Methods For Cleaning Plastic Playing Cards

Maintaining the cleanliness of your playing cards is essential, especially after numerous rounds of poker or other card games where they are frequently handled and shuffled among players.

Whether you’re a novice at Texas Hold’em or a seasoned player, you may ponder over the cleaning process of your cards, or even question the possibility of cleaning them.

The methods of cleaning vary based on the material of the cards you possess. Let’s delve into the details.

Standard paper playing cards consist of paper material with a transparent plastic or similar finish on the front and back. This finish does not cover the card’s edges, which is the primary reason why you should avoid using liquid for cleaning paper cards.

While a dry paper towel can remove light smudges and spills, a more thorough cleaning is not advised. Liquids can penetrate the exposed edges, damaging the cards.

Fortunately, a dry cleaning technique is endorsed by Good Housekeeping for paper cards. Although it won’t make paper cards last indefinitely, it can extend their lifespan.

To clean, place the cards in a plastic bag filled with a drying agent like cornstarch or baby powder. Seal the bag and agitate it to distribute the powder. Afterward, use a dry paper towel to remove the excess powder from the cards.

In the event of a spill on paper cards, promptly wiping it off is crucial. Any further cleaning, such as using a damp towel, might necessitate the use of a new deck or a pause in gameplay to acquire one.

Plastic playing cards generally outperform their paper counterparts. They are devoid of paper, making them more resistant to the rigors of gameplay, including handling and shuffling.

Compared to paper cards, plastic ones have a longer lifespan and can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.

Curious about cleaning soiled playing cards? The process for plastic cards is straightforward and hassle-free.

Simply use a damp cloth or paper towel to erase any dirt or leftover marks from the cards. Post-cleaning, you can employ the bag-and-powder technique mentioned earlier for paper cards to dry them. Once completed, your cards will be refreshed and ready for use.

A final tip: Avoid placing plastic playing cards in a dishwasher. Despite some plastics being dishwasher-safe, playing cards are not intended for the high temperatures or detergents used in dishwashers.