Board Game Table Care & Maintenance: Protect Your Investment With These Tips!
You bought a board game table because you knew it would bring endless memories and fun with the people in your life that matter most. And chances are, we don’t have to tell you - this table was quite the investment. So, it’s only right you take the time to learn about board game table care!
Imagine hosting game night, excited for an evening of friendly competition and laughter. But after breaking out your prized collection of the best board games of all time and preparing the table, you notice a few stains - and you don’t have time to clean them before guests arrive.
Or, picture yourself looking at old pictures of your game table down the road only to discover that the stunning shine of your table has transformed into an unsightly, dull appearance.
These are the inevitable outcomes awaiting you if you don’t take your board game table maintenance seriously. The good news? We’re here to help you avoid the embarrassment and frustration of seeing your beautiful investment lose its original luster.
Below, you’ll learn how to clean a board game table correctly - avoiding the common pitfalls associated with improper products or tactics that only make matters worse. We’ll also offer some preventative maintenance tips that will help you extend the life of your table, getting you the most out of it.
But, before we get into all that, let’s set the stage for the rest of this conversation by explaining why board game table care cannot be overlooked.
Why Board Game Table Care Can’t Be Overlooked
When you purchase a board game table, you're not just buying another piece of furniture. You are investing in a hub of entertainment, a catalyst for social connection, and a platform for creating memories that will last a lifetime.
This is why caring for your board game table isn't just a recommendation - it's an essential part of owning one. Just as you invest in maintenance for your home itself, your vehicle, or even your own personal health and well-being - you need to take the maintenance and care side of owning a gaming table seriously.
You've spent time choosing the perfect table - whether you created a living room dining room combo, you bought a game table for the basement, or you decided to implement our small game room ideas. This table has now become an integral part of your home, and it deserves the same level of care you'd give to any other valuable possession. This is true of all types of game tables - but especially the best board game tables that cost a pretty penny.
Overlooking the importance of maintenance may result in a table that ages before its time, with a worn-out surface that might detract from the gaming experience. By investing a little time and effort into its care, you can extend the life of your table, ensuring it remains a vibrant centerpiece in your home for years to come.
Protect Your Investment for the Long Haul
By giving your table the care it deserves, you are not just maintaining its appearance, you're also preserving its quality and functionality. Just as you'd service your car to keep it running smoothly, your board game table also requires routine maintenance to ensure it continues to perform at its best.
A well-maintained table not only provides a smooth, clean surface for your games but also helps to protect your game components from damage. Imagine playing a card game on a table with a scratched or sticky surface. It's not the most enjoyable experience, is it? Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent these issues, ensuring every game played on your table is as enjoyable as possible.
Keep Your Table Looking Stunning to Impress Guests
There's no denying the fact that a pristine, well-maintained board game table can make a strong impression. And, let’s be honest - part of the reason you spent the money on this table was to impress guests!
Whether you're hosting a casual game night with friends, a board game party, or even a competitive tournament, your table is at the center of it all. A table that gleams with care shows your guests that you take your gaming seriously. It speaks volumes about your attention to detail and your commitment to providing the best gaming experience possible.
Moreover, a well-cared-for table adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home decor. It becomes more than just a gaming surface - it's a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a testament to your love for board games.
Everything You Need to Know About Board Game Table Care and Maintenance
From dusting to dealing with spills, maintaining a board game table requires a mix of regular care and prompt attention to accidents. Let's delve into the specifics of how you can best care for your board game table.
First things first - how do you clean a board game table in general? We’ll offer a few approved products and broad guidelines below. But as always, it’s worth checking with your specific manufacturer.
How Do You Clean a Board Game Table in General? Approved Products & Guidelines
To clean your board game table, you'll want to stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaners and soft cloths. The last thing you want to do is cause more harm than good - but unfortunately, some chemicals found in common commercial cleaning products can take a toll on your table’s surface.
For starters, dust should be removed with a water-dampened cloth, which helps to capture and lift the particles away rather than pushing them around the surface where they can scratch or dull the finish.
Fingerprints, cooking fumes, and smoking residue can be eliminated with a solution of mild soap and water. While these substances won't harm the finish, they can accumulate over time and dull the table's original luster.
