Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Metal buttons and washing go well together if the button is made of a suitable metal with a quality finish and the garment is washed correctly: inside out, buttoned up, at the temperature on the label and without bleach. Tarnish and rust appear mainly when the finish is damaged or thin, with prolonged moisture and with aggressive detergents. Below you will find the causes, the washing rules and what garment manufacturers should check in advance.
Why metal buttons tarnish
Tarnishing is oxidation of the surface. Brass, copper and silver react with oxygen, moisture and sulphur compounds in the air and gradually lose their shine. With antique-effect buttons this is part of the look, but with polished ones it is undesirable. The main causes are:
- no protective lacquer or worn lacquer;
- contact with sweat, perfume and cosmetics;
- storage in a damp room or in a plastic bag;
- detergents containing chlorine, ammonia or acids.
Where rust comes from
Rust in the classic sense forms on iron and steel. That is why it appears most often on the pins of jeans buttons, the springs of snap buttons or cheap steel bases when the finish is damaged. Zinc alloy does not rust like steel, but with a damaged finish it can form a white or grey deposit. Brass and aluminium do not rust, but they can tarnish or form a greenish deposit with prolonged moisture.
The most unpleasant consequence is a stain on the fabric around the button – rust or oxide transferred into the fabric during washing and drying. It is especially visible on white and light fabrics.
How to wash garments with metal buttons
- Fasten the buttons. That way they do not knock against the drum and do not catch other garments.
- Turn the garment inside out. This protects the finish from friction.
- Follow the temperature on the label. A higher temperature speeds up chemical reactions and wears the lacquer.
- Avoid bleach and chlorine-based detergents. They damage finishes and can cause stains.
- Use a laundry bag for delicate items with decorative buttons.
- Take the garment out immediately after washing. Left wet in the drum, it creates conditions for corrosion.
- Dry in a well-ventilated place. Do not leave the buttons in contact with a wet surface for hours.
Ironing and dry cleaning
A metal button heats up quickly and can leave an imprint on the fabric or be scratched by the iron. Iron around the buttons, not over them, or use a pressing cloth. With enamel buttons, high temperatures can crack the enamel.
In dry cleaning, solvents usually do not harm metal finishes, but the drum and other garments can scratch them. If the buttons are removable, take them off. If not, ask for protective caps or foil. Enamel and lacquer can react to some solvents, so ask in advance for expensive items.
How to clean tarnished metal buttons
- Wipe with a soft dry cloth – this is often enough for dust and fingerprints.
- For light tarnish, use a cloth slightly dampened with water and a little neutral soap, and dry immediately.
- Avoid abrasive pastes and metal scourers – they remove the finish together with the tarnish.
- Do not clean antique buttons with polishing products – you will remove the patina that is part of the design.
Metal buttons and washing – what manufacturers should check
For a brand or garment factory, tarnished buttons mean complaints and returns. That is why durability must be checked before the run:
| Check | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Washing a sample at the temperature on the label | whether the finish peels or tarnishes |
| Repeated washing and drying | behaviour over time, stains on the fabric |
| Dry cleaning test | resistance of enamel and lacquer to solvents |
| Test with denim wash chemistry (enzyme, stone wash) | compatibility with industrial denim processing |
| Corrosion test (e.g. salt spray) | quality of the electroplated finish |
With denim the check is particularly important, because products often go through industrial washing and bleaching after the buttons and rivets have been attached. Some finishes cannot withstand such processing and must be chosen specifically for it.
How to choose buttons that withstand washing
- Prefer brass or well-finished zinc alloy over uncoated steel.
- Ask for a protective lacquer on polished finishes that must not tarnish.
- For light fabrics, choose metals and finishes with minimal risk of staining.
- Check the press fasteners too – with snap buttons the spring is also metal and must be resistant.
- State in your inquiry how the product will be washed – at home, industrially, dry cleaned.
Care label
If the buttons require special treatment – for example they must not be ironed, or the product is dry clean only because of them – this must be reflected in the care symbols on the label. The care label is determined by the most sensitive component of the garment, including the accessories. Care symbols are standardised under ISO 3758 and are widely recognised throughout the EU, so the customer will recognise them in any country.
Browse styles with different finishes in the metal buttons category.
Advice from the manufacturer
Polkom manufactures and delivers metal buttons, rivets and press fasteners for clothing and denim. All our metal finishes are nickel free. We help you choose the metal and finish according to how your products will be washed and make samples quickly so that you can test them before the run. We deliver throughout the EU. Describe the product and how it is cared for via the contact page.
