Mahjong Care Guide
How to keep your set looking gorgeous for years of game nights.
Thanks so much for adding a Girl Tribe Co. mahjong set to your collection. Your tiles are made to be played with, traveled with, and loved on - and with a tiny bit of care, theyāll stay beautiful for many, many shuffles to come. This guide walks you through how to clean, store, and protect your set, with separate sections for our pool (floating) mahjong and our classic indoor sets.
Pool Mahjong (Floating Tiles, Holders+ Mats)
Your floating set is built to play at the pool, the lake, or the beach- but the same things that make tiles fun (chlorine, sunscreen, sunshine) are also the things that wear them down over time. Hereās how to keep them looking fresh.
Cleaning
- After every poolside game: rinse tiles with cool, fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and lotion residue.
- Pat dry with a soft towel, then let tiles fully air-dry before putting them away. Trapped moisture is the #1 enemy of a long-lasting set.
- For sticky spots (sunscreen, food, drink splashes), use a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water, wipe gently, then rinse and dry. DO NOT SCRUB
- Do not submerge or soak productsĀ even though they float ā extended submersion can weaken adhesives and finishes over time.
- Skip the dishwasher. Heat + jets + detergent is a recipe for fading and warping.
What to Avoid
- Direct, prolonged sun exposure (colors can fade over time).
- Alcohol-based sprays, hand sanitizer, bleach, acetone, or harsh chemical cleaners ā these can dull or strip the finish.
- Abrasive sponges, magic erasers, or scouring pads ā theyāll scratch the surface.
- Letting tiles sit in standing water (a wet pool float, a damp towel pile, the bottom of a tote bag).
- Stacking heavy objects on top of stored tiles ā even gentle compression can dent over time.
Classic Mahjong (Indoor Sets)
Your indoor set is designed to be passed down. Acrylic and resin tiles are gorgeous but a little delicate ā they love a gentle touch and hate moisture, harsh chemicals, and hot cars. Hereās how to give them their best, longest life.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Mahjong Mat
North Carolina State University - Mahjong Mat
Clear Mahjong Tile Racks with Pushers Set of 4, 17.5"W
Pink Acrylic Mahjong Tile Racks with Pushers Set of 4, 17.5"W
Cleaning
- Day-to-day: wipe tiles with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove oils, dust, and fingerprints.
- For stubborn spots: use a baby wipe or a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water, then dry immediately.
- For a deeper refresh: a soft cloth with a tiny bit of mild soapy water works beautifully. Wipe, then dry promptly ā do not let tiles sit wet.
- Never submerge your tiles. Water can seep into engraved lines, dissolve or fade the paint, and warp the tile material.
- If you must use a cleaner, apply a small amount to the cloth ā never spray directly onto the tile.
- Racks & cases: wipe wood and acrylic racks with a barely-damp cloth, then dry. For fabric cases, spot-clean with mild soap and water, and air-dry fully before storing tiles inside.
.What to Avoid
- Direct sunlight and prolonged UV exposure ā the fastest way to fade colors and yellow acrylic.
- Hot cars, warm attics, and tightly sealed plastic bins in summer heat ā these warp tiles.
- Alcohol-based sprays, hand sanitizer, bleach, acetone, nail polish remover, or any strong household chemical ā they can blur the designs or strip the finish.
- Abrasive cleaners, scouring sponges, and stiff brushes.
- Stacking heavy objects on top of stored cases ā compression over time can deform tiles and crack racks.
Questions? Weāre here for it.
Email us at hello@girltribeco.com and a real human will get back to you.
xo, Girl Tribe Co.
