How to Clean Trophies and Awards

Cleaning trophies isn’t just about maintaining their appearance. Regular care helps protect the materials from corrosion or tarnish, ensuring they last for years to come. It also preserves the finer details of any engraving, keeping names and dates clear and visible. That way, important engravings and achievements don’t fade with time.

What Do You Need Before You Start Cleaning Trophies?

Before we show you how to clean trophies, it’s important to have a checklist of the right supplies to avoid accidental damage. Some safe cleaning materials include:

• Microfibre cloth
• Soft-bristled brush
• Mild soap or detergent solution
• Silver polishing cloth
• Cotton buds
• Feather duster
• A standard glass/window cleaner spray

Strong cleaning materials can cause micro-scratches, strip finishes and dull the surface of your awards. To protect their shine and quality, avoid using the following when cleaning trophies or awards:

• Abrasive sponges or scourers
• Harsh chemical cleaners or bleach
• Alcohol-based cleaning products
• Acidic solutions such as vinegar
• Rough or textured fabrics
• Very hot water or steam
• Spraying detergents directly onto trophies

All of these are considered harsh measures and are not recommended for cleaning trophies or awards. Using gentle methods and approved materials will help preserve your trophies’ finish and provide the best results.

How to Clean a Trophy: Weekly Care

Regular maintenance is one of the easiest ways to keep your trophies gleaming. Use a microfibre cloth to gently remove surface dust, and a damp cloth with a mild soap solution to clear away fingerprints or smudges. Avoid chemical sprays or polishes unless they’re made for your trophy’s specific material. Be gentle around engravings and use only a small amount of water to prevent damage to delicate finishes.

How to Clean Crystal Awards – Step-by-Step Guide 

Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Area 

Choose a clean, clutter-free workspace and place a soft towel or cloth beneath your crystal award to prevent scratches or chips. A kitchen worktop works well if you have enough space and good lighting. Gather all your cleaning materials before you start to make the process smooth. If your crystal award has detachable parts, such as nameplates or bases, remove them carefully so each component can be cleaned properly.

Step 2: Apply glass cleaner to the cloth, not the trophy

Instead of spraying the cleaner straight onto the glass surface, lightly mist a microfibre cloth. This gives you more control over how much product is used and stops excess liquid from running down the trophy, which can seep into certain areas of your trophy.

Some glass trophies may include silverware elements such as a metal base or decorative accent. For any silverware, we recommend using Goddard’s silver polish to help restore your trophy’s complete shine.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry Carefully

Once your crystal is clean, rinse away any remaining glass cleaner using a second lightly dampened cloth with plain water. This prevents residue from dulling the shine and lustre of your crystal. Immediately dry the trophy using a lint-free cloth. A microfibre cloth is best for drying and to avoid water spots or streaks. Be patient, gentle and thorough, especially around engraved details and edges, as those are the parts most susceptible to potential damage.

Step 4: Polish for a Final Shine

When your crystal award is completely dry, take a fresh microfibre or glass-cleaning cloth and gently buff the surface in circular motions. This can restore its sparkle and enhance clarity, helping the crystal refract light beautifully. If there are any silverware components, we recommend using a silver polishing cloth. Regular polishing is a simple measure to keep awards gleaming and shining for your display. 

How to Clean Awards with Mixed Materials

Not all awards are the same. Many trophies even combine materials like metal presentation cups on a marble base and sustainable eco-friendly wood awards. This contrast creates a stylish and layered appearance. However, it comes with the caveat of providing a little extra care when cleaning. The best way not to cause damage is by identifying the material so you can safely clean it.

Whether you’re figuring out how to clean a silver trophy or trophy cup, we recommend starting with a soft microfibre cloth to gently lift away dust and surface particles without scratching or dulling the finish. Then, clean one section at a time using the right method for each material. For example, use a damp cloth with mild soap for metal or acrylic, but avoid getting wooden bases wet. Instead, wipe wooden bases with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Never use all-purpose cleaners or submerging awards in water, as moisture can result in long-term damage to a trophy’s finish.

As we alluded to before, silverware like presentation cups and salvers can be cleaned using a silver polishing cloth and Goddard’s silver polish. This combination helps lift tarnish, restore shine and protect the metal surface without causing abrasions as the polishing cloth is a soft, non-abrasive material

How Often Should You Clean a Trophy?

