Care of Puzzles

To maintain the quality and longevity of your jigsaw puzzles, especially during assembly, consider these essential care tips:

Wear Gloves

Consider wearing thin cotton gloves when assembling or disassembling your puzzle. This prevents the natural oils and sweat from your hands from transferring to the puzzle pieces. Over time, these residues can degrade the print, dull the colors, and even damage the material of the pieces.

Ensure a Flat Assembly Surface

Always assemble your puzzle on a clean, flat, smooth surface. This is crucial for several reasons:

• • It prevents pieces from bending or snapping, which can happen if the surface is uneven or has bumps.

  • A smooth surface allows pieces to slide easily, making it simpler to maneuver them into place.

  • A clean surface ensures no debris or dust gets trapped between or on the puzzle pieces, which could cause scratches or stains. Puzzle mats or dedicated puzzle boards are excellent options.

Be Careful with Food and Drinks

Exercise extreme caution when eating or drinking near or over your puzzle. Spills are a common cause of damage, leading to stains, warping, or weakening of the puzzle material. Should a spill occur, clean it immediately. Fast action can often prevent permanent damage. Use a dry cloth to blot liquids, and avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain.

Choose Appropriate Clothing

Your clothing can also impact puzzle care:

• • Long sleeves can prevent pieces from sticking to your forearms, especially if you have sensitive skin or are working in a warm environment.

  • Loose-fitting clothing should be avoided as it can accidentally sweep or move pieces off the table with unintended movements.

  • Be mindful of pockets and cuffs, as they can inadvertently trap and hide falling pieces, leading to frustration when you discover a "missing" piece later.

Protect From Children and pets

When working on an important puzzle, always be aware of children and pets; they don't always share your concern for protecting your puzzle.

Final Thoughts

If the condition of a puzzle is important to you, protect it.