How to Clean and Maintain Your Lanyards

Lanyards are worn around our necks daily, yet they're often overlooked when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Research has shown that frequently handled items like lanyards can harbour significant amounts of bacteria, making regular cleaning essential for workplace hygiene. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your lanyards clean, fresh, and functioning properly.

Why Lanyard Maintenance Matters

Before diving into cleaning methods, it's important to understand why lanyard maintenance deserves attention. Lanyards sit against our skin, absorbing sweat, skin oils, and environmental contaminants throughout the day. Over time, this buildup can cause several problems.

First, there's the hygiene concern. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, and a lanyard worn against the neck provides exactly that. In healthcare settings, contaminated lanyards can contribute to the spread of infections. Even in office environments, dirty lanyards can cause skin irritation or transfer germs between surfaces.

Second, proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your lanyards. Accumulated dirt and oils break down fabric fibres over time, leading to fraying, discolouration, and weakened material. Regular cleaning can double or triple the usable life of quality lanyards, representing significant cost savings for organisations that purchase in bulk.

Third, appearance matters. A grimy, faded lanyard reflects poorly on both the wearer and the organisation. Clean, well-maintained lanyards project professionalism and attention to detail.

Cleaning Methods by Material Type

Different lanyard materials require different cleaning approaches. Using the wrong method can damage the material, fade colours, or shrink the fabric. Here's how to handle each common material type.

Polyester Lanyards

Polyester is the most common lanyard material and fortunately, it's also one of the easiest to clean. These lanyards are generally colourfast and resistant to shrinking, making them suitable for machine washing.

• Remove any attached badges, clips, or hardware before washing
• Place lanyards in a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling
• Use cold or warm water (never hot) with mild detergent
• Select a gentle cycle to minimise wear
• Air dry flat or hang—avoid the dryer as heat can damage the material

For spot cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap and gently rub the affected area. Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.

Nylon Lanyards

Nylon lanyards are highly durable but require slightly more care than polyester. While nylon is resistant to many chemicals, harsh detergents can cause the fabric to become brittle over time.

• Hand washing is preferred for nylon lanyards
• Use cool water with a gentle, pH-neutral detergent
• Avoid wringing or twisting—gently squeeze out excess water
• Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight
• If machine washing is necessary, use a delicate cycle with cold water

Tubular Lanyards

Tubular lanyards have a hollow construction that can trap moisture and take longer to dry. This makes proper drying particularly important to prevent mildew formation.

• Hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle
• Ensure thorough rinsing to remove all soap from the interior
• Squeeze gently to remove water (don't wring)
• Hang to dry in a well-ventilated area
• Allow extra drying time compared to flat lanyards

Eco-Friendly Materials (Bamboo, Recycled PET, Cotton)

Natural and recycled materials often require gentler handling. These materials may be more susceptible to shrinking, colour fading, or structural damage from aggressive cleaning.

• Bamboo: Hand wash only with cool water and mild soap. Air dry flat. Avoid prolonged soaking.
• Recycled PET: Similar to polyester—machine washable on gentle cycle. Air dry.
• Cotton: Hand wash in cold water to prevent shrinking. May be machine washed on delicate. Expect some colour fading over time.

Cleaning Hardware and Attachments

Don't forget about the metal clips, hooks, and breakaway clasps attached to your lanyards. These components also accumulate grime and can corrode if not properly maintained.

Metal Swivel Hooks and Clips

Most lanyard hardware is made from nickel-plated steel or zinc alloy. Clean these components with a damp cloth, drying thoroughly afterwards to prevent rust. For stubborn grime, use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) with mild soap. Apply a tiny amount of lubricant to moving parts if they become stiff.

Breakaway Clasps

Breakaway mechanisms are critical safety features and deserve special attention. Clean plastic breakaway clasps with soap and water, ensuring no residue remains that could affect the release mechanism. Test the breakaway function after cleaning to confirm it still releases at the appropriate force.

Badge Reels

Retractable badge reels have internal mechanisms that can be damaged by water. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth only. If the reel becomes sticky or difficult to retract, the internal mechanism may need replacement rather than cleaning.

Establishing a Cleaning Schedule

How often should you clean your lanyards? The answer depends on your environment and usage patterns.

Recommended Cleaning Frequencies

• Healthcare environments: Weekly or more frequently if contamination is suspected
• Food service: Weekly minimum, with immediate cleaning if food contact occurs
• Industrial/construction: Weekly or after exposure to dirt, chemicals, or sweat
• Office environments: Every 2-4 weeks for regular wear
• Occasional use (events): After each event or before storage

When to Replace Rather Than Clean

Sometimes cleaning isn't enough. Here are signs that a lanyard should be replaced rather than cleaned:

• Frayed or damaged fabric: Weakened material is a safety risk
• Permanent staining: If stains won't come out after multiple washes
• Faded or illegible printing: For branded or ID-specific lanyards
• Malfunctioning breakaway: If the safety mechanism doesn't release properly
• Persistent odour: Smells that survive washing indicate bacterial colonisation
• Stretched or misshapen: Lanyards that no longer sit properly
• Corroded hardware: Rusty or damaged clips and hooks

Storage Tips for Longevity

Proper storage extends lanyard life between uses. Store clean lanyards in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid folding or creasing—hang lanyards or store them loosely coiled. Keep spare lanyards in sealed bags to prevent dust accumulation before use.

For organisations with lanyard inventory, establish a first-in-first-out rotation system. Lanyards shouldn't sit unused for extended periods, as materials can degrade even without use.

Conclusion

Regular lanyard cleaning and maintenance is a simple practice with significant benefits. Clean lanyards are more hygienic, more professional in appearance, and last longer—saving money over time. By matching your cleaning approach to your lanyard material and establishing a regular maintenance schedule, you can ensure your identification solutions remain in optimal condition.

Remember that lanyards are personal items worn close to the body. Treating them with the same care as other clothing items isn't excessive—it's appropriate hygiene practice for any workplace.