A mahjong set gets handled a lot: hundreds of tiles shuffled, stacked and passed every game, often next to snacks and tea. A little care keeps acrylic tiles smooth, bright and easy to read for years.
Everyday care
- Play with clean, dry hands. Lotion and food residue are what make tiles feel sticky over time.
- Keep drinks off the playing surface. Set cups on a side table or a corner of the table away from the wall.
- Pack up promptly. Put tiles back in the case after the game instead of leaving them out on a sunny table.
How to clean acrylic tiles
Every few months, or whenever tiles start to feel tacky:
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Dip a soft cloth in the water, wring it out well, and wipe each tile, front and back.
- Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water to remove any soap.
- Lay the tiles face up on a towel and let them dry completely before packing them away.
Work in small batches, such as one suit at a time, so you don't lose track of any tiles. It's a good moment to count your Jokers.
What to avoid
- No soaking. Long soaks can loosen the color fill in engraved designs.
- No dishwasher and no hot water. High heat can warp or cloud acrylic.
- No alcohol, acetone, ammonia or glass cleaner. Harsh solvents can cloud acrylic or cause fine cracks.
- No abrasive pads or scrubbing powders, which scratch the surface.
Racks and pushers
Acrylic racks clean the same way: a damp cloth with a little mild soap, then a dry cloth. Wipe the hinges and pushers too, where crumbs tend to collect.
Mahjong mats
Most fabric mats, including ours, have a soft polyester top. Shake off crumbs, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, and let the mat dry flat before rolling it up. Store it in its bag so it doesn't crease.
Storing your set
- Keep tiles in their case, out of direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time.
- Don't leave the set in a hot car on the way to game night.
- Store the case flat so tiles stay in their rows.
If a tile goes missing
That's what the blank replacement tiles in most American sets are for. Agree with your group which tile the blank replaces, and keep playing. Not sure what's in your set? See what comes in an American mahjong set.
Every set we sell is inspected by our team before it ships, so it arrives ready for years of game nights.