How Do I Clean a Puzzle?

Whether you’ve pulled a puzzle out of long-term storage, picked one up secondhand, or had a little snack break accident (guilty), you might be wondering: can you actually clean a jigsaw puzzle? The answer is yes—but you’ve got to do it gently.

Start with the Box

If your puzzle box is dusty or musty, a quick wipe with a slightly damp cloth usually does the trick. Just make sure it dries completely before storing it again. You can also place a dryer sheet or some baking soda nearby to help absorb any lingering odors.

Cleaning Puzzle Pieces

Here’s the golden rule: avoid soaking puzzle pieces in water. They’re made of cardboard and can warp or fall apart if they get too wet. Instead:

• Dry wipe: Use a soft, dry cloth or microfiber towel to gently wipe dust and debris from the surface.
• Spot clean: If a piece is sticky (hello, jelly fingers), lightly dab it with a barely damp cloth—just enough to lift the residue. Then dry it right away with a dry corner of the towel.
• Compressed air: This works great for cleaning between pieces without taking the whole puzzle apart—especially if it's already assembled.

Disinfecting or Deep Cleaning

During COVID (or cold & flu season), some puzzlers understandably take extra precautions. If you're trying to avoid contamination, here are a few puzzle-friendly ideas:

• Quarantine it: I’ve personally kept secondhand puzzles in my garage or truck for a few days before bringing them inside—just in case.
• UV light sanitizers: There are small blue light/UV sanitizers on the market. While they aren’t guaranteed to kill everything, some puzzlers have used them as a no-contact way to sanitize the surface.
• Glove up: Wearing gloves while handling a used puzzle for the first time can give some peace of mind—especially if you're sorting pieces before a deeper wipe-down.

Of course, you want to be cautious with anything involving heat, light, or moisture. The goal is clean—not warped.

What to Avoid

• Harsh chemicals: Cleaners or sprays can damage the puzzle’s finish or remove ink.
• Soaking or rinsing: Even if the puzzle looks sturdy, it’s still cardboard underneath. Water is not your friend here.
• Rubbing too hard: This can cause the top layer to peel off, especially on older or cheaper puzzles.

My Take

Personally, I don’t clean puzzles unless I absolutely have to. Most of the time a quick wipe with a dry cloth is enough—and yes, I’ve had to do this more than once thanks to my cats “helping.” If you're buying puzzles secondhand or passing them along to friends, it's always nice to freshen them up a bit first. Just be gentle and patient, and your puzzle will be good as new (or at least close enough).