How to Clean and Store Your Polyhedral Dice Set

By Dispel Dice - Premium DnD Dice & Gaming Accessories | Published: 2026-10-19

Category: Tips & Care

Keep your polyhedral dice set looking sharp with these simple cleaning and storage steps. Learn what to use, what to avoid, and how to protect your dice from scratches and wear.

Quick Answer

Clean your polyhedral dice set with mild soap and lukewarm water, dry them thoroughly, and store them in a padded container to prevent scratches and maintain readability.

Why Cleaning and Storage Matter

Your polyhedral dice set sees a lot of table time, and over the years, dirt, oils, and food residue can build up in the numbers and on the surface. That buildup doesn't just look dull—it can make the numbers harder to read, which slows down gameplay and can lead to mistakes.

Proper storage is just as important. Tossing dice loose in a bag lets them knock against each other and other accessories, which can scratch the finish or chip the edges. Sharp-edged dice, like the Alien Worlds Terraform set, are especially vulnerable to impact damage because their crisp edges are part of the design.

Know Your Dice Material

Most polyhedral dice are made from resin, which is durable but not indestructible. Harsh chemicals, acetone, and abrasive cleaners can cloud the surface or eat away at the finish. Always test a new cleaner on a less visible spot first, or stick to the safest option: mild dish soap and water.

Some dice have special finishes, like hand-painted numbers or unique inclusions. For those, extra care is needed. Avoid soaking them for long periods, and never use a scrubbing brush—a soft cloth or microfiber towel is enough.

Step-by-Step Cleaning and Storage

Gather your supplies: You'll need a small bowl of lukewarm water, a drop of mild dish soap, a soft microfiber cloth, and a dry towel. Avoid paper towels, which can leave lint, and never use alcohol or acetone. Check that your cloth is lint-free before you start.
Wash gently: Swirl the dice in the soapy water for a few seconds. For stubborn dirt in the numbers, use a soft-bristled toothbrush (one you don't use for brushing) and gently scrub the recessed areas. Don't soak the dice for more than a minute. If the numbers are still dirty after a gentle scrub, repeat the process instead of pressing harder.
Rinse and dry: Rinse each die under lukewarm running water to remove all soap residue. Pat dry with a soft towel, then set them on a dry cloth to air-dry completely. Make sure no moisture remains, especially in the number recesses, before storing. Moisture left in the numbers can attract dust and dull the finish over time.
Store with protection: Keep your polyhedral dice set in a padded dice bag, a compartmented box, or a tray with a lid. If you use a bag, make sure dice aren't rubbing directly against metal or other hard objects. Separate sets in their own compartments to avoid scratches. For sharp-edged dice, individual slots or soft dividers are the safest option.
Maintain regularly: Wipe down your dice with a dry microfiber cloth after each session to remove oils and dust. Give them a full wash every few months or whenever the numbers start to look dull. This keeps them looking new and ensures the numbers stay readable. Regular light cleaning beats occasional deep cleaning—it's easier on the dice and keeps them game-ready.

Dice That Deserve Extra Care

Alien Worlds 7-Piece Terraform Dice Set: The Alien Worlds 7-Piece Terraform Dice Set features a clear resin shell encasing a unique white landscape, with splashes of black resin for contrast and black-inked numbers. The clear resin shell and landscape interior are delicate, so avoid harsh cleaners and rough handling to keep the design visible and scratch-free.
Alien Worlds 7-Piece Terraform Dice Set