How to Care for Metal Dice: Cleaning and Storage Tips
By Foam Brain Games - Plastic and Metal RPG Dice, Enamel Pins, and | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to clean and store your metal dice to keep them looking great and rolling true. Simple steps for RPG dice care.
Quick Answer
Clean your metal dice with a soft cloth and mild soap, then store them in a padded container away from humidity to prevent tarnish and scratches.
Why Metal Dice Need Special Care
Metal dice are heavier and harder than plastic, so they can scratch each other or chip surfaces if tossed onto a hard table. Their finish can also dull over time from skin oils, dirt, or moisture. A little routine care keeps them rolling smoothly and looking new.
Sets with sharp edges, like the Meteor Storm: Copper-Lit Space set, are especially prone to nicks if stored loosely. And hollow designs, such as the Hollow Dragon Keep D20, need gentle handling to avoid denting the thin walls.
Step-by-Step Metal Dice Care
- 1. Clean Gently After Each Session: Wipe each die with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils and dust. For stuck-on grime, dampen the cloth with a little mild soap and water, then dry immediately. Avoid soaking the dice or using harsh chemicals, which can damage the finish. Common mistake: using paper towels or abrasive cloths that can leave micro-scratches.
- 2. Dry Thoroughly Before Storing: After cleaning, pat each die dry with a clean cloth and let them air-dry for a few minutes. Any trapped moisture can cause tarnish, especially on brass or copper-toned finishes. Check the crevices around engraved details—moisture hides there.
- 3. Store in a Padded Container: Use a dice bag with individual compartments, a foam-lined box, or a soft pouch. Keep dice separated so they don't clank together. Avoid leaving them loose in a backpack or drawer where they can get scratched. For sharp-edged sets like Meteor Storm, a dedicated tray or padded case is best.
- 4. Control Humidity: Store your dice in a cool, dry place. Avoid basements, bathrooms, or humid areas. If you live in a humid climate, toss a small silica gel pack into your dice bag or box to absorb moisture. Tarnish is harder to remove than to prevent—humidity is the main culprit.
- 5. Handle With Care During Play: Roll metal dice on a dice tray or soft surface, not on a bare table or hard floor. The impact can chip the edges or damage the surface underneath. Pick them up by the edges rather than the faces to avoid smudging the finish. A felt-lined tray protects both your dice and your tabletop.
Products Mentioned
- Crossed Swords: Timeworn Sword - Metal RPG Dice Set: This set features sword-shaped details on the dice faces and a timeworn finish. The engraved details can trap dirt, so gentle cleaning with a soft brush helps keep the design visible.
Crossed Swords: Timeworn Sword - Metal RPG Dice Set - Meteor Storm: Copper-Lit Space - Metal RPG Dice Set: This set has very sharp points and a unique copper-lit space finish. The sharp edges can scratch other dice easily, so store them separately or in a padded compartment.
Meteor Storm: Copper-Lit Space - Metal RPG Dice Set - Hollow Dragon Keep D20 - Night: This D20 has a molded internal dragon and thin metal walls. The hollow construction is more delicate; avoid dropping it on hard surfaces and store it in a padded spot.
