How To Clean Mah Jongg Tiles
Mah Jongg is an ancient Chinese game that is still popular today. The game involves a set of tiles that can be made of bone, bamboo, or plastic. Like any other game, the tiles need to be kept clean to make the game enjoyable and to extend the life of the tiles. Cleaning Mah Jongg tiles can seem daunting but with a few simple steps, you can clean your tiles without damaging them. With the right cleaning supplies, a bit of time, and a little effort, you can make sure your Mah Jongg tiles look as good as new.
Gather the necessary cleaning supplies
Before you start, gather the cleaning supplies you will need to clean the tiles. Make sure to have a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any excess water from the tiles. You will also need a soft, clean bristle brush or a soft paintbrush. A clean and dry soft-bristle paintbrush or paint roller will work well. You will also need a few other supplies like a clothespin, paper towels, a spray bottle, and a bucket or a large bowl to hold the cleaning solution. If your tiles are plastic or bamboo, you will also need a mild detergent and some water. If your tiles are made of bone, you will need alcohol and water.
Prep the tiles for cleaning
Before cleaning the tiles, you will need to prep them for cleaning. First, remove any debris that has collected inside the tiles. To do this, gently tap each tile against a hard surface to dislodge any debris. Alternatively, you can use a toothpick or a skewer to dislodge any debris. The next thing you will need to do is mark any tiles that have cracks or are broken. This will help you identify any tiles you need to be extra careful with when cleaning them. To clean any debris from inside the tiles, you can use a cotton swab or a toothpick. Finally, you can put the tiles in water, with a mild detergent, to clean the tiles. Make sure the water is warm and not too deep that it overflows.
Clean the tiles with a gentle brush
Once the tiles are clean and dry, you can start cleaning them with a soft brush or a soft paintbrush. A soft-bristled paintbrush is best if you use a water-based cleaning solution. A soft-bristled paintbrush will not scratch the tiles. Make sure you clean both sides of the tiles so that you do not miss any spots. If your tiles are made of bone and you are using an alcohol-based cleaning solution, you can clean them with a soft-bristled paintbrush as well. Make sure you clean both sides of the tiles as well so that you do not miss any spots.
Soak the tiles in a mild cleaning solution
If your tiles are made of bone, you can soak the tiles in a cleaning solution. Make sure the cleaning solution is not too strong or has alcohol in it. You can use distilled water in a large bowl or a bucket to soak the tiles. You can also use a soft-bristled paintbrush to gently agitate the tiles while they are soaking. Make sure you do it gently so you do not damage the tiles. If your tiles are made of plastic or bamboo, you can use a soft-bristled paintbrush to agitate the tiles while they are soaking.
Rinse and dry the tiles
Once you are done cleaning the tiles, rinse the tiles with water to wash off the cleaning solution. Gently wipe off any excess water from the tiles using a clean and dry cloth. Next, lay the tiles out to dry. Make sure the tiles are not touching each other while they are drying to avoid any damage. If your tiles are made of wood, you can use a low-humidity setting to speed up the drying process. Once the tiles are dry, you can put them back in their box or keep them in their original packaging. Do not store the tiles in their cleaning solution as it can damage them.
Sanitize the tiles
Mah Jongg tiles are porous and can collect dirt and germs over time. To clean the tiles and sanitize them, you can mix a solution of one part isopropyl alcohol and two parts water in a spray bottle. Make sure you shake the bottle well before spraying the tiles. Alternatively, you can use a solution of one part household bleach and nine parts water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well before spraying the tiles. Spray the tiles with the cleaning solution and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing the tiles off with water. Let the tiles air-dry before storing them.
Restore the tiles
If your tiles are made of wood and have lost their shine over time, you can restore their shine and make them look new again with a polish. Make sure you use a wood polish that is meant for Mah Jongg tiles. You can also use a wood stain and a brush to apply the stain to the tiles. Let the wood tiles dry before storing them.
Store the tiles properly
If your tiles are made of wood, make sure you store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing the tiles in a place that has high humidity or is too hot. If you notice that your tiles are warped, you can try to flatten them out again. To do this, place them in the sun to dry them out. Once they are fully dry, place a heavy object like a book or a brick on top of them to press them flat again. Keep your Mah Jongg tiles clean to make sure they last longer. With the right cleaning supplies, a bit of time, and a little effort, you can make sure your Mah Jongg tiles look as good as new.
