How to Clean Board Games

Young children can damage their board games if they're not careful. You can restore a soiled game board by washing it and cleaning the pieces.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Soap and water
• Wet sponge or rag
• Dry rag
• Eraser
• Crayon remover
• Rubber cement thinner

1. Mix a solution of lukewarm water and some soap. Place any plastic game pieces that don't have stickers into this solution. Wash them with your rag and rinse them thoroughly. Allow them to dry before returning them to the game box.
2. Scrape off any crayon marks on the game board. There also products such as WD-40 or Crayon-a-gone that you can use to remove marks. Test a small area on the board before using any products on it.
3. Use an eraser to gently erase any pencil marks on the board or to clean any paper pieces in the game, such as paper money.
4. Use rubber cement thinner, which you can purchase at an office supply store, to remove unwanted stickers or tape. Wet a corner of the sticker with the mixture and peel back. Keep adding the thinner as you slowly peel it off.
5. Wet a sponge or rag with your water and soap solution. Wring it out. Test a small area on the board to insure that the water and soap won't ruin the game board. Wipe the whole board down gently. Pay extra attention to stains on the board by rubbing them in a gentle circular motion.
6. Use another damp sponge or a rag, without soap this time, to wipe the board down again. Immediately dry the game board with a towel or rag.

Tips & Warnings

• If the water and soap solution doesn't remove the stains, try a small amount of kitchen cleanser. Always test the board in an inconspicuous spot to make sure that the cleanser won't damage the surface.
• Use oil soap made for wood for wooden game boards. Clean, going with the grain, in small strokes. Dry it immediately to prevent warping.
• Never use abrasive cleaners to clean your game boards.
• Some stains may be permanent. Don't scrub the game board to try to remove them or you will worsen the condition of the board.

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