Dice Care 101: How to Keep Your Dice Rolling Fair and Looking Great

Quick answer

To keep your dice fair and looking great, clean them gently with mild soap and a soft cloth, store them in a padded container away from sunlight and heat, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Check regularly for wear, and retire any dice that become chipped or unbalanced.

Dice are the heart of any tabletop game, whether you're rolling for initiative in a roleplaying session or charging into battle in a wargame. Over time, dirt, oils from your hands, and careless storage can make them look dull and even affect how they roll. A few simple habits will keep your collection in top shape for years.

This guide walks you through the essential steps of dice care, from cleaning to storage, with practical tips you can start using today. Whether you own a handful of RPG dice or a whole bag of wargaming cubes, these methods will help you protect your investment and keep every roll as fair as possible.

Why dice care matters

Dice take a beating during play. They get dropped, rolled across rough surfaces, and handled with oily fingers. That buildup can make numbers harder to read and, over time, may even wear down the edges that define each face. For games where balance is crucial, like competitive RPGs or tournament wargames, keeping dice clean and undamaged is part of fair play.

Beyond fairness, proper care preserves the look of your dice. Painted numbers, custom engravings, and sharp edges all degrade faster when exposed to sunlight, heat, or moisture. A little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your favorite set rolling true and looking good.

• Dirty dice can hide numbers and affect readability.
• Worn edges may alter rolling fairness over time.
• Sunlight and heat can warp or fade dice.

Step 1: Gather your cleaning supplies

Before you start, collect a few basic items: a bowl of lukewarm water, a drop of mild dish soap, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners, alcohol, or abrasive pads, which can scratch plastic or strip paint from numbers. If your dice are made of metal or resin, check the manufacturer's recommendations first.

A common mistake is using hot water, which can soften or warp some plastics. Stick with lukewarm water and gentle agitation. For stubborn grime, let the dice soak for a minute or two, but never leave them submerged for long periods.

• Use lukewarm water and mild soap only.
• A soft toothbrush reaches into engraved numbers.
• Never use hot water or harsh chemicals.

Step 2: Clean each die gently

One at a time, dip the die in the soapy water and lightly scrub all faces with the toothbrush. Pay attention to the crevices around numbers, where dirt and skin oils collect. Rinse under lukewarm running water, then pat dry immediately with a microfiber cloth. Don't rub vigorously, as that can wear down painted details.

If you're cleaning a full set, work in small batches so you don't lose track of any dice. Check each die for chips, cracks, or loose paint as you go. Any die with structural damage should be set aside, as it may no longer roll fairly.

• Scrub gently; let the brush do the work.
• Dry immediately to prevent water spots.
• Inspect for damage while cleaning.

Step 3: Store dice properly

How you store your dice between sessions is just as important as cleaning them. A padded dice bag or a divided box keeps dice from knocking against each other, which can chip edges or scratch surfaces. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade colors and make some plastics brittle.

For metal dice, consider individual cloth pouches to prevent scratches. If you have a large collection, sort by material or set to avoid mixing hard and soft dice that could damage each other. A little organization also makes it easier to grab the right dice for game night.

• Use a padded bag or divided box.
• Store away from sunlight and heat.
• Separate metal dice to avoid scratches.

Step 4: Maintain fairness with regular checks

Even with good care, dice can wear out. Periodically check your dice for rounded corners, deep scratches, or uneven weight. A simple test is to roll each die multiple times and see if any number comes up far more often than expected. While not scientifically perfect, it can flag obviously biased dice.

If you suspect a die is no longer fair, retire it from competitive play. Many players keep worn dice for casual games or as backups. For games like Warhammer 40,000 or Age of Sigmar, where dice rolls decide key moments, using fresh, undamaged dice helps keep things fair for everyone.

• Check for physical wear regularly.
• Retire dice that roll suspiciously.
• Keep a dedicated set for tournaments.

Step 5: Handle specialty dice with extra care

Some dice need special attention. Metal dice are durable but can dent softer surfaces and are prone to scratches; store them separately. Resin dice may be more brittle and sensitive to heat, so keep them out of hot cars. Dice with painted numbers should be cleaned gently to avoid flaking.

If you use dice for games like Blood Bowl or Legion Imperialis, where specific dice types matter, consider keeping them in their original packaging or a dedicated case. That prevents mix-ups and protects any custom symbols or colors.

• Metal dice: store separately to avoid damage.
• Resin dice: avoid heat and direct sun.
• Painted dice: clean with minimal scrubbing.

Your 5-step dice care routine

1. Gather supplies: Lukewarm water, mild soap, soft toothbrush, microfiber cloth. Checkpoint: never use hot water or alcohol.
2. Clean gently: Scrub each die lightly, rinse, and dry immediately. Checkpoint: inspect for chips or cracks as you clean.
3. Store smart: Use a padded bag or divided box, away from sunlight and heat. Checkpoint: separate metal dice to prevent scratches.
4. Check fairness: Roll each die multiple times to spot bias; retire worn dice. Checkpoint: keep a dedicated tournament set.
5. Handle specialty dice with care: Store metal, resin, and painted dice separately and protect from heat. Checkpoint: follow maker guidelines for unusual materials.

Dice care in context: miniatures and more

• Saurus Scar-Veteran on Aggradon HJG-29: Secondhand Shop Product sales are final and sold as-is. Items are "What you see is what you get" and are purchased exclusively from clients through our Secondhand Store Program. If you buy secondhand miniatures, inspect them carefully for damage, just like you would with used dice. The as-is policy means you need to check condition before purchase.
• Legion Imperialis: Termite Assault Drills: This box contains eight Termite Assault Drills, perfect for executing devastating surprise attacks on your enemies. Also included is a Legiones Astartes Vehicle transfer sheet featuring 1,130 transfers. New-in-box products like this come with all components and transfers, so you can customize your army without worrying about missing parts. Proper storage of transfers and small parts is similar to caring for dice.

Good dice care is simple but pays off. By cleaning gently, storing properly, and checking for wear, you'll keep your dice rolling fair and looking great for countless game nights. Make it a habit, and your collection will thank you.