How to Clean and Store MAGNA-TILES So They Last

By MAGNA-TILES® - America's #1 Magnetic Building Sets | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: Consejos y cuidado

A practical, step-by-step routine for cleaning, sanitizing, and storing magnetic tiles so pieces stay hygienic, organized, and ready for daily play.

Quick answer

Clean MAGNA-TILES with a soft damp cloth and mild soap, then dry them completely before storing. Avoid soaking, dishwashers, and harsh chemicals because moisture and heat can damage the magnets inside. For storage, use a dedicated bin or zip-up play-mat and sort pieces by shape so building stays fast and frustration-free.

Why a Simple Care Routine Protects Your Tiles

MAGNA-TILES are sealed plastic pieces with internal magnets, so the goal of cleaning is to remove germs and sticky residue without letting water or heat reach the magnet housing. A quick wipe-down after play is usually enough for everyday messes. A deeper clean is worth doing after illness, sticky snack hands, or when tiles have been shared between children.

Everyday Wipe-Down vs. Deeper Clean

For routine care, wipe each tile with a barely damp microfiber cloth and let it air-dry on a towel. For a deeper clean, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water, dip the cloth rather than the tile, and wipe both faces and edges. Rinse the cloth well and wipe again with plain water so no soap film remains. Dry immediately with a second cloth or let tiles air-dry fully before they go back in the bin.

Use a soft cloth or sponge, never an abrasive scrubber that can scratch the plastic.
Keep water out of the seams where the two plastic halves meet.
Skip vinegar, bleach, alcohol, and disinfecting wipes unless the manufacturer specifically allows them.
Never put MAGNA-TILES in the dishwasher, microwave, or boiling water.

Sanitizing Magnetic Tiles After Illness

When someone in the house has been sick, wash your hands first, then clean the tiles with mild soap and water as described above. If you want extra reassurance, use a child-safe sanitizing spray approved for plastic toys, spray it onto a cloth rather than directly onto the tiles, and wipe each piece. Let everything dry completely before returning it to storage, because trapped moisture can encourage mildew on the bin or play-mat.

Magnetic Tile Storage Ideas That Actually Work

The best storage system is one your child can use independently. A zip-up storage bin that doubles as a play-mat keeps tiles contained during play and zipped away afterward, which cuts down on lost pieces under furniture. If you prefer open bins, choose shallow containers and sort by shape so triangles, squares, and specialty pieces are easy to grab. Keep the bin at child height and avoid stacking heavy items on top of loose tiles.

A Quick Inspection Checklist

Once a month, run your fingers along the edges of each tile and check for cracks, loose seams, or exposed magnets. If a tile is cracked, remove it from the play rotation right away, especially in homes with toddlers who still mouth toys. Wipe the storage bin or play-mat with a damp cloth and let it dry fully before refilling.

Your Step-by-Step MAGNA-TILES Care Routine

1. Clear the play area: Collect every tile and accessory into one pile so nothing gets left behind or stepped on. Check under furniture and inside cushions. Missing pieces usually turn up near the edge of the rug or under the sofa.
2. Wipe with a damp cloth: Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with water and a drop of mild soap. Wipe each tile on both sides and along the edges. The cloth should be barely wet, not dripping.
3. Rinse and dry completely: Wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue, then dry each tile with a towel or let them air-dry on a rack. Never store tiles while they are still damp.
4. Inspect for damage: Look for cracks, loose seams, or exposed magnets. Set aside any damaged tiles and discard them safely if the magnet is accessible. Damaged tiles should not go back in the bin with the rest.
5. Sort and store by shape: Group squares, triangles, and specialty pieces into the storage bin or play-mat. Keep small accessories in a mesh bag inside the bin. Sorting by shape makes the next build faster and reduces frustration.
6. Zip up and put away: Close the bin or zip the play-mat and return it to a child-height shelf. Wipe the outside of the bin monthly. A consistent home for the tiles is the easiest way to keep them organized long term.

Products That Make Care and Storage Easier

House 28 Piece Set: The House 28 Piece Set includes a sheet of reusable stickers with 20 home-related images plus unique door and staircase pieces. Stickers and specialty pieces need gentle handling, so wipe them with a damp cloth instead of soaking them to keep the adhesive and printed surfaces intact.
MAGNA-TILES Storage Bin: The Storage Bin & Interactive Play-Mat holds up to 300 MAGNA-TILES pieces and unzips into a colorful play-mat. This gives you one place to build, clean up, and store, which makes the after-play routine faster and keeps tiles off the floor.
Safari™ 25 Piece Set: The Safari 25 Piece Set features magnetic, savannah-themed tiles in vibrant colors with four safari sidekicks. Small themed figures and tiles can be wiped clean the same way as standard tiles, but store them in the bin rather than loose to avoid losing the sidekicks.