3D wooden puzzles are awesome, but they can go moldy if you don’t look after them properly. Mold isn’t cool, and it can mess up your puzzles and even mess with your health.
Reveal the secrets
So, here are the secrets to keeping those 3D wooden puzzles mold-free in plain and simple steps:
Find a Good Spot
First things first, you’ve got to choose a good place to stash your 3D wooden puzzles. Forget about damp spots like basements or stuffy attics. You want a cool and dry spot with some fresh air. If you can, go to a place where you can control the temperature and humidity.
Get a dehumidifier
If you live in a place where the air’s always wet, think about getting a dehumidifier. It sucks up all that extra moisture in the air, and less moisture means less chance of mold. Pop one in the room where you keep your wooden puzzles, especially when it’s muggy outside.
Keep Them Clean
Before you stash those 3D wooden puzzles, make sure they’re squeaky clean. Give ’em a quick once-over with a soft, dry cloth or a gentle brush to kick out any dust or dirt. Clean puzzles don’t attract moisture, and that’s what we’re going for.
Store Them Right
When you’re putting your 3D wooden puzzles away, think about how they’re sitting. Don’t let them touch each other too much. It’s like a puzzle in personal space! Also, keep them off the floor because floors can be sneaky sources of moisture.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Stay informed about the temperature and humidity where your puzzles are chilling. Keep things not too hot, not too cold, and humidity below 50%. A little gadget called a hygrometer can help you measure humidity, so you can tweak things if needed.
Silica Gel to the Rescue
Ever heard of silica gel packets? They’re like tiny moisture magnets. Toss a few of these guys into the storage area with your 3D wooden puzzles. They’ll soak up any extra moisture and mold the boot.
Check and Flip
Don’t forget to give your puzzles a regular once-over. Look for any sneaky mold or moisture trouble. Rotate your puzzles on the shelves to make sure they all get some fresh air and stay dry.
Seal the Gaps
If your 3D wooden puzzle has little gaps or cracks, seal ’em up with some wood glue or sealant. It’s like locking the door to keep moisture out, and mold hates that.
Keep your hands clean
When you’re handling your 3D wooden puzzles, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Grease and moisture from your hands can rub off on the wood, and that’s not what we want. Give your hands a quick wash before and after puzzle time.
Keep It Clean
Lastly, keep your puzzle storage area clean. Dust and dirt can hang on to moisture and become mold buddies. By keeping things spick and span, you’re making it harder for mold to set up shop.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—the secret to keeping your 3D wooden puzzles mold-free. Just follow these steps, and you’ll enjoy your puzzles for years to come, without a moldy surprise.
Sloane is an accomplished rock climber, backpacker, cyclist, and skier. He has climbed rocks all over the world, including in Yosemite National Park and on Mount Kilimanjaro. He enjoys backpacking and cycling through beautiful landscapes, and skiing down challenging slopes.