Caring for a Wooden Game Board
Wood is forgiving. It asks for three things: dry, shade, and a soft cloth.
Keep it dry
Water is what warps a board. Wipe spills straight away, do not use wet cleaners, and do not store a set in a damp garage or beside a radiator.
Keep it out of direct sun
Strong sunlight fades the dark squares and dries the finish. A shelf away from the window is the best home for a board that stays out.
Cleaning
- Dust with a dry microfibre cloth.
- For fingerprints, use a cloth that is barely damp, then dry immediately.
- Skip furniture sprays on the playing surface: they leave pieces sliding.
Storing the pieces
Put each piece back in its own slot or drawer. Pieces thrown loose in a box knock against each other, and that is how knights lose their ears. Glass mancala stones and marbles should go back inside the closed board.
Hinges, magnets and felt
Open and close folding boards by the edges rather than the corners. Magnets need no care at all. If felt lifts at an edge, a drop of craft glue and a book on top overnight will settle it.
