How to Care for Hardware

Stainless steel, brass, aluminum, nickel-plated, and coated hardware

Not all hardware finishes wear the same way.

The metal hardware on your dog’s collar, leash, harness, or long line is exposed to a lot: water, mud, snow, dirt, salt, coat oils, skin chemistry, dog tags, leash clips, pulling pressure, rough play, and daily outdoor use.

Proper care can help extend the life of your hardware, reduce oxidation or staining, and keep your gear functioning safely.

Like all dog gear, hardware is durable — but not indestructible.

Having trouble choosing the best hardware for your dog? Read our article: Brass vs. Stainless Steel: What You Need to Know About Hardware Staining to learn more about the differences between brass and stainless steel, why staining can happen, and which hardware option may be best for your dog’s lifestyle.

General Hardware Care

To keep your hardware in the best condition possible:

Wipe regularly

Use a damp cloth to remove dirt, mud, moisture, and coat oils.

Dry thoroughly

After cleaning or wet use, dry the hardware completely before storing. Moisture left sitting on metal can contribute to oxidation, rust, tarnish, or surface wear.

Clean after wet or dirty adventures

Mud, lake water, rain, snow, road salt, sand, and grime can all build up around buckles, clips, D-rings, and rivets.

Store dry

Store gear in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving damp gear in vehicles, closed bins, wet bags, or direct sunlight for long periods.

Inspect often

Check hardware regularly for scratches, bent pieces, corrosion, loose rivets, cracks, sharp edges, weakened springs, or any damage that could affect safety.

Daily Wear & Tear

Surface scratches, scuffs, blemishes, and cosmetic changes are normal with regular use.

Hardware can show wear from:

• Leash clips rubbing against rings
  
• Dog tags hitting hardware
  
• Dragging over pavement, gravel, rock, or ice
  
• Rough play
  
• Scratching
  
• Exposure to water, snow, mud, and road salt
  
• Coat oils and skin chemistry
  
• Pulling pressure
  
• General outdoor use
  

These cosmetic changes do not always affect the strength or function of the hardware.

However, hardware should be replaced if it becomes bent, cracked, deeply corroded, sharp, weakened, or no longer opens/closes properly.

Hardware Types

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is our most weather-resistant and low-maintenance hardware option.

It is the best choice for dogs who are frequently exposed to:

• Water
  
• Mud
  
• Snow
  
• Rain
  
• Saltwater
  
• Road salt
  
• Wet climates
  
• Frequent outdoor adventure
  

Stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, but it still benefits from regular cleaning and drying, especially after exposure to salt, mud, or moisture.

How to Care for Stainless Steel

• Wipe with a damp cloth after use.
  
• Use mild soap and warm water for heavier dirt.
  
• Rinse thoroughly.
  
• Dry completely before storing.
  
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers that may scratch the surface.
  
• For extra care, use a stainless steel cleaner or polish occasionally.
  

Best For

Stainless steel is the best option for wet, muddy, snowy, salty, or high-use gear.

Brass

Brass is a beautiful, classic hardware option with a warm, traditional look. It pairs especially well with BioThane for customers who want a more leather-like or heritage-style finish.

However, brass naturally changes over time.

Real solid brass oxidizes and develops a patina. This is a normal chemical reaction between the metal, oxygen, moisture, coat oils, and environmental exposure. Patina can appear as darkening, dullness, greenish residue, or surface tarnish.

Because we use real brass rather than coated imitation brass, this natural oxidation can happen more quickly depending on the dog and environment.

Brass Staining & Transfer

Brass patina can sometimes transfer onto:

• Light-coloured BioThane
  
• Light-coloured fur
  
• Areas around the buckle
  
• Areas where hardware rubs against the material
  
• The dog’s chest or neck area
  

This is usually cosmetic and does not affect the strength or integrity of the BioThane itself.

Transfer is more noticeable on lighter colours and may happen more quickly with moisture, coat oils, skin chemistry, frequent wear, or less frequent cleaning.

How to Care for Brass

• Wipe brass hardware regularly with a damp cloth.
  
