Caring for Board Games

Wish there was a way to keep board games from falling apart and scattering their pieces to the four corners of the Earth? Actually, there are eight ways.

1. Tape the game instructions to the inside of the box so they're handy and unlikely to get lost.
2. Cut out red or black electrical tape to replace discolored squares on a checkerboard.
3. Store game pieces in plastic zipper bags so they're less likely to get lost.
4. Throw a fabric-softener sheet into the box to keep the game board from smelling musty.
5. Place clear tape on box corners and along seams to prevent tearing along the corners and wearing along the seams. Reinforce board folds with packing tape.
6. Clean board games with a sponge and a little soap and water. Lightly dampen the sponge and move it in a circular motion.
7. Vacuum the holes on a Chinese checkerboard to remove harmful debris.
8. Secure tops on board game boxes with yarn rather than rubber bands. Rubber bands may damage the boxes.