How to Disassemble and Store Jigsaw Puzzles with Care

Hello fellow puzzlers! As a passionate puzzle dissectologist and enthusiast, as well as a and proud member of The Missing Piece Puzzle Company, I'm thrilled to share some expert advice on properly disassembling and storing your jigsaw puzzles. Every puzzle we craft is a labor of love, made from premium materials to enhance your puzzling experience. However, not all puzzles are created equal, and improper handling can lead to damage. Let's explore the best practices to keep your puzzles in pristine condition for future generations!

Disassembling a Puzzle

Assembling a jigsaw puzzle is undoubtedly enjoyable, but disassembling one demands just as much care, especially for thinner puzzles which are prone to damage. While you might have seen people rolling up their puzzles on social media, this method can stress the puzzle pieces, leading to potential damage.

Even though our puzzles at The Missing Piece Puzzle Company are more durable, allowing for careful rolling, we generally advise against the practice of rolling puzzles to disassemble them.

The safest way to disassemble your puzzle is by gently separating the pieces, starting from the edges and moving inwards. Placing the pieces into a box that can protect the puzzle ensures that missing pieces will not happen.  This method requires patience but is crucial for maintaining the integrity and longevity of your puzzle.

Why It's Preferred to Fully Disassemble Jigsaw Puzzles

Disassembling a jigsaw puzzle completely, rather than keeping sections together, may seem like a daunting task after spending hours assembling it. However, there are several compelling reasons why this approach is generally preferred:

1. Storage Efficiency

Fully disassembling a puzzle allows for more compact and efficient storage. Individual pieces can be neatly organized into smaller containers, which is especially useful for those with limited space or large puzzle collections.

2. Puzzle Longevity

Storing puzzles in large sections can strain the interlocking parts, leading to potential damage. By breaking the puzzle down completely, each piece is better preserved, extending the puzzle's usable life.

3. Prevent Permanent Warping

Large, connected sections are more prone to warping, especially under weight or when stored improperly. Disassembling the pieces minimizes this risk, maintaining the puzzle's quality over time.

4. Uniform Usage

Disassembling and reassembling the puzzle regularly ensures all pieces experience equal wear and handling. This prevents certain sections from fading or wearing out more than others.

5. Enhanced Challenge and Replay Value

Completely disassembling the puzzle preserves its challenge and appeal, making each assembly a fresh and engaging experience.

6. Ease of Transport

Transporting a fully disassembled puzzle is easier and safer. Individual pieces can be securely packed into a compact box or bag, reducing the risk of damage during movement.

7. Better for Sharing or Donation

If you plan to share or donate your puzzle, fully disassembling it ensures that the next person enjoys a complete, unspoiled puzzling experience and can easily verify that all pieces are accounted for.

While the emotional attachment to a completed puzzle is understandable, the practical benefits of fully disassembling it are clear. It not only helps maintain the quality and condition of the puzzle but also enhances the overall experience for future enjoyment.

To preserve the beauty and longevity of your jigsaw puzzles, proper storage is essential. Below, you'll find expert tips to help keep your puzzle pieces safe and perfectly organized for years to come.

Cleaning and Dusting

Before storing your puzzle, it's important to ensure it's clean and free from dust. Gently wipe the surface with a clean, dry, non-abrasive cloth. For a more thorough cleaning, especially to remove dust from the crevices, use a colander to gently shake the pieces. This method helps ensure that all small particles are removed without damaging the puzzle pieces.

Proper Storage Solutions

Choosing the right storage solutions can significantly enhance the life of your puzzle:

• Storage Bags: Utilize Ziplock-type storage bags to safeguard your puzzle against accidental spills and moisture. For an extra layer of protection against humidity, include a Boveda packet within the bag. These packets are excellent for controlling moisture levels, keeping your puzzle in prime condition.
• Sorting the Pieces: Organize and store edge pieces separately from the inner pieces in labeled Ziplock bags. This strategy not only aids in quicker reassembly but also ensures pieces are easy to identify and manage.

Key Considerations for Puzzle Storage

Keep the following factors in mind to further ensure your puzzle's preservation:

• Humidity: Store your puzzles in a dry area to protect them from moisture. Puzzles are made from porous materials that can absorb moisture, leading to swelling and damage.
• Light: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or intense UV light, which can cause the colors to fade and degrade the visual quality of your puzzle.
• Heat: Keep puzzles away from heat sources like radiators or vents to prevent warping or shrinking of the pieces.

Additional Tips for Puzzle Care

Beyond storage, consider these additional tips to maintain the quality of your puzzle:

• Gloves for Handling: Consider wearing thin cotton gloves when assembling or disassembling your puzzle to prevent oils and sweat from your hands from affecting the pieces.
• Flat Surface for Assembly: Always assemble your puzzle on a flat, smooth surface to avoid bending or snapping pieces.
• Puzzle Mats: For larger puzzles, use a dedicated puzzle mat that allows you to roll up and safely store unfinished sections without disassembling.

Conclusion

By following these expert tips, you can ensure that each puzzle in your collection remains beautiful and enjoyable for future assembly. Proper care and storage are the keys to preserving the intricate details and structural integrity of your puzzles.