• Dry thoroughly after water exposure.
  
• Use mild soap and warm water for routine cleaning.
  
• For tarnish or patina, use a brass polish as needed.
  
• Natural options like lemon juice or vinegar may help lift tarnish.
  
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the metal.
  
• Clean more frequently if your dog has light fur or if the gear is a light BioThane colour.
  

Optional Protection

A clear lacquer or protective coating may help slow oxidation and reduce transfer, but it may need to be reapplied over time as the coating wears.

Best For

Brass is best for customers who love the classic look and do not mind natural patina or occasional polishing.

For very wet, salty, or low-maintenance use, stainless steel is usually the better option.

Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight and commonly used in some hardware styles because it reduces bulk and weight.

While aluminum does not rust like iron-based metals, it can oxidize or dull over time, especially with moisture, salt, dirt, and daily outdoor exposure.

How to Care for Aluminum

• Wipe with a soft damp cloth.
  
• Clean with warm water and mild soap.
  
• Rinse thoroughly.
  
• Dry completely before storing.
  
• Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers.
  
• Use aluminum polish occasionally if needed.
  
• A mild vinegar solution may help with oxidation, but rinse and dry well afterward.
  

Best For

Aluminum is useful when lightweight hardware is preferred, but it may show cosmetic wear faster than stainless steel.

Nickel-Plated Hardware

Nickel-plated hardware has a thin plated finish over a base metal. It offers a clean, shiny appearance, but the plated surface can wear over time.

If the plating becomes scratched, chipped, or worn through, the base metal underneath may be exposed. Once that happens, the hardware may become more vulnerable to rust, tarnish, or corrosion.

How to Care for Nickel-Plated Hardware

• Clean with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water.
  
• Rinse thoroughly.
  
• Dry immediately.
  
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers.
  
• Use a non-abrasive metal polish if needed.
  
• Inspect regularly for scratches, chips, or worn areas.
  

Best For

Nickel-plated hardware is best for lighter use and customers who want a shiny finish, but it may not be as long-lasting as stainless steel for wet or rugged outdoor use.

Coated or Powder-Coated Hardware

Coated hardware includes hardware with a coloured surface finish, such as black hardware or other painted/powder-coated finishes.

This type of hardware is popular for its appearance, but the colour is a surface coating. It can scratch, chip, or wear over time with normal use.

Wear may happen from:

• Leash clips rubbing against rings
  
• Dog tags
  
• Rough play
  
• Scratching
  
• Dragging
  
• Contact with rocks, pavement, gravel, or ice
  
• Regular opening and closing of clips
  
• Teeth or chewing
  
• General daily use
  

Once the coating is scratched or worn, the base metal underneath may show through.

This is cosmetic wear and is expected over time with coated hardware.

How to Care for Coated Hardware

• Wipe with a soft damp cloth.
  
• Use mild soap and water only.
  
• Dry thoroughly.
  
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers.
  
• Avoid harsh chemicals.
  
• Inspect regularly for chips, scratches, or exposed base metal.
  
• A light protective wax may help add a barrier, but will not make coated hardware scratch-proof.
  

Important Note About Black Hardware

Black hardware is a coated finish, not naturally black metal. Because the black colour sits on the surface, it can scratch or wear off with regular use.

For this reason, black hardware is more cosmetic than practical for heavy outdoor use. Stainless steel or brass are better choices for long-term durability.

Best For

Coated hardware is best for customers who prioritize appearance and understand that surface wear is expected over time.

Understanding Oxidation, Tarnish & Rust

Oxidation is a natural chemical reaction that happens when metal reacts with oxygen, moisture, oils, or environmental exposure.

Different metals oxidize differently.

Brass develops patina or tarnish. This may look dark, dull, brown, or greenish.

Stainless steel is highly rust-resistant, but it can still develop surface marks or corrosion if exposed to salt, moisture, or grime for long periods without cleaning.

Aluminum may dull or develop a cloudy oxidized surface.

Nickel-plated hardware may corrode if the plating becomes scratched or worn through.

