How to Clean a Chain Mail Shirt

Medieval knights typically wore chain mail armor to protect their bodies.

Whether you're wearing it as part of a medieval reenactment or for your Halloween costume, chain mail shirts must be cleaned in a particular way to keep rust away. Unlike traditional shirts made from fabric, you can't just throw your chain mail shirt, which is made of tiny metal chains, in the washing machine. If you purchase a chain mail shirt from a company, it typically comes covered in oil to prevent rust. You need to remove that oil before wearing, but the chain mail is then susceptible to rust. Removing light rust regularly and oiling is the best way to clean and care for a chain mail shirt.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid soap
• Fine sand
• Trash bag
• Towels
• Nylon bag

Instructions

1. Remove excess oil from the chain mail shirt by soaking it in a bath of soapy water Let it sit in the bath for a couple of hours before wearing it.

2. Wipe the chain mail shirt dry using a clean, dry cloth. This will also help remove any lingering oil from the chain mail.

3. Place the chain mail shirt in a trash bag filled with fine sand and shake it vigorously to remove any rust that has started to develop.

4. Spray clear silicone over the chain mail shirt to slow the formation of future rust.

5. Soak old towels in an oil, such as mineral oil, and wrap the chain mail shirt in the towels for long-term storage. Store the towel-wrapped shirt in a waterproof nylon bag in a dry, cool area of your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean or remove rust. You could easily damage the chain mail that way.

Resources

• Real Armor of God: Chainmail Armor