How to Care for Trading Pins: Cleaning, Storage, and Quick Fixes

Trading pins are one of the best parts of tournament weekends. They are souvenirs, conversation starters, and a little piece of the season you actually get to keep.

They also get destroyed fast if they’re worn all day, tossed into bags, and traded nonstop.

This guide is for parents and coaches who want a simple way to keep pins looking sharp. Here’s how to clean them safely, store them so they don’t scratch or bend, travel with them without damage, and fix the most common issues like loose backs and bent posts.

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What trading pins are made of

Trading pins are basically small pieces of jewelry. They’re tough, but they have a few weak points.

The 4 main parts

• Base metal (the body): the pin is stamped/cast from metal. This is the structure and weight.
• Plating (the finish): gold, silver, black nickel, etc. This is what can scratch, scuff, or dull over time.
• Color fill (enamel): the colored areas are filled and hardened.
• Post + back: the post is attached to the back and a pin back holds it on. This is the part that fails most often.

Enamel types (why some pins feel different)

• Hard enamel: smooth, flat face. Metal lines and color sit level.
• Soft enamel: you can feel the raised metal lines and the recessed color areas.

Both are durable. Soft enamel just collects grime in the grooves more easily.

Extras you might see

• Printed details: tiny text, gradients, or photo-like elements may be printed on top of the enamel.
• Epoxy dome: a clear glossy “bubble” layer over the face on some pins.

Printed or domed pins can scratch or cloud if treated rough, especially in heat.

The simple takeaway

Treat the post like fragile hardware (use locking backs, don’t crush pins in a bag).

Treat the front like jewelry (wipe it, keep it dry, don’t let pins rub together).

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Cleaning pins (safe and easy)

What to do

• Use a soft microfiber cloth for quick cleaning.
• For grime or sticky fingerprints:
  • Use mild dish soap + lukewarm water
  • Wipe gently with a soft cloth
  • Dry immediately

What not to do

• Don’t soak pins for long.
• Don’t use abrasive sponges, paper towels, or scrubbers.
• Don’t use harsh cleaners.
• Don’t use alcohol wipes on areas that look printed, coated, or domed.
• Don’t put pins in the dishwasher (yes, it happens).

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Storage that prevents scratches and bent posts

Pins get damaged in two ways:

1. Pins rubbing against other pins
2. Posts getting bent when they are pressed or packed tight

Best storage options

• Pin binder pages
  • Best for kids
  • Keeps pins separated and organized
• Pin display board
  • Best for home or team display
  • Keeps them secure and visible
• Lanyards
  • Fine for wearing
  • Not ideal for storage or tossing in bags

Avoid this

• Loose pins in a zip bag or pocket
• Loose pins in a backpack
• Stacking pins face-to-face without separation

If you do nothing else, do this: don’t let pins ride loose in a bag.

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Tournament travel tips (parents will feel this)

If your kid is trading pins all weekend, set up a simple system.

The “pin trading kit” (takes 2 minutes to build)

• 1 small pouch for trade-ready pins
• 1 small pouch for “keepers” (do not trade)
• A handful of extra backs
• A microfiber cloth
• Optional: a few locking backs for the pins they wear

Simple rules that prevent most problems

• Keep “trade pins” separate from “keeper pins.”
• Keep spare backs in every bag (car bag, field bag, backpack).
• Don’t leave pins in a hot car for hours.
• Don’t wear the rare/favorite pin on day one unless you’re okay with it getting scratched.

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Quick fixes for common problems

1) Pin backs keep falling off

This is the most common issue.

Do this:

• Replace standard backs with locking pin backs (especially for kids)
• Keep a few spare backs in a small pouch

Tip for coaches: keep a “coach kit” with extra backs. You will become the hero.

2) The post is bent

Bending happens when pins get pressed in a bag, stepped on, or packed tight.

If it’s slightly bent:

• Straighten slowly with gentle pressure
• Don’t wiggle back and forth repeatedly

If it’s badly bent:

• Stop. You can snap the post.
• Set it aside and don’t force it during the tournament.

3) Scratches

Scratches usually come from pins rubbing together.

What you can do:

• Wipe with a microfiber cloth (sometimes it’s just residue)
• Accept that deep scratches on plating usually do not “buff out” cleanly

Prevention matters more than repair here.

4) Tarnish or dullness

This typically comes from moisture, sweat, or long-term storage.

Do this:

• Wipe clean and dry
• Store in a dry place
• Don’t store pins wet after rain games

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Coach tips: protecting team pins all season

If you’re a coach, you can avoid a lot of drama with a few simple habits.

• Keep a small box of spares for last-minute issues
• Hold pins until the team is actually at the tournament (less pre-tournament loss)
• Have players keep “trade” vs “keeper” pins separated
• Keep a small pouch of extra backs in your bag

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Quick checklist (save this)

Before a tournament:

• Microfiber cloth
• Extra pin backs
• Locking backs for worn pins
• Two small pouches (trade vs keep)
• Do not store pins loose in a bag