Coated hardware may expose the base metal underneath if the surface coating chips or scratches.

Oxidation, tarnish, patina, and cosmetic surface wear are not usually signs of a manufacturing defect. They are common reactions that can happen naturally over time depending on use, care, and environment.

Cleaning & Restoring Hardware

For most hardware, regular cleaning is simple.

Routine Cleaning

1. Wipe hardware with a damp cloth.
   
2. Use mild soap and warm water if needed.
   
3. Rinse thoroughly.
   
4. Dry completely with a soft towel.
   
5. Allow gear to air dry fully before storing.
   

For Brass Tarnish or Patina

You can use:

• Brass polish
  
• Lemon juice
  
• White vinegar
  
• Baking soda paste for stubborn areas
  

Always rinse thoroughly and dry completely after cleaning.

Avoid getting acidic cleaners on BioThane for prolonged periods. If using vinegar or lemon juice near BioThane, rinse the area well afterward.

For Surface Rust or Heavy Corrosion

If hardware develops rust, corrosion, sharp edges, or weakened areas, inspect it carefully before using.

Light surface marks may be cleaned, but deeply rusted, weakened, bent, or compromised hardware should be replaced.

Do not use hardware that may fail under pressure.

What to Avoid

To extend the life of your hardware, avoid:

• Leaving gear wet for long periods
  
• Storing damp gear in bags, bins, or vehicles
  
• Saltwater left unwashed
  
• Road salt left on hardware
  
• Harsh household cleaners
  
• Bleach
  
• Solvents
  
• Strong disinfectants
  
• Abrasive scrubbers
  
• Letting dog tags constantly rub against coated finishes
  
• Allowing dogs to chew hardware
  
• Using visibly damaged hardware
  

If your gear is exposed to saltwater, road salt, lake water, mud, or heavy grime, rinse and dry it afterward.

Choosing the Right Hardware

Each hardware type has its own strengths.

Choose stainless steel if:

You want the lowest-maintenance option for wet, muddy, snowy, salty, or rugged outdoor use.

Choose brass if:

You love a classic look and do not mind natural patina, occasional polishing, or possible transfer on light colours/fur.

Choose coated hardware if:

You want a specific colour or look and understand that surface scratches and coating wear are expected over time.

Choose lightweight hardware if:

You need a lighter option for smaller dogs or reduced bulk, while understanding it may not be as rugged as stainless steel.

When to Replace Hardware

For safety, replace your gear or hardware if you notice:

• Bent clips or rings
  
• Cracked buckles
  
• Broken springs
  
• Clips that no longer close securely
  
• Deep rust or corrosion
  
• Sharp edges
  
• Loose rivets
  
• Weak points
  
• Severe coating loss with corrosion underneath
  
• Any damage that could affect function or safety
  

When in doubt, discontinue use and contact us with photos.

Warranty & Quality Concerns

Hardware is exposed to daily wear, pulling pressure, moisture, dirt, coat oils, dog tags, rough play, and outdoor elements. Surface scratches, patina, tarnish, oxidation, coating wear, and cosmetic changes are considered normal wear and tear.

Damage caused by chewing, dragging, rough play, abrasion, harsh chemicals, salt exposure without proper cleaning, improper storage, or normal use over time is not considered a manufacturing defect.

If you believe your hardware has a quality issue beyond normal wear and tear, please review our Warranty Policy and contact us with clear photos so we can take a closer look.

Contact: backwoodsdogstore@gmail.com

Final Hardware Care Tips

To keep your hardware in the best condition possible:

• Wipe hardware regularly.
  
• Dry after wet use.
  
• Rinse after saltwater, road salt, mud, or heavy grime.
  
• Polish brass as needed.
  
• Choose stainless steel for the lowest-maintenance wet-weather option.
  
• Expect patina on brass.
  
• Expect surface wear on coated hardware.
  
• Inspect gear often.
  
• Replace damaged hardware when needed.
  

With proper care and realistic use, your hardware will continue to support safe, durable, everyday adventure with your dog.