How often a trophy needs cleaning depends on how it’s used and where it’s stored. After a ceremony or event, give it a light wipe-down to remove fingerprints and residue. For display trophies, a quick dusting once a week keeps them looking sharp, making them very low-maintenance. Every three to six months, carry out a deeper clean using the right method for each material.

If your awards are displayed in sunlight or humid environments, they may need more frequent care to prevent tarnish or fading. Trophies stored in cabinets or cool, dry areas will stay cleaner for longer, requiring less maintenance overall.

Trophy Display Tips to Keep Awards Cleaner for Longer

You should be proud of your accomplishments. Displaying your trophies proudly for friends, family or colleagues to see is a great way to celebrate your success. Here are some tips to keep your awards looking cleaner for longer:

• Choose a cool and dry area in your home to display them.
• Avoid humid or damp environments that can result in tarnish or corrosion.
• Keep trophies and awards out of direct sunlight to avoid UV damage.
• Use enclosed display cabinets to protect awards from dust.
• Dust regularly with a microfibre cloth to prevent scratching the surface.
• Avoid high-traffic areas in a home that may be prone to accidents.
• Rotate displays on occasion to distribute light exposure evenly and prevent fading.

Trophy Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re learning how to clean a trophy, it’s just as important to understand which mistakes to avoid. At Trophies2U, our expertise is not just in offering a vast selection of trophies and awards in different materials and styles, we also specialise in maintaining these stunning symbols of achievement. Here are some cleaning mistakes to consider, helping you avoid damaging your prestigious awards:

• Avoid using harsh chemicals. What may seem like an easy way to clean stains might affect the surface and material of your trophy.
• Do not scrub with abrasive pads as they can leave scratches and cause permanent damage.
• Excess moisture can weaken adhesives, therefore avoid soaking trophies in water, as it can damage materials such as wood and engraved plates.
• Don’t rush the process. A quick cleaning isn’t as thorough and can cause streaks that can accumulate over time.

When to Contact a Trophy Cleaning Company

It’s only natural to want your trophies to stay in excellent condition. While regular at-home care goes a long way, there are times when calling in a professional is the best option. If your award has significant tarnish, scratches or stubborn stains, or if it’s made from delicate or mixed materials, it may be worth letting an expert handle the job.

A professional trophy cleaning company will have the specialised tools to help restore your awards without risking damage. For especially valuable and meaningful pieces, expert care ensures every detail remains intact.

FAQs: Award Care and Maintenance

How do I remove fingerprints on awards?

Fingerprints are easy to pick up on various metal and glass surfaces, but they’re simple to remove. Lightly dampen a microfibre cloth, then gently but thoroughly wipe the surface in circular motions to avoid streaks.

How do I remove scratches on trophies?

For small surface scratches, apply a non-abrasive polish or scratch remover suited to the trophy’s material. Use a soft cloth and carefully wipe in a circular motion. For deep scratches, you may want to consult a professional trophy restorer.  

How do I clean medals?

Clean medals carefully to protect the surface, ribbon and suspension ring that attaches the ribbon to the medal. Lukewarm water with a pH-neutral detergent and a soft cloth can remove most dirt that hasn’t had the chance to set in. A metal polish suitable for the medal type can also be applied for extra shine.

How do I store trophies safely?

Store trophies in a cool and dry location away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. A glass cabinet is a stylish way to display your trophies while also protecting them from dust and fingerprints. For long-term storage, wrap each trophy carefully in a soft fabric, store in a safe location and avoid stacking anything on top of it.

Can you repair a damaged trophy?

Yes, many trophies can be restored by professionals. Expert trophy repair services can re-attach parts, replace plates or polish out scratches using specialised tools.

What’s Next?

Now you know how to clean a trophy the right way and not damage it. Explore our vast range of trophies, medals and crystal and glass awards; the perfect way to commemorate everything from sporting achievements and academic excellence to corporate success and other memorable milestones.

At Trophies2U, we also provide engraving services for personalisation and express shipping for time-sensitive orders. Explore our other insightful posts on ‘What Are Glass Awards Made Of’ for more tips and information on award care and design. Fill out our contact form, send us an email at enquiries@brtgroup.co.uk or call us on 01527 400092 for more information or bespoke requests.