If you use rubber bands to secure your game boxes (which you shouldn’t do unless you inspect and change them regularly), you should not put them over the middle of the box — put a rubber band on each narrow end, near the edge. Over time, especially in hot and humid areas, rubber bands deteriorate and melt, sticking to the box or pack of cards inside. For the latter, you should use plastic bags instead of rubber bands; there are snack size bags that are often the perfect fit.
When you have to remove a rubber band that someone has placed over the center of a game box, do not slide the rubber band off, as this can weaken and ruin the box edges. Put your hands under the rubber band at both ends and lift the rubber band off the top of the game box; it the rubber band slides along the bottom, that’s not so much of a problem.
Here is some advice that was sent in regarding rubber bands that have already deteriorated and are stuck to the box or cards:
Q. Subject: deteriorated rubber bands
[...] a game…that has cardboard…tiles that were wrapped with rubber bands. It is possible those rubber bands are nearly 40 years old. Some…had deteriorated and had become stuck to the tiles and to the top and bottom of the box. Some had remnants that could be removed by light scraping or rubbing one’s finger, but there are a few of the tiles where the rubber band remnants are stuck tighter. I do not wish to damage the tiles, and am wondering what I could use to unstick or remove those rubber band remnants.–
Mark Bordsen theboredson@stjohncable.com
A1. You could try rubber cement remover, although I’m not certain it will work. Goo Gone is another possibility.–Debby Krim mac1@mac.com
A2. You are going to have to be careful with this one, especially whenever using any solvent on lignin-rich cardboard. If mechanical removal hasn’t worked yet (via of a scalpel or razor for example), then carefully try applying a 70% solution of ethyl alcohol (available in pharmacies). Gently apply by rolling the area with a dampened cotton swab (using the ethyl alcohol).
Oils (such as castor oil or mineral oil) may leave residue stains especially on carboard. Oils are safe on plastic as long as you remove the oils afterward….Always try the least destructive method first. The greater the strength of the solvent, the greater the potential for damaging the object of interest.
I’ve heard some people having luck with acetic acid. Weak white vinegar is just as effective….
–Darrell C. Pinckney dcp330@hotmail.com
