Quick answer

Clean your Tend Playmat with a soft, slightly damp cloth and mild soap, then air-dry it completely before storing. Roll it loosely with the printed side facing outward, or lay it flat in a cool, dry place. Avoid heat, folding, and heavy objects on the mat. This routine keeps the surface smooth and prevents curling.

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Why the Tend Playmat Needs a Different Routine

The Tend Playmat measures 20 x 8.3 inches and is 2 mm thick, so it is slimmer than many full-table mats. That slim profile makes it easy to handle, but it also means the edges can curl if you store it incorrectly. Unlike a standard game board, the mat is not designed to fit inside the Tend standard game box, so where and how you store it between sessions matters more than you might expect.

Everyday Cleaning Without Damaging the Surface

For routine cleaning, wipe the mat with a dry microfiber cloth after each game night. If you notice sticky spots or light grime, dampen a cloth with water and a drop of mild dish soap, then wipe gently in one direction. Do not soak the mat or put it in a washing machine. Rinse the cloth and wipe again with plain water, then let the mat air-dry completely before rolling or storing it. A common mistake is using paper towels, which can leave lint or scratch the printed surface.

How to Store the Tend Playmat So It Stays Flat

Roll the mat loosely with the printed side facing outward. Rolling it too tightly can create permanent creases, and rolling it printed-side-in can press dirt into the artwork. Store the rolled mat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you prefer to lay it flat, stack it on a shelf with nothing heavy on top. Avoid folding the mat, and do not leave it under heavy game boxes for long periods. If the mat develops a slight curl, lay it flat on a clean table for a few hours before your next game.

Long-Term Maintenance Checks

Every few months, unroll the mat and inspect the edges for lifting or stubborn marks. Check that the surface still lies flat when you set it on the table. If you use the https://ivstudiosed.com/products/tend-marker-pack-bundle-511671f71631c6e549b9b7a5-1121656Tend Marker Pack x6, keep markers capped when not in use and store them separately so ink does not transfer to the mat. The markers are designed with tight-seal caps and full-length ink wells, but no marker is completely immune to leaks if left uncapped. A quick inspection now prevents a bigger cleanup later.

Your step-by-step Tend Playmat care routine

  1. 1. Clear the playing surface: Before cleaning, remove all cards, markers, and tokens from the mat. Wipe away any crumbs or loose debris with a dry microfiber cloth. Checkpoint: the mat should be completely free of loose particles before you introduce any moisture.
  2. 2. Spot-clean with mild soap and water: Dampen a soft cloth with water and a drop of mild dish soap. Wipe the affected area gently, then wipe again with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue. Mistake to avoid: never saturate the mat or use harsh cleaners, which can break down the surface.
  3. 3. Air-dry completely: Lay the mat flat or hang it over a clean chair to air-dry. Do not use a hair dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight, as heat can warp the mat. Checkpoint: the mat must be bone-dry before you roll or store it.
  4. 4. Roll loosely for storage: Once dry, roll the mat with the printed side facing outward. Use a loose roll, about the diameter of a paper towel tube, to prevent creases. Mistake to avoid: rolling too tightly or folding the mat, which can leave permanent marks.
  5. 5. Store in a cool, dry place: Keep the rolled mat on a shelf or in a storage bin away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If storing flat, do not place heavy objects on top. Next step: check the mat every few months for flatness and clean it again if needed.

Tend Playmat facts that affect care

  • Tend Playmat: Size: 20 x 8.3 inches, Thickness: 2 mm. Does not fit inside the Tend standard game box. Its slim size makes it easy to roll and store separately, but because it does not fit in the standard box, you need a dedicated spot to keep it flat or rolled.