Championship Belt Care: Cleaning, Leather, Storage
A little regular care keeps your championship belt looking its best. This guide covers the metal finishes, how to clean the plates, how to look after the leather strap and any gems, and how to store the belt.
Metal finishes explained
Our plates are made from brass or zinc alloy and finished with plating. Each finish ages a little differently.
| Finish | What it looks like | Aging and wear |
|---|---|---|
| Gold plating (18K or 24K) | Bright, mirror-like yellow gold shine. | Resists tarnishing. Wipe gently to avoid tiny scratches. |
| Nickel and silver plating | Bright, highly reflective silver look. | Very durable. May look slightly cloudy in high humidity if not looked after. |
| Dual-tone (gold and silver) | A contrast of both platings. | Clean gently to keep the contrast between the two metals. |
| Antique and matte finishes | Darker, weathered or non-reflective look. | Lowest maintenance. Hides fingerprints and small marks well. |
How to clean the plates
Treat the plates like fine jewelry. Rough cleaning can wear the plating away for good.
- Routine cleaning: after handling the belt, gently wipe the plates with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth. This removes fingerprints and skin oils that can dull the finish over time.
- Deeper cleaning: if the plates are smudged, slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with distilled water, wipe gently, then dry right away with a second clean cloth to prevent water spots. An ammonia-free glass cleaner is also fine on a cloth.
- What to avoid: never use abrasive sponges, metal polishes (such as Brasso), or ammonia-based window sprays (such as standard Windex) on plated plates. Abrasive polish can strip the plating down to the base metal.
Looking after the leather strap
- Handling: lift and carry the belt by the strap, not by the heavy plates. Pulling on the plates puts stress on the mounting screws.
- Dusting: wipe the strap now and then with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- Conditioning (real leather straps): apply a small amount of leather conditioner every 6 to 12 months. Rub it in gently with circular motions, let it soak in, and buff off the excess. Keep conditioner off the plates and stones.
- Heat and sun: keep the strap away from radiators, other strong heat and long direct sunlight, which can dry, crack and fade it.
Stones and gems
If your belt has stones or gems, they are set into the plates.
- Dust: use a soft makeup brush or a clean, dry, soft toothbrush to sweep dust out of the small gaps around the settings.
- Restoring sparkle: dab the top of a stone with a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol, then dry it straight away. Do not let liquid pool around the settings.
Storage and display
- Room conditions: store the belt at room temperature with low humidity. Damp air can tarnish metal parts and cause mildew on leather.
- Display: a glass display case or an acrylic shadow box keeps dust and moisture away.
- Flat or draped: store the belt flat or draped over a padded belt display stand. Do not fold or crease the strap.
- Travel: carry the belt in a soft dust bag or a padded case so the plates do not scratch.
Questions about your belt?
Email info@zeesbelts.com or call +1-213-204-1608. Zees Belts makes replica and custom belts. They are not official or licensed products. You can also read how to order a custom belt and our delivery times.