Ethan Clarke
Playing cards can get dirty from table residue and dirt and oil from players' hands. Paper cards tend to absorb this dirt and oil, but plastic cards are not porous, so the grime sits on the surface. To clean plastic cards, you can submerge them in cool water and use a mild soap or shampoo. Avoid using a hairdryer or the sun to dry them. You can also put them in a plastic bag with flour, talcum powder, or cornstarch, shake well, and then wipe off each card with a paper towel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of cleaning | Plastic cards are easy to clean |
| Water usage | Can be submerged in water, but use cool water |
| Soap usage | Do not use detergent or alkaline soap; use shampoo or mild soap |
| Drying | Dry with a towel or soft cloth; do not use a hair dryer or put in the sun |
| Powder cleaning | Put cards in a plastic bag with flour, talcum powder, or cornstarch; shake and wipe with a paper towel |
| Bread cleaning | Rub cards with bread, then wipe with a dry cloth |
| Cloth cleaning | Dampen a cloth with cold water and mild soap; rub on cards and dry with a dry cloth |
| Stickiness | Cards may become sticky due to food residue and skin oil |
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What You'll Learn
Use cool water and mild soap
Plastic playing cards can be submerged in water and washed like any other item. However, it is best to use cool water to prevent the colours from fading. Mild soap can be used, but avoid detergent or alkaline soap as these are too harsh. Instead, opt for shampoo, which is gentler.
Firstly, dampen a clean cloth with a solution of cool water and a few drops of mild soap. It is important not to use too much water, as this could damage the cards. Rub the damp cloth over both sides of each card.
Next, take another soft, clean, dry cloth and use it to dry the cards. Ensure that you dry the cards as soon as possible after washing to prevent water damage. Do not be tempted to use a hairdryer or any other heat source to speed up the drying process.
You can also try using a mild soap solution and a soft cloth to clean the cards while they are still in the box. This method helps to avoid bending or damaging the cards. Simply dip your cloth in the soap solution, squeeze out the excess liquid, and carefully rub the cards through the box.
If your cards are made of paper, it is best to avoid using water. Instead, put the cards in a plastic bag with a few tablespoons of flour, talcum powder, or cornstarch. Shake the bag well to coat all the cards, then remove and wipe them with a paper towel.
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Avoid scrubbing with cleaning tools
When washing plastic playing cards, it is best to avoid scrubbing them with cleaning tools. This is because plastic playing cards are delicate and can easily be damaged by harsh scrubbing. Instead, use a soft cloth or towel to gently wipe down the cards.
It is also important to avoid using detergent or alkaline soap when cleaning plastic playing cards. These chemicals can be too harsh and cause the cards to fade or become brittle. Shampoo or a mild soap is a much gentler alternative.
If your cards are made of paper, it is recommended to put them in a plastic bag with a few tablespoons of flour, talcum powder, or cornstarch. Shake the bag well to coat all the cards, then remove and wipe them down with a paper towel. This method helps to absorb any dirt and oils that have built up on the cards.
For plastic playing cards, you can dampen a clean cloth with a solution of cold water and a few drops of mild soap. Gently rub the cloth over both sides of each card and then dry them with a soft, clean, dry cloth.
It is worth noting that the best approach is to keep your cards clean from the start. Provide hand wipes for players before they begin playing and avoid greasy snacks during gameplay to prevent oil and dirt buildup on the cards.
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Don't use a hair dryer to dry
When it comes to drying your plastic playing cards, it is important to exercise patience and avoid using a hairdryer. While it may seem efficient to speed up the drying process with a hairdryer, it is not advisable for several reasons.
Firstly, the intense heat from a hairdryer can cause the ink on the cards to smudge or fade. Playing cards, especially plastic ones, are not designed to withstand high temperatures, and the heat from a hairdryer can damage the ink and affect the overall appearance of the cards.
Secondly, the forced hot air from a hairdryer can cause the cards to warp or become misshapen. Plastic cards are sensitive to temperature changes, and rapid heating can cause them to soften and lose their rigidity. This can result in bent corners or uneven surfaces, making the cards difficult to handle and affecting their performance during gameplay.
Additionally, using a hairdryer can lead to static electricity buildup on the cards. This can cause the cards to cling together or attract dust and debris, defeating the purpose of cleaning them in the first place. Static electricity can also be uncomfortable and even deliver a mild shock when handling the cards, which is not ideal for a relaxing game night.
Lastly, the concentrated airflow from a hairdryer can cause the cards to blow away, especially if they are not completely dry. This could result in losing cards or having them end up in places where they might cause damage, such as down a vent or into a liquid. It is much safer to let the cards air-dry on a flat surface, reducing the risk of them being scattered by a gust of air.
Instead of using a hairdryer, it is recommended to let the cards air-dry naturally. Lay them out flat on a clean surface, such as a table or a bed, and allow them to dry on their own. This may take a bit longer, but it ensures that your cards remain in good condition and do not sustain any heat-related damage. Remember, a little patience goes a long way in maintaining the quality and longevity of your plastic playing cards.
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Use flour, talcum powder or cornstarch
If your plastic playing cards are sticky with snack grease and finger oils, flour, talcum powder, or cornstarch can be used to restore them. Place the cards in a plastic bag and add several tablespoons of any of the three powders. Shake the bag well to ensure that all the cards are covered. Then, remove the cards and wipe them off with a paper towel. You could also shuffle the cards several times to remove the powder.
This method will make your cards nice and smooth, shuffling and dealing nicely. It may seem odd, but it is effective. Using flour, talcum powder, or cornstarch is better than using talcum powder alone as your cards won't be shedding powder all over your table and hands.
If your cards are stained or feel greasy, it may be time to buy a new deck. However, if you want to persist with cleaning them, and your cards are plastic-coated, you can dampen a clean cloth with a solution of cold water and a few drops of mild soap (not detergent). Rub the damp cloth over both sides of the card, then dry immediately with another soft, clean, dry cloth.
It is best to avoid using water or solvents on inexpensive cards as this is likely to cause warping. It is also recommended to avoid using detergent or alkaline soap, and to avoid drying your cards in the sun or with a hairdryer.
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Avoid greasy snacks during play
Greasy snacks are a no-go when it comes to playing cards. Whether it's the classic ''bridge mix' of nuts, crisps, or that chocolate fountain, greasy and sticky foods will leave residue on your cards. Over time, this can cause them to become sticky, warped, and difficult to shuffle.
The best way to avoid greasy cards is to prevent the grease from getting on them in the first place. This means choosing snacks wisely when planning a card game night. Opt for snacks that are not greasy or sticky, such as fresh fruits or vegetables.
If you're hosting a card game, provide hand wipes for your guests to use before they start playing. This will help to ensure that any grease or dirt from their hands doesn't transfer to the cards. It's also a good idea to encourage guests to wash their hands with soap and water before playing, especially if they've been enjoying greasy snacks.
If you're playing with plastic-coated cards, you can use a damp cloth to wipe away any grease or residue. However, for paper cards, avoid using water or liquid cleaning products, as these can cause warping and damage. Instead, try using an absorbent powder, such as cornstarch, flour, or talcum powder. Place the powder in a plastic bag with the cards, shake well, and then wipe the cards with a paper towel.
So, while it's tempting to provide greasy snacks during a card game, it's best to avoid them to keep your cards in good condition. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your card games and keep your decks lasting longer.
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