Books and Stuffed Animals:
Remove that musty smell by putting in a plastic bag with some unscented, clay kitty litter. Leave the bag closed for at least a week and repeat with new litter if necessary.
Remove that musty smell by putting in a plastic bag with some unscented, clay kitty litter. Leave the bag closed for at least a week and repeat with new litter if necessary.
Board Games and Boxes:
Keep away from sunlight. Do not store them in a hot attic (they'll become brittle) or in a damp basement (they might mildew).
Keep away from sunlight. Do not store them in a hot attic (they'll become brittle) or in a damp basement (they might mildew).
Tape:
Never use tape on a game box or board. Adhesive will eventually discolor the board.
Never use tape on a game box or board. Adhesive will eventually discolor the board.
No Plastic:
Do not wrap your games in plastic bags or plastic sheets, they trap moisture and encourage mold growth.
Do not wrap your games in plastic bags or plastic sheets, they trap moisture and encourage mold growth.
Don't Stack:
If you must stack your games, keep your stacks short so the bottom game is not flattened. Insert a sheet of acid-free paper between each box.
If you must stack your games, keep your stacks short so the bottom game is not flattened. Insert a sheet of acid-free paper between each box.
Never store with batteries:
If the batteries in a toy have corroded, remove them and rub an emery board or 0000 steel wool on the contact points inside the toy.
If the batteries in a toy have corroded, remove them and rub an emery board or 0000 steel wool on the contact points inside the toy.
Courtesy of the Kovels:
These tips on caring for your old toys were supplied by the Kovels, America's leading experts on antiques and collectibles.
These tips on caring for your old toys were supplied by the Kovels, America's leading experts on antiques and collectibles.
