How to Store and Care for Your Board Game Dice

Quick answer

Store dice in a padded container or divided tray, keep them away from loose metal or sharp edges, and clean them with a soft cloth. For polyhedral sets, use individual slots or a dice bag with soft lining. Avoid extreme heat and moisture to prevent warping and fading.

Why dice need a dedicated storage plan

Dice are small, heavy, and often made of acrylic or resin. When they tumble together in a single bag, edges chip and faces scratch. That wear changes how they roll and makes them harder to read. A dedicated storage plan prevents damage and keeps sets complete for game night.

Different dice have different risks. Standard six-sided dice are usually durable, but polyhedral dice (d4, d8, d20, etc.) have sharp points that can break. Metal dice can dent softer dice, and wooden dice can crack if they dry out. Matching storage to material is the first step.

Choose the right container for your dice

For a small set, a soft drawstring bag with a microfiber lining works well. For larger collections, a compartmented box or a craft storage case with adjustable dividers keeps sets separate. If you use a bag, add a small piece of foam or felt to cushion the dice.

For polyhedral dice, look for cases with individual slots or a foam insert. This stops the d4 and d8 from knocking into each other. If you store dice in a ring binder, use side-loading pages that hold each die snugly. The Sideloading 18-Pocket Pages: 50 pg Black from Asmodee are designed for cards, but their strong welds and side-loading pockets can also hold small dice in a pinch—just check that the pockets are tight enough to prevent shifting.

Clean dice without damaging the finish

Most dice only need a wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. For sticky residue, dampen the cloth with a little water and mild soap, then dry immediately. Never soak dice in water or use alcohol-based cleaners, which can cloud acrylic or strip paint from numbers.

For metal dice, dry them thoroughly to prevent rust. For wooden dice, use a barely damp cloth and let them air-dry away from heat. If the numbers are painted, avoid scrubbing; a soft toothbrush can gently remove dust from recessed numbers.

Protect dice during transport and play

When you take dice to a game night, use a dedicated dice bag or case. Don't toss them loose into a backpack with keys or other metal objects. A small padded pouch or a hard-shell case prevents impact damage.

At the table, roll on a soft surface like a felt dice tray or a playmat. Rolling on hard wood or stone can chip edges over time. If you use a dice tower, check that the internal ramps are smooth and don't have sharp edges that could scratch dice.

Step-by-step dice care routine

1. Sort and inspect your dice: Separate dice by material (plastic, metal, wood) and check for chips, cracks, or sticky residue. Common mistake: mixing metal and plastic dice in the same bag, which causes scratches. Set aside damaged dice for repair or replacement before storing.
2. Clean each die gently: Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. For stubborn grime, use a barely damp cloth with mild soap, then dry immediately. Never soak dice or use harsh chemicals. Check that numbers are still legible after cleaning; repaint if needed with acrylic paint.
3. Choose a storage method that fits your collection: Use a compartmented box, a dice bag with soft lining, or a binder with side-loading pages for card games that include dice. Ensure dice don't rattle against each other. If you store dice in a binder, use pages with strong welds and tight pockets to prevent dice from falling out.
4. Store in a stable environment: Keep dice away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humid areas. Extreme temperatures can warp plastic and cause metal to rust. A closet or shelf inside your home is better than a garage or attic.
5. Handle dice with care during play: Roll on a soft surface like a felt tray or playmat. Avoid rolling on hard tables or concrete. When traveling, use a padded case. Inspect your dice every few months for wear and replace any that are cracked or chipped.

Product facts

• Marvel Champions: The Card Game - Venom Hero Pack: Marvel Champions: The Card Game - Venom Hero Pack includes Venom, his fifteen signature cards, and a full assortment of Justice cards. If you play Marvel Champions, this pack adds a new hero and cards that you'll want to keep organized. Storing the cards in a binder with side-loading pages keeps them safe between games.
• It's Giving: It's Giving is a party game where players match an Image card with a funny 'It's Giving' card to capture the vibe. The game includes cards that can be stored in the same binder pages as your other card games. Keeping them separate from heavy dice prevents bending.