Enamel Pin Care: Keep Red Riding Hood and Autumn Bunny Pins Bright
By Hubman and Chubgirl Stationery Shop | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Tipps & Pflege
A simple routine to clean enamel pins, protect their backs, prevent scratches, and store them so your Red Riding Hood and Autumn Bunny pins stay bright.
Quick answer
Clean enamel pins gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth, dry them immediately, and check the backs for loose clutches. Store pins separately or on a soft backing to prevent scratches, and handle them by the edges rather than the enamel face.
Why enamel pins need a light touch
Enamel pins are metal with a glossy enamel face, so the two main risks are abrasive cleaning and metal-to-metal contact. Harsh scrubbing can dull the surface, and storing pins loose in a bowl lets the backs and edges scratch each other. A gentle routine protects the shine without overcomplicating care.
The Red Riding Hood Pin and Autumn Bunny Pin are both 1.4-inch metal enamel pins, a common size that fits easily on bags, lanyards, and pin boards. That also means they are small enough to disappear into a drawer or rub against keys, so a dedicated spot for each pin matters as much as cleaning.
When to clean and when to leave a pin alone
Clean when you see fingerprints, dust, or light smudges, not on a fixed schedule. Overcleaning adds wear, and a pin that looks fine does not need a weekly wipe. If a pin has been on a bag in the rain, dry it before storing; moisture left around the back can dull the metal over time.
Skip abrasive cleaners, baking soda pastes, and rough sponges. The catalog does not list a protective coating for these pins, so treat the enamel as a finish to preserve rather than a surface to polish aggressively.
Step-by-step enamel pin care routine
- Remove the pin gently: Unfasten the clutch or backing slowly and pull the pin straight out by the metal edge, not the enamel face. Common mistake: twisting the pin while the clutch is still attached, which can bend the post. If the clutch feels stuck, wiggle it slightly rather than forcing it.
- Wipe the face with a soft cloth: Use a clean, lint-free cloth barely dampened with water. Wipe in one direction over the enamel, then dry immediately with the dry side of the cloth. Common mistake: soaking the pin or scrubbing in circles, which can leave residue around the edges. Never put enamel pins in a dishwasher or leave them to air-dry wet.
- Check and clean the backing: Inspect the clutch or backing for dust and lint, and wipe the metal post with a dry cloth. If the backing feels loose, replace it before wearing the pin again. Common mistake: ignoring a loose clutch until the pin falls off and gets scratched. Keep a few spare clutches on hand so a loose back never becomes a lost pin.
- Dry completely before storing: Let the pin sit on a dry cloth for a few minutes, then confirm the post and back are dry. Common mistake: storing a pin while moisture is trapped behind the clutch. A dry pin is less likely to develop dull spots on the metal.
- Store pins separately: Place each pin in its own small soft pouch, a divided pin case, or on a fabric pin board with space between pins. Avoid tossing pins loose into a drawer with keys or coins. Common mistake: stacking pins face-to-face, which causes scratches. If you use a pin board, leave a finger-width gap between pins.
- Rotate and inspect monthly: Once a month, take out your pins, check for loose backs or new scratches, and give any smudged pin a quick dry wipe. Common mistake: waiting until a pin looks damaged before checking the backing. A monthly two-minute check catches loose backs before they cost you a pin.
Product facts
- Red Riding Hood Pin: 1.4-inch metal enamel pin with a Red Riding Hood design. Its small, detailed face benefits from edge handling and a soft cloth so the design stays clear.
Red Riding Hood Pin - Autumn Bunny Pin: 1.4-inch metal enamel pin with an Autumn Bunny design. The compact size makes it easy to store in a small soft pouch, reducing contact scratches.
Autumn Bunny Pin
