How to Clean and Maintain Your Metal Tokens for Long-Lasting Shine

Quick Answer

To clean metal tokens, use a soft microfiber cloth and a mild soapy solution, then dry and polish with a dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials. Store them in a dry place to prevent tarnishing.

Metal tokens add a premium feel to any board game, but they need proper care to keep their shine. Whether you have upgraded your Moonrakers or Moonrollers with metal tokens, regular maintenance is key.

This guide walks you through the best practices for cleaning and maintaining metal tokens, ensuring they stay beautiful for years.

Why Metal Tokens Need Special Care

Metal tokens are more durable than cardboard or plastic, but they can tarnish, scratch, or lose their finish if not handled correctly. Oils from your hands, dust, and moisture can dull their appearance over time.

Understanding the material is essential. Most metal tokens are zinc alloy or similar, often with a plated finish. Harsh cleaners can strip that finish, so gentle methods are best.

• Always wash your hands before handling tokens to reduce oil transfer.
• Store tokens in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.

Gathering the Right Supplies

You don't need special products. A soft microfiber cloth, mild dish soap, warm water, and a small bowl are enough. For stubborn spots, a cotton swab can help.

Avoid paper towels, which can scratch, and skip chemical cleaners or metal polishes unless they're specifically safe for coated metals.

Cleaning Your Metal Tokens: Step by Step

Fill a bowl with warm water and add a drop of mild dish soap. Dip your cloth in the solution, wring it well, and gently wipe each token. For detailed areas, use a cotton swab.

Rinse tokens with clean water or wipe with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry immediately with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

If tokens are heavily tarnished, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply gently, then rinse and dry. Test on a small area first.

Polishing to Restore Shine

After cleaning, polish with a dry microfiber cloth using small circular motions. This buffs the surface and enhances the metal's natural luster.

For extra shine, you can use a tiny amount of mineral oil on a cloth, then buff. But use sparingly to avoid a greasy residue.

Storing and Handling Tips

Store tokens in a dedicated container or the original game box with dividers to prevent scratching. Keep them in a cool, dry place.

Handle tokens by the edges when possible, and avoid dropping them on hard surfaces. If you play frequently, inspect them periodically for signs of wear.

Step-by-Step Metal Token Care Routine

1. Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Have a clean microfiber cloth and a dry cloth ready. Checkpoint: Avoid using bleach or ammonia, which can damage the finish.
2. Step 2: Gently Wipe Each Token: Dip the cloth in the solution, wring it out well, and wipe each token individually. For crevices, use a cotton swab. Don't soak tokens in water; excess moisture can seep into any crevices and cause corrosion.
3. Step 3: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any soap residue, then dry each token with a dry microfiber cloth immediately. Checkpoint: Ensure no water spots remain before storing.
4. Step 4: Polish for Shine: Buff each token with a dry microfiber cloth in circular motions to restore luster. If you want extra shine, apply a tiny drop of mineral oil to the cloth first, but buff well to avoid residue.
5. Step 5: Store Properly: Place tokens in a dry container or the original game box with dividers. Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Checkpoint: Check tokens periodically for any signs of tarnish or damage.

Metal Tokens That Benefit from This Care

• Moonrollers Metal Hazard Tokens: 45 metal hazard tokens to upgrade the tokens in Moonrollers. Finished with a grey contrast wash for a true hazardous appearance. The grey wash adds detail but can wear if cleaned harshly. Gentle cleaning preserves the contrast.
• Moonrakers: Binding Ties Metal Faction Rep Tokens: 25 metal tokens, enough to replace the plastic tokens in both the Binding Ties expansion and the Negotiation Board add-on. Since these replace plastic, they see frequent handling. Regular gentle cleaning keeps them shiny and easy to read.

With regular gentle cleaning and proper storage, your metal tokens will maintain their shine and enhance your gaming experience for years. Treat them well, and they'll reward you with lasting beauty.