Care for your kit
How to Care for Mahjong Tiles and Mats
Use a cautious mahjong care routine: check the maker’s instructions, protect printed surfaces and let equipment dry before storing it.
Mahjong equipment combines different materials, finishes and printed details. There is no single cleaning method that is suitable for every tile, mat, rack or bag. Begin with the care instructions for the exact product you own. If those instructions are unclear, ask the seller before using a cleaner or trying a method recommended for another set.
Identify the piece before cleaning
Check the product description or supplied care label. A tile's body, its printed markings and any decorative finish may respond differently to moisture or cleaning products. Mats and bags can also use different constructions even when they look similar in photographs.
Do not infer that an item is washable, waterproof or heat resistant because of its appearance. A label that names a material is not automatically a complete care instruction.
Keep routine care gentle
Between games, inspect the equipment for dust, crumbs and moisture. Where the maker permits it, use a clean soft cloth and the least intensive method needed. Avoid scrubbing printed details or applying a household product without checking compatibility.
Do not place tiles in a dishwasher, soak them or use alcohol, bleach or abrasive cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically directs that method. A process suitable for one product can damage another.
Handle a spill promptly
Pause the game and move unaffected pieces away. Blot rather than spread the liquid, following the relevant care guidance. Check the underside of the mat and the table beneath it, as moisture can travel beyond the visible spill.
If a stain remains, ask the maker about treatment rather than experimenting with progressively stronger products. Take a photograph and identify what was spilled so they can give useful advice.
Treat mats and bags separately
Read washing and drying instructions for each item. Do not assume that a machine-washable bag means its inserts or attachments can be washed with it. Likewise, a mat may require a particular drying or storage position.
Let equipment dry fully as instructed before packing it into a closed case. Avoid using direct heat to speed up drying unless the maker explicitly allows it.
Prevent the next cleanup problem
Keep drinks and food on a separate surface, use clean hands and check the kit before storing it. If a piece is cracked, loose or damaged, contact the seller about an appropriate replacement rather than continuing to handle it as usual. Small, consistent habits are easier than repairing preventable damage.
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