How to Care For a Minimalist Wallet

If you have a slim wallet, you know they have a reputation for being incredibly durable. But even the toughest items sometimes need a bit of TLC. 

Luckily, caring for a minimalist wallet is actually quite easy and generally comes down to storing it properly, cleaning it when needed, and keeping it nice and dry. 

Let’s break down the steps you can take to keep your wallet in tip-top condition, starting with some tips on how to clean a wallet. 

Keep It Clean

Because most minimalist wallets are made from some type of metal, they’re pretty easy to clean. 

Most of the time, all they need is a quick wipe down, though they sometimes require a bit more scrubbing depending on what they’ve come in contact with.

The easiest way to keep your slim wallet clean is to regularly wipe it with a microfiber cloth to prevent buildup. If your wallet is especially dirty, you may want to use a soft-bristled brush (a new toothbrush works well) and scrub it with a mild detergent, such as dish soap or Windex, and some warm water. 

If there is a lot of buildup in your wallet’s crevices, it may require a deeper cleaning. In that case, you’ll need to take the wallet apart. 

To do so, take a small Philips screwdriver and carefully remove the screws holding your wallet together (be careful not to lose them, they’re tiny!). Take off the faceplate, and remove the cash strap or money clip. 

From here, you can easily take the brush and detergent and scrub the entire wallet – including the cash strap or money clip. If your wallet has any especially stubborn stains or grime, you may need to soak it in a mixture of warm water and detergent for a bit before scrubbing it. 

No matter which method you use, be sure to rinse or wipe any residue from the detergent off the wallet and dry it thoroughly to prevent corrosion. Once it’s completely dry, you can reassemble your wallet. 

While not necessary, you can apply a metal polish or wax to your wallet if desired. Just be sure to use one designed for the specific metal your wallet is made from. Not only will this give your wallet a nice shine, but it can also help remove and prevent oxidation. 

Prevent Scratches

It takes quite a lot to damage a GeoGrit Wallet. And by that, we mean you’ll probably have to drop it from a plane to break it. That being said, it’s not impossible to scratch your wallet’s faceplate. 

While you don’t have to baby your slim wallet (that would kind of defeat the purpose, right?), if you want to keep it looking smooth and shiny, you’ll want to take a couple of precautions to prevent it from getting scratched. 

Metal wallets get scratched mainly because they’re stored or carried with abrasive objects or dropped repeatedly. A good rule of thumb is to avoid putting your wallet in the same pocket as your keys, pocketknife, or other hard objects. 

If your wallet does get scratched, don’t worry. First of all, nobody will judge. Second of all, you can always take a quality automotive scratch remover and a microfiber cloth to try and buff them out. 

Store It Properly

When it’s not in your pocket, where do you keep your minimalist wallet? 

Luckily, these wallets are incredibly durable and can be stored pretty much anywhere. However, if you want to keep your wallet looking its best, it’s important to store it in the right environment.

The most important storage rule for minimalist wallets is to keep them dry to prevent corrosion. That means you should never store your wallet in a humid environment like your bathroom or garage. Places like your closet or nightstand typically work best. 

You should also think about what you’re storing your wallet with. As we’ve already mentioned, keeping your wallet with abrasive objects like keys or pocket knives can scratch the faceplate. To avoid that, you should only store your wallet with items that don’t have sharp, hard edges. 

It may seem simple, but properly storing your wallet can help prevent damage and keep it looking great for years to come. 

Don’t Overextend It

Don’t be deceived by the name: a slim wallet with money clip can hold more cash and cards than it appears. In fact, the GeoGrit wallet can hold up to a dozen cards. 

That being said, it’s important not to overextend the wallet’s elasticity. Once in a while isn’t the end of the world, but if you regularly overstuff your wallet, the elastic will eventually start to break down and stretch out.

Unfortunately, once your wallet’s elastic has been stretched, it won’t be able to hold your cards as securely and may need to be replaced. 

Besides, isn’t the idea of a minimalist wallet to carry less? If your wallet is overloaded with cards or cash, it’s probably time to reorganize anyway. 

Keep It Dry

We’ve already mentioned this a couple of times, but it bears repeating: keeping your wallet dry is the best way to keep it functional and looking nice. 

While aluminum doesn’t rust, it can corrode, and staying on top of any moisture it comes in contact with can help prevent this. That means storing it in a cool, dry environment; keeping it away from water, sweat, and humidity when possible; and never submerging it in water unless necessary for cleaning. 

We know it’s impossible to keep your wallet away from moisture entirely, especially if you live in a humid environment or work around a lot of water. Luckily, slim wallets are pretty resilient, and a drop or two of water won’t be the end of the world. 

That being said, it is best to try to dry your wallet thoroughly and as soon as possible whenever you can to prevent corrosion. This is hands down the simplest way to keep your wallet in excellent condition.

When All Else Fails

No matter how well you care for your wallet or how well made, sometimes things just happen. Maybe you backed over it with your truck, it got on the wrong end of a jackhammer, or you’ve got so much cash that the strap has stretched out (good for you!). In those instances, your wallet may need some serious repairs. 

Luckily, if you own a GeoGrit Wallet, you don’t have to worry about this problem. Not only are we sure our wallets can hold up under nearly anything, but we back them with a lifetime guarantee just in case. 

Although our warranty does not cover obvious abuse or aesthetic issues (like the occasional scratch or two, which is to be expected), we cover pretty much everything else – even stretched elastic and loose screws. 

That’s right. If for any reason a GeoGrit Wallet does not hold up (which is unlikely!), we’ll repair it or replace it for free. 

For more information about our Lifetime Warranty, visit our FAQ page here. 

Summary

Even though minimalist wallets are known for being low-maintenance, once in a while, they need a little love to keep them looking and functioning their best. 

To keep your wallet in good shape, it’s important to keep it clean and dry and avoid overextending it. If you own a GeoGrit Wallet, you can rest easy knowing it can withstand most things, but if all else fails, we’ve got a lifetime guarantee to back you up. 

So if you don’t already have a GeoGrit Wallet, what are you waiting for?