Can Puzzles Get Moldy or Damaged in Storage?

Let’s be honest—no one wants to open a puzzle box and be met with a funky smell or warped pieces. While I haven’t personally experienced a moldy puzzle (knock on wood), I’ve definitely heard stories from other puzzlers. And it makes sense. Cardboard and moisture? Not exactly besties.

So yes, puzzles can get moldy or damaged in storage—especially if you’re keeping them in places like basements, attics, or garages where humidity and temperature love to play games.

Why Puzzles Get Moldy (or Gross)

Cardboard is super absorbent, so any moisture in the air can start creeping in. If your storage area is damp or goes through hot-and-cold cycles, your puzzles could end up with:

• Warped or curled pieces
• Mildew or musty smells
• Box deterioration or softening
• Mold (in extreme cases)

Even if it’s not that dramatic, improper storage can make your beautiful puzzles look sad real quick.

Tips to Keep Your Puzzles Safe

• Store them in a climate-controlled area: Avoid areas like basements or garages unless they’re fully sealed and temperature-controlled. Closets, cabinets, or bookshelves inside your home are much safer bets.
• Use Ziploc bags or small containers for pieces: Once you’ve completed a puzzle and broken it down, seal the pieces in a heavy-duty Ziploc bag. This protects against moisture and prevents any stragglers from going missing.
• Silica gel packets are your friend: Those little packets that come in shoe boxes? Don’t toss them—tuck them inside your puzzle boxes or storage bins to absorb extra moisture.
• Store puzzles upright like books: Stacking heavy boxes can crush the bottom ones over time. Standing them upright helps maintain the box shape and makes it easier to grab your next pick.
• Avoid extreme temps: Heat can dry out and crack old glue. Cold + moisture = mold risk. Keep your collection somewhere stable and boring. Boring is good.

Whether you’re storing a few puzzles or an entire collection, a little care goes a long way. Protecting your puzzles from moisture and damage means they’ll be ready for your next rainy day or family night. If you’ve got your own storage hacks or favorite products, share them with us on social media—we love seeing how fellow puzzlers keep their pieces in perfect shape!