As with all fine furniture finishes, avoid using furniture polish, cleaners, or dusting sprays that contain silicone, alcohol, ammonia, and anything acidic. However, for occasional cleanups, Clorox wipes have proven effective and safe.
Now the question is - how often should you make time for routine cleaning? Really, there is no one size fits all answer. Your cleaning schedule will be influenced by a few factors. For example, how often do you use the table? How much pride do you take in the ownership of your table?
In general, we recommend quick cleanings after each use if there are crumbs, hairs, or dust particles scattered around. It takes just a moment and goes a long way in preserving the original beauty of your table.
We’ll talk more about preserving your table for the long run later on. First, here is a word of warning on dealing with spills and accidents…
Dealing With Spills and Accidents
Few things are as gut-wrenching as watching as a drink is knocked over or food is spilled onto your gaming table. Whether it’s you or a guest, this is a game night horror show.
But don’t sit around and mope about it - act fast when spills occur. The less time the spill has to take hold on the wood or felt playing surface, the better chance you have of eradicating it all the way.
For spills on gaming table wood, blot - don't rub - the area with a dry, soft cloth to soak up the liquid and prevent it from spreading. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing too hard, as this can scratch the surface.
For fabric or felt, use a specialized fabric cleaner according to its instructions - usually by spraying it on the affected area, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then gently blotting with a dry cloth.
Notice we said blotting a few times - that’s because rubbing aggressively does more harm than good. This will only push the mess deeper into the fabric or wood grain.
General Usage Tips to Prevent Damage
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To keep your board game table looking its best, consider using placemats and coasters during games. You can also institute a rule among the group that no drinks or foods should ever cross over the felt playing surface. You have cupholders for a reason!
These can protect the finish from scratches and moisture. Also, avoid placing the table in areas of direct sunlight, high temperatures, or high humidity, as these conditions can damage both the furniture and the finish.
And, if you have friends that don’t respect your table, don’t be afraid to have that uncomfortable conversation. You don’t want to be a buzzkill, but come on - this is one of your most prized possessions! It should be treated as such.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Keeping your board game table in top condition over the years goes beyond regular cleaning. It's also about preventive care.
Regularly check your table for signs of wear and tear. If your table has a wooden finish, consider reapplying a suitable wood protector annually. This not only maintains the sheen but also creates a barrier against spills and scratches.
Remember - future finishes or touch-ups may not adhere properly or perform as desired over a contaminated surface. Some contaminants, such as silicone, seep through the finish into the wood and often cannot be removed. So if you decide to use a furniture polish, be sure to choose wisely!
Special Considerations for Specific Materials
Before we bring this table on board game table maintenance to a close, we want to touch on a few special considerations for specific materials.
For tables with a felt surface, vacuum the felt regularly using a brush attachment to prevent dust and debris from settling into the fibers. For more stubborn stains, use a soft, damp cloth and a mild soap. Remember to blot, not rub, to avoid damaging the felt.
Tables with a wood surface may need a touch of furniture polish from time to time to keep the wood from drying out and cracking. This is especially true in drier climates. Be sure to use a product that's safe for the type of wood and finish on your table.
Final Thoughts on Board Game Table Maintenance
While the thought of constantly cleaning and caring for your gaming table can be daunting, but we hope this conversation has left you feeling more confident and capable.
There’s really not much to it - especially if you follow our advice on preventative maintenance and our general usage tips to prevent damage/accidents in the first place. What matters most is you follow some sort of regimen for board game table care and maintenance - from casual, routine cleanings to safe wood polishing and preservation.
At this point, it’s time to start treating your innovative furniture the way it deserves to be treated! And if you find that your game table is beyond repair - or you simply want to spoil yourself with something new and exciting - head over to BandPass Design.
Our gaming dining table is a true work of art, as each table is made by hand with unparalleled attention to detail. And, it’s one of the best pieces of multifunctional furniture for small spaces you can buy - transforming the way you entertain guests forever.
Whether you want to overhaul your DnD setup or you want to impress your friends by hosting a poker night from the most stunning, functional recessed gaming table online - it’s time to head over to our site and start bringing your vision to life with our customizer!