Chainmaille Care

April 16, 2026

Chainmaille looks indestructible. It isn’t.

It holds up beautifully over time when you give it a little attention, and wears down faster when you don’t. Let’s talk about how to keep your new piece looking and performing at its best.

First things first, unless your chainmaille is specifically built for impact (like riveted armor), most pieces are designed to be worn, not tested. Treating it roughly will shorten its lifespan. It is strong, but it is not indestructible. Pulling on it or putting it under unnecessary strain will eventually show and may compromise the integrity of the build.

After wearing your piece, especially against bare skin, it’s worth giving it a quick reset. 

Warm water. Mild soap. A gentle rinse.

We aren’t trying to scrub it to perfection, but clearing away sweat, skin oils, and whatever the day (or night) left behind will preserve it longer. Pat it dry or let it air dry fully before storing. Metal doesn’t like being left damp. 

Know your materials

Not all chainmaille behaves the same.

If your piece includes anodized aluminum, the color lives on the surface. It can fade or scratch with rough handling or harsh cleaners.

If it includes EPDM rubber, it’s resilient in some ways and surprisingly particular in others. It can handle heat, water, and sun without much complaint. Oils, however, will slowly break it down.

That means skipping petroleum-based products (like Vaseline or mineral oil blends) and choosing water-based lubricants if your piece is worn in more intimate contexts.

Storage matters more than you think

Tossing your piece in a pile works… until it doesn’t.

Individual rings can be stressed over time if they’re constantly pulled or compressed in the wrong ways, and what looks like a harmless tangle can slowly warp a pattern out of alignment.

Store it somewhere dry, out of direct sunlight, and ideally where it won’t tangle with sharper or heavier items. Hanging pieces or laying them flat will help keep their structure intact.

Check in occasionally

Every so often, run your fingers through it.

Feel for rings that may have opened slightly, rubber that’s thinning, or connections that don’t sit quite right anymore. Catching those early means a simple fix instead of a bigger repair later.

It doesn’t need perfection; just care. Given that, it will hold its shape, its strength, and its place with you for many years to come.