along with a few other nice reminders of him. I don’t know the material or exact dates, but there is a Regular Army, Cyprus, Defence and General Service medal. From around 1944-1959. Apologies if the terminology is wrong. Both the ribbon and metal could do with a clean up, although they’re far from rusted or badly tarnished.

Thanks in advance!

G

[texaxile]

I used Brasso and a cotton bud on my grandfathers WW2 set.

I was very careful, as he had entrusted me with their safekeeping, a privledge of which I am deeply grateful.

Replacement ribbon is available, but if you wish to keep the original, then I'm sorry but I have no idea how to wash 70+ year old material

[gkw90]

texaxile said:

I used Brasso and a cotton bud on my grandfathers WW2 set.

I was very careful, as he had entrusted me with their safekeeping, a privledge of which I am deeply grateful.

Replacement ribbon is available, but if you wish to keep the original, then I'm sorry but I have no idea how to wash 70+ year old material

Thanks very much for the help. Good idea on the cotton buds! Regarding the ribbon that’s a fair point. Maybe a gentle clean with a damp cotton bud evenly will help.

[eldar]

Soak the medals in full fat coke or Pepsi for a few hours and then clean with an old toothbrush.

The ribbons just soap and water, assuming they are in reasonable condition.

[ApOrbital]

Ketchup is good for medals.

[magooagain]

Leave them as they are would be my advice and what I would have done given the chance.

[Taylor James]

I'd phone a dealer and ask their advice. I know you can spoil various antiques from brass to coins by cleaning them inappropriately. I'm sure you're not bothered about the value but there is probably a right way and a wrong way regardless.