Spring Cleaning Tips for TTRPG Gear

A well-maintained TTRPG collection is the mark of a high-level player, and while all of +3 to Charisma’s gear (and most TTRPG items in general) is designed for durability, a seasonal reset ensures your collection stays in peak condition for a long time.

The Longevity of Good Wood

At +3 to Charisma, we build our Wooden Dice Trays and DM Chests to survive the campaign. One of the questions we get most often is: "How do I maintain the quality look of my item?"

The short answer? There’s not much to do. We select and finish our wood so that it stands the test of time on its own. Aside from the obvious—try not to drop it on the stone dungeon floor or ding it up during a move—our wooden gear is designed to be low-maintenance. If there are fingerprints or a little bit of chip oil left on the exterior, use a damp soft cloth and wipe away. Clean it as soon as you notice to reduce possible absorption.

If you have one of our trays with the leather band on the exterior, simply add a drop of linseed oil or leather conditioner to a soft rag and massage it in the leather; about once a year should be sufficient unless you live in a very dry environment, then, about 2-3 times a year or when it looks like it needs it. Use caution and try not to get the oil on the wood, although a little bit should not hurt it.

Caring for the "Sacred Space" (The Felt)

While the wood is hardy, the felt lining inside your tray or DM Chest is the "soft soul" of your gear. Over time, it can collect dust or—heaven forbid—snack crumbs from a mid-session break.

The No-Crumb Rule: Try to keep the snacks away from the rolling surface. Grease and salt are the enemies of high-quality felt.
The Gentle Touch: To clean the felt, skip the vacuum. Make sure to shake out any crumbs first. Then, use a piece of blue painters tape looped around your fingers to gently lift away debris. You can even use the back side of a Post-it or similar low-adhesive sticky paper to get the fuzz or crumbs out. Should the felt lift away and stick to the tape, this is a simple fix. Smooth a small amount of white paste glue on the underside and gently press back onto the tray. Let it sit overnight to fully dry. Just a half-a-pea sized drop should do the trick! Do not use thin, runny, or really liquid adhesives (like super glue) as they can be absorbed by the felt and leave a stain on the visible side.
Spot Cleaning: If a spill happens, use a very slightly damp cloth (water only) and dab—never scrub. Scrubbing pills the felt and leaves a rough spot that could mess up your rolls.

Caring for 3D Printed Goods

Our 3D printed Dice Towers, Monster Markers, Terrain, and other items are built with precision, but they do have a "Kryptonite": high heat. Most 3D printed items are made with PLA, a corn-based type of plastic that is good for the environment but bad for hot weather. Never leave your 3D printed gear in a hot car, by a window, or near a space heater, as it can warp the fine details and melt thinner pieces. To clean them, a dry, soft-bristled paintbrush is the best tool for reaching into the intricate nooks and crannies to whisk away dust. If they’ve seen some heavy table action, a quick wipe with a damp cloth or a baby wipe is all they need to stay legendary. Unless your dog snuck the tower out and played with it in the mud, there’s no need to submerge your pieces in water or use harsh cleaners. If you have a painted item, however, use extra caution and a very soft cloth so as not to chip the paint.

Restoring Shine to Acrylic & Plastic

Between snacks and natural hand oils, your acrylic dice, mini figs, and other plastic gaming pieces can lose their luster over a long campaign. To bring back that out-of-the-box shine, a simple baby wipe or a lint-free cloth with a tiny drop of rubbing alcohol will cut through the "hand grime" instantly. Just a quick buffing motion will have your plastic loot looking crisp and ready for the next initiative roll. Plus, it’s a great hygiene habit for those shared "community" dice bags.

Clarity for Glass Items

Whether it’s a glass potion bottle or a fancy set of dice, glass thrives on clarity. Fingerprints are the main culprit here, making your loot look dull under the tavern lights. A quick spray of standard glass cleaner directly on a microfiber cloth (or just use a damp lint-free cloth) and then a quick clean of the item will cut through any greasy smudges and streaks and not leave hard-to-remove residue. Don’t spray the item directly (the foam cleaner works best) and keep away from your wooden gear or it could damage the finish and/or leave spots. For etched or textured glass, a soft damp cloth or soft-bristled brush ensures you don’t leave lint behind in the grooves, keeping your "potions" looking crystal clear.

The Full Collection Reset

Spring is the perfect time to do an inventory of your entire kit.

Dice Maintenance: Your dice travel from hand to hand and they can get, well, kinda gross. Take a baby wipe or a cloth with a tiny bit of 80/20 water & alcohol mix to wipe down your plastic dice and 3D-printed pieces. It removes the "hand grime" and restores their shine. Be careful with alcohol solutions as it can remove paint and other finishes. If you’re really worried about damage, make a solution with an environmental friendly drop of soap (like Dawn) and a cup of water. Mix gently and use a very soft rag to gently clean. Rinse well.
Containers, Boxes, & Chests: Empty out your goods containers. Blow out any fuzzies or dust, and reorganize everything. Throw away anything that is broken or damaged that you do not use. Got a ton of extras in good shape that are just taking up space? Try donating them to a local library, school, or university gaming club; give them to another gaming group that might need a helpful start; or sell them at your local gaming shop or online marketplace.

Respect the Gear

A well-maintained kit is a sign of a high-level adventurer. When your gear is clean and organized, the immersion at the table is that much deeper. Take twenty minutes this weekend to reset your stash—your next Nat 20 will thank you for it.

Looking for some high-quality TTRPG items to maintain? Check out our recommended selections.