A well-maintained board game collection provides decades of entertainment and education. Whether you own a handful of family favourites or a sprawling library of titles, proper care ensures your games remain playable, attractive, and valuable. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about preserving your collection.
Understanding Board Game Materials
Effective maintenance begins with understanding what your games are made of. Most board games consist of several material types, each requiring different care approaches.
Cardboard forms the foundation of most game boxes and boards. This material absorbs moisture readily, leading to warping, delamination, and structural weakness when exposed to humidity. Conversely, extremely dry conditions cause cardboard to become brittle and crack. Paper components, including rulebooks, cards, and play money, face similar vulnerabilities.
Wooden components, common in classic games and modern European designs, require protection from moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations. Untreated wood can crack, warp, or develop mould in improper conditions. Plastic pieces are generally more durable but can become brittle with age, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Material Care Quick Reference
- Cardboard: Keep dry, store flat, avoid direct sunlight
- Paper: Handle with clean hands, store in sleeves if valuable
- Wood: Maintain consistent humidity, avoid temperature extremes
- Plastic: Keep away from heat sources and UV light
Optimal Storage Conditions
The environment where you store your games significantly impacts their longevity. Ideal conditions mirror those comfortable for humans: temperatures between 15-25 degrees Celsius and relative humidity between 30-50 percent.
Avoiding Problem Areas
Garages, attics, and basements typically experience conditions hostile to board game preservation. Garages fluctuate dramatically in temperature and often harbour dust and automotive chemicals. Attics become extremely hot in summer and may attract pests. Basements, even finished ones, often struggle with humidity issues that promote mould growth.
If alternative storage is unavoidable, invest in sealed plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Include silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture and replace them when they reach saturation. Check stored games quarterly for signs of deterioration, paying attention to musty odours or visible mould.
Shelving and Organisation
Proper shelving prevents damage and makes your collection accessible. Store games horizontally rather than vertically when possible. Vertical storage allows components to shift and settle against one end of the box, potentially damaging game boards and creating uneven wear patterns.
Heavy games belong on lower shelves where they cannot fall and cause injury or damage to other games. Group games by size to prevent smaller boxes from being crushed by larger neighbours. Leave some space between games to allow air circulation and easy removal without disturbing adjacent titles.
Cleaning and Sanitisation
Regular cleaning maintains both appearance and hygiene. Different materials require different approaches, and using inappropriate cleaning methods causes more damage than the dirt you are trying to remove.
Cardboard and Paper Components
Never use liquid cleaners on cardboard or paper. Instead, use a soft brush or microfibre cloth to remove dust and debris. For stubborn marks on game boxes, a white eraser can sometimes lift dirt without damaging printing. Accept that some wear is inevitable and adds character to well-loved games.
Plastic and Wooden Pieces
Plastic components tolerate gentle cleaning with slightly damp cloths. Avoid soaking pieces or using harsh chemicals that might remove paint or printing. After cleaning, ensure pieces dry completely before returning them to storage.
Wooden pieces require more careful treatment. Wipe with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. If pieces feel rough, extremely fine sandpaper can smooth splinters, but test on inconspicuous areas first. Never apply furniture polish or oils to game pieces, as these can transfer to other components.
Essential Maintenance Routine
- Dust shelves and game boxes monthly
- Inspect frequently played games for damage after each session
- Clean plastic pieces quarterly or when visibly soiled
- Check storage areas seasonally for humidity and pest issues
- Reorganise collection annually to redistribute weight and improve access
Protecting Valuable Cards
Cards endure more handling than any other game component, making protection particularly important for card-heavy games. Sleeving cards in clear plastic protectors prevents wear, protects from spills, and maintains shuffle quality.
Sleeve quality matters significantly. Premium sleeves from reputable manufacturers fit cards precisely and resist splitting. Budget sleeves may save money initially but often fail within months, requiring replacement and potentially damaging cards in the process. For educational games played frequently with children, the investment in quality sleeves pays dividends through extended component life.
Managing Missing and Damaged Components
Despite careful handling, components occasionally become lost or damaged. Many publishers sell replacement parts directly, though availability varies by title age and publisher policy. Contact manufacturer customer service before assuming replacements are unavailable.
For out-of-print games or publishers no longer in business, creative solutions may be necessary. Generic dice, tokens, and currency can substitute for lost pieces in casual family play. Online communities sometimes offer 3D-printed replacements or trade spare components. Document any substitutions so future players understand the game remains complete for practical purposes.
Replacement Resources
Before discarding damaged games, consider whether components might serve as replacements for other titles in your collection. Generic coloured tokens, dice, and currency often work across multiple games.
Insurance and Documentation
Serious collectors should document their collections for insurance purposes. Photograph games, noting condition and any special features. Maintain purchase records where available. Standard homeowner's insurance may cover board game collections, but verify coverage limits and consider riders for particularly valuable titles.
Teaching Family Members Proper Care
Collection maintenance becomes manageable when everyone participates. Teach children from young ages to handle games respectfully: putting pieces away properly, avoiding food and drinks near games, and reporting damage rather than hiding it. Model the behaviour you expect, demonstrating careful handling and organised cleanup after every session.
Consider designating one family member as the "game librarian" responsible for ensuring games return to proper storage after play. This role can rotate, teaching responsibility while distributing the workload. Creating simple rules about game handling and displaying them near your collection reinforces expectations without requiring constant reminders.
With consistent attention to maintenance, your board game collection will provide educational entertainment for your family and potentially for generations to come. The time invested in proper care returns manifold in preserved playability and cherished memories.