Cleaning a metal wallet takes about two minutes. Wipe the exterior with a damp microfiber cloth, dry it immediately, and you are done. For stubborn fingerprints or grease, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on the cloth works well on anodized aluminum without damaging the finish.
What You Will Need
Microfiber cloth is the right tool. Paper towels and rough fabrics can leave micro-scratches on anodized surfaces over time. A soft cotton cloth works too. You want something lint-free that will not leave fibers behind.
For cleaning solution, plain water handles most grime. Isopropyl alcohol at 70% is safe for anodized aluminum and evaporates quickly without leaving residue. Avoid bleach, abrasive cleaners, and anything with ammonia. These can damage the anodization layer that gives the wallet its color and scratch resistance.
Cleaning the Exterior
Dampen the microfiber cloth, not soaking wet. Wipe all surfaces in a consistent direction rather than circular motions. This moves debris off the surface instead of grinding it in.
Pay attention to edges and corners where lint and oils collect. A cotton swab with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol reaches tight corners without getting liquid into the card slot.
Dry with a second clean cloth immediately after wiping. Do not let water sit on the surface. While a water-resistant wallet like The Brik's metal wallet handles moisture well, drying quickly is just good practice for any metal item.
Cleaning the Card Slots and Interior
Remove all cards before cleaning the interior. This also gives you a chance to wipe down the cards themselves, which collect grime from constant handling.
A dry microfiber cloth or a can of compressed air works well for the interior channels. Lint and paper dust from receipts are the most common debris inside card wallets. Avoid pushing liquid into the card slots since there is no easy way to dry the interior quickly.
The elastic band on the back of some wallets, including the cash band on The Brik's metal wallet, can be cleaned with a lightly damp cloth. Do not stretch it while wet.
If you are curious about what this wallet looks like in daily use and how to organize it, read wallet organization for men for a practical breakdown.
- Exterior. Damp microfiber cloth, isopropyl alcohol for grease. Dry immediately.
- Edges and corners. Cotton swab with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol for tight spots.
- Card slots. Dry microfiber cloth or compressed air. Avoid liquid inside channels.
- Elastic band. Lightly damp cloth. Do not stretch while wet.
Quick answers
Can I rinse a metal wallet under water?
A water-resistant metal wallet can handle brief water exposure, but submerging or rinsing under a tap is not recommended. Water can get into card slots and take a long time to dry fully.
Will cleaning damage the RFID protection?
No. RFID protection in metal wallets comes from the metal enclosure itself, not a coating that can be wiped off. Cleaning the outside does not affect it.
How often should I clean my wallet?
A quick wipe once a month handles most grime for typical daily use. If you work in a dusty or greasy environment, clean it more often.