How to Disassemble and Store Jigsaw Puzzles with Care!

Introduction:

Hello fellow puzzlers! As a passionate jigsaw puzzle enthusiast and a proud member of The Missing Piece Puzzle Company, I am excited to share some invaluable expert tips on how to disassemble and store your jigsaw puzzles with utmost care. Each puzzle we create is a labor of love, crafted with premium materials to ensure your puzzle-solving experience is truly exceptional. Unfortunately, not all puzzles on the market are made equal, and improper handling can lead to irreversible damage. Let's delve into the best practices to preserve your puzzles and keep them in pristine condition for generations to come!

Disassembling a Puzzle:

Assembling a jigsaw puzzle can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but disassembling one requires equal attention and care. Thin puzzles, in particular, are more susceptible to damage if not handled delicately. While you might have seen some people rolling their puzzles to break them apart on YouTube, I cringe every time I witness it. Rolling thin puzzles can exert undue pressure on the connecting points, leading to cracks, chips, and broken pieces. At The Missing Piece Puzzle Company, we use premium materials to ensure our puzzles are sturdier and more robust. This allows me to carefully roll our puzzles if needed, but I still advise against it. The best practice is to disassemble a puzzle by gently separating the pieces, starting from the edges and working your way inwards. Patience is key! Taking a little extra time will help protect the puzzle's integrity and ensure its longevity.

Expert Tips on Storing Your Puzzle:

Preserving the beauty of your completed puzzle starts with proper storage. Here are some expert tips to help you keep your puzzle pieces safe and organized:

1. Dusting: Before storing your puzzle, give it a gentle wipe with a clean, dry, non-abrasive cloth to remove any surface dust. You can also use a colander to gently shake the puzzle pieces, ensuring that any dust at the bottom is removed.
2. Ziplock type of Storage Bags: These versatile bags are a puzzle enthusiast's best friend. They protect your puzzle from accidental spills and can help keep moisture at bay. To safeguard against humidity, consider using Boveda packets in a Ziplock bag. These packets are excellent at controlling moisture levels, keeping your puzzle pieces in top condition.
3. Sorting the Pieces: Separate the edge pieces from the inside pieces and store them in separate Ziplock type storage bags. This will save you time during your next assembly, and you can even label the bags for easy identification.

Puzzling Near a Floor Vent:
Beware of floor vents! If you're working on a puzzle near one, place a nylon stocking over the vent or remove the cover to prevent puzzle pieces from disappearing down the vent.

Donating a Puzzle:
If you plan to donate a puzzle, it's considerate to label the Ziplock Storage bag with the puzzle's name and manufacturer. Also, indicate whether there are any missing pieces, as it will be helpful for the recipient.

Factors to Consider When Storing a Puzzle:

To ensure your puzzles stand the test of time, pay attention to these factors:

• Humidity: Puzzles are porous and susceptible to humidity. Protect them from moisture by storing them in a dry area.
• Light: Avoid direct sunlight or UV light exposure, as they can fade the puzzle's colors and affect its appearance.
• Heat: Keep your puzzles away from heat sources to prevent warping or shrinking of the pieces.

Handling with Care:

Did you know that handling puzzles with bare hands transfers oils, salts, and sweat, which can affect the pieces? Consider wearing cotton or latex gloves when working on your puzzles to keep them in pristine condition.

Conclusion:

As a puzzle aficionado, I understand the joy of assembling and preserving these incredible works of art. By following these expert tips from The Missing Piece Puzzle Company, you can ensure that your puzzles stay intact and cherished for generations to come. So keep puzzling on, and let's continue celebrating the joy of jigsaw puzzles together!

As always, puzzle on puzzlers!
The Missing Piece Puzzle Company