How to Clean 100% Plastic Playing Cards

How to Clean Plastic Playing Cards

CLEANING PROCESS for 100% PLASTIC PLAYING CARDS
One of the features that makes 100% plastic playing cards last a long time is the ability to clean them if they get soiled. This is a characteristic solely of 100% plastic cards. If your cards came with care and cleaning instructions, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. If not, here are general guidelines for cleaning most 100% plastic cards:

Clean with caution.
For a quick cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth then dry thoroughly with a clean soft cloth. Do not use paper towel.
Use cold water and a soft cloth. Never use hot water.
A mild neutral soap (eg. Dove) can be used if an initial cleaning with plain water is not satisfactory.
Rub cards lightly on each side and rinse them quickly.
After initially drying with a soft clean cloth allow them to air dry for about an hour per side by laying cards on a clean table.
Avoid direct sunshine or close proximity to heat. Do not dry with a hair dryer. Do not stack cards on top of one another while still damp.
Never use detergent or alkaline soap, abrasives or solvents.
Never put in a washing machine or dish washer.
Never put cards away while they are still damp.
Never store cards exposed to sunshine or any heat source.
Read and follow any care, cleaning, handling or storage instructions that are included with cards.
The first time you perform a cleaning, test your process from start to finish with just 1 card (eg. joker) to make sure no damage occurs.

KEEPING PLAYING CARDS CLEAN
Over time, with continual handling, it is inevitable that your playing cards are going to get dirty. Cards will pick up oils from being handled and dirt and grime will stick to them. While it might be impossible to prevent, there are common sense steps that can be taken to keep any type of playing card as clean as possible for as long as possible:

Clean the surface of your table before the game.
Wash your hands before playing.
Keep food and drinks off the table and wipe up spills as quickly as possible.
Avoid serving finger foods.
Avoid serving oily or greasy foods.

While your first course of action should be to take common sense steps to prevent your cards from getting dirty in the first place, with care, 100% plastic playing cards can be cleaned.