The Art of Dice Maintenance for Tabletop Gamers

Whether you're deep in a dungeon crawl or trying to charm your way out of trouble, your dice are more than just tools, they're an extension of your tabletop identity. Every gamer has their lucky d20, their shiniest percentile die, or that one rogue d6 that always seems to roll a 1. But how often do we actually stop to think about dice maintenance?

Taking care of your dice isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about respect for the game, your fellow players, and your growing horde of polyhedral treasures. Let’s dive into why D&D dice care is more important than you might think and how to keep those shiny click-clack math rocks in top shape.

Why Proper Dice Maintenance Is Important

Think of your dice like a musician thinks of their instrument. A guitarist wouldn't leave their instrument in the sun or let dust collect on the strings, so why should dice be any different?

Well-maintained dice not only look better, but they also last longer and roll more consistently. That means fewer surprises during crucial rolls, and let’s be honest, we all want to avoid the dreaded mid-boss nat 1 because our d20 is chipped or unbalanced.

On top of that, good dice hygiene is just part of being a responsible tabletop gamer. Whether you're a dungeon master with ten full sets or a player with a single cherished collection, knowing how to care for your dice keeps your tabletop gaming accessories in great condition for years to come.

How to Clean Your Dice (Without Damaging Them)

Cleaning dice is easy, but it’s also easy to get wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s how to do it safely:

What You’ll Need:

• Mild dish soap

• A soft toothbrush or cloth

• Warm (not hot) water

• A towel for drying

Step-by-Step Dice Cleaning:

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and a drop or two of mild dish soap.

2. Place your dice in the water and let them soak for a few minutes.

3. Gently scrub each die with a soft toothbrush or cloth. This is especially helpful for cleaning out gunk in the numbers or crevices.

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

5. Pat dry with a towel and let them air dry fully before storing them away.

Important: Avoid using harsh chemicals, alcohol, or hot water. These can warp or damage the material, especially with resin dice. And absolutely do not toss them in the dishwasher, no matter how tempting it is. (Yes, people have tried.)

Storage Tips: Keeping Your Dice Safe Between Games

After a great session, it's easy to toss your dice into a pouch or leave them on the table. But just like any collectible or tool, proper storage matters. Here are some polyhedral dice tips for safe keeping:

Do:

• Store dice in a padded pouch, case, or tray.

• Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent discoloration or warping.

• Organize them by set or usage to avoid hunting for a specific die mid-session.

Don't:

• Leave dice in hot cars or windowsills.

• Mix heavy metal dice with resin or plastic ones—they can scratch each other.

• Keep them loose in your backpack (unless you enjoy chaotic dice goblins rattling around).

If you want to level up your storage game, look into tabletop gaming accessories like foam-lined cases, magnetic trays, or even display boxes that let your dice shine when not in use.

Testing Dice Fairness: Myth or Must-Do?

So, you’ve rolled five natural 1s in a row. Clearly, your die is cursed, right? Maybe. Maybe not. Dice fairness is a hot topic, and while no die is perfectly balanced, some definitely roll more consistently than others.

The Saltwater Test

Here’s a popular (and super easy) way to test your d20:

1. Fill a glass with water and add enough salt until the die floats.

2. Gently spin the die in the water.

3. If it consistently floats with the same face up, it might be unbalanced.

Keep in mind that this isn’t a lab-grade test. It’s more of a fun experiment than a hard science. But if a die keeps betraying you, it may be time to bench it or retire it to “display only” status.

Some players swear by fairness tests; others prefer to let the dice gods do their thing. Either way, it’s all part of the joy of dice maintenance.

Customizing & Restoring Dice: Re-inking and Repairing

Love the feel of your dice but wish the numbers popped more? Or maybe an old set is looking a little faded? You can bring dice back to life with a bit of re-inking or restoration.

Re-Inking Basics

You’ll need:

• A fine paintbrush or toothpick

• Acrylic paint or paint pens

• Rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs (for cleanup)

Clean the dice first. Then, fill the numbers with your chosen paint, wiping away any excess before it dries. Let the dice sit for a day or so before using. Boom, refreshed and fabulous.

Chip or Crack Repair

Minor chips on resin or plastic dice can sometimes be gently filed down with a fine nail file or emery board. But if a die is badly damaged or cracked, it’s often better to retire it. You can always keep it as a keepsake or turn it into jewelry or a keychain!

Who Should Care About Dice Maintenance?

Short answer? Anyone who rolls them.

From brand-new players to lifelong dungeon masters, taking care of your dice is just part of being in the tabletop gaming community. Whether you're showing off your newest gemstone set or relying on a trusty, battle-worn collection, a little care goes a long way.

Plus, taking the time to clean and store your dice properly shows pride in your hobby. And let's face it, there's something satisfying about opening your dice box and seeing a lineup of clean, gleaming polyhedrals ready for action.

Final Thoughts: A Fun, Light Wrap-Up Encouraging Better Dice Habits

Dice are more than just gaming tools, they're memory-makers, story-carriers, and sometimes the last line between your character and total disaster. Treat them with a little love, and they’ll keep rolling strong for years to come.

Whether you’re re-inking a faded d20 or just wiping Cheeto dust off your percentile dice, good dice maintenance is all part of the tabletop experience. So the next time you pack up after a game night, give your dice a quick check. Clean 'em, store 'em right, and maybe even thank them for that lucky crit.

And if you're the kind of player who loves adding to your collection or upgrading your tabletop setup, it’s worth checking out some high-quality gear and accessories. Sites like Runic Dice offer an awesome range of dice, storage options, and tools to keep your gaming gear in top shape. Perfect for anyone who takes their dice seriously (or just wants them to look really cool).