To maintain the shine of the nickel-plated surface in the long term, the belt buckle should be wiped regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat residue and dirt. Since the electroplating protects the buckle from tarnishing, abrasive cleaning agents such as toothpaste should be avoided, as these can damage the coating. For heavier soiling, cleaning with a mild soapy solution followed by thorough drying is recommended.