Last updated on April 18, 2024
This post is about how to care for your Deluxe Backgammon set in order to retain its luxury character and playing appeal. Care and cleaning are important as it could be an expensive backgammon set and you need to protect your investment. Likewise, the set may have sentimental value and it is important to preserve the set for future generations.
Wooden Backgammon sets
Store your backgammon set away from direct sources of strong light and heat because this could cause fading or warping of the wood. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your backgammon set outside in the sunshine, it just should not be exposed to these conditions for extended periods of time.
Because wooden backgammon boards are typically naturally polished or lightly lacquered, they don’t require treatment with polishes or waxes. Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, simply dust the board and lightly buff the wood with a soft polishing cloth. Remove stubborn dirt and stains with a damp cloth.
Avoid dampness, humidity and rain. Wipe off any excess moisture with a soft cloth and leave it to dry naturally. Keeping a sachet of silica inside the backgammon set can help absorb moisture.
Hinges and any other moving metal parts can be lightly lubricated as needed. Avoid getting lubricant on the wooden surface of the backgammon set because this can stain the timber.
Refer damage or permanent stains to the wood to a specialist in woodcraft.
Leather Backgammon sets
As with the wooden boards, store your leather backgammon set away from direct sources of strong light and heat because this could cause fading or cracking of the leather. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your backgammon set outside in the sunshine. It just shouldn’t be exposed to these conditions for lengthy periods of time.
Avoid dampness, rain and humidity because this can permanently damage the leather. If your leather backgammon set does become wet, wipe the excess moisture away with a soft, light-coloured cloth and leave it to dry naturally.
Always refer stains to a specialist leather cleaner, because improper treatment may worsen the stain.
Treat the leather once a year with a leather wax or conditioner recommended by the manufacturer.
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I have a nice Manopoulos backgammon set that I think is made of walnut, it has a very distinctive pattern of grain from the wood on the outer case. Recently, playing in my local, I had the best part of a pint of lager spilt on the board. I wiped it dry with napkins and when I got home, I cleaned it with a damp cloth and put it out to dry. It seems none the worse for wear, is this the correct way to deal with these minor disasters? I don’t want to cause any long-term damage to my backgammon set. Regards, Simon
Hi Simon, a few of my backgammon sets have suffered the same fate in local pubs and cafes. What you did was fine. Most good quality backgammon sets have been lacquered which provides a little bit of water resistance. It will protect against splashes, but not prolonged soaking. You can quickly clean the surface with a damp cloth and possibly a mild soap. Make sure you remove all the residue and wipe it dry. Leave the set to dry, preferably in the open air, but sheltered from direct sunlight. I am sure your backgammon set will survive for many more years of backgammon. Thanks for commenting, Jason