Dead by Daylight Merch Care 101: Essential Tips Every Collector Should Know

Quick answer

Keep your Dead by Daylight merch in top shape by controlling light, dust, and handling. Display figures like The Trapper and The Huntress away from direct sun, wash apparel inside out in cold water, and store small items like the Lil' Monster Keychain in a dry, padded container. A few consistent habits prevent most damage.

You've built a Dead by Daylight collection you're proud of—now protect it. Whether you own action figures, a fisherman beanie, or a gamer mat, the right care routine keeps colors sharp, joints tight, and fabrics fresh. This guide walks you through essential steps for dead by daylight merch care, with checkpoints to avoid common mistakes.

Horror merch maintenance isn't complicated, but it does require attention to light, moisture, and handling. Different materials need different approaches. Below, we cover how to care for DBD merch across categories, from NECA figures to wearable gear, so your collection stays display-ready.

Why Dead by Daylight Merch Needs Specific Care

Dead by Daylight merch spans soft goods like beanies and gamer mats to articulated figures and small collectibles. Each material reacts differently to light, heat, and moisture. For example, direct sunlight can fade the embroidered patch on the Cold Fog Fisherman Beanie, while dust can clog the joints of a NECA figure. Understanding these differences helps you avoid irreversible damage.

Collectors often focus on display but neglect storage and cleaning. A consistent routine—dusting, proper washing, and climate control—prevents most issues. The steps below are ordered from general environment control to material-specific care, so you can build a sustainable routine.

• Keep all merch out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
• Wash hands before handling figures to avoid oils and dirt.
• Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth for dusting delicate items.

Step 1: Control Light and Temperature for All Merch

Ultraviolet light breaks down dyes and plastics over time. Display your collection in a room with indirect light, or use UV-filtering film on windows. Avoid placing items near radiators, space heaters, or vents that blow hot air. Stable room temperature—around 65–75°F (18–24°C)—is ideal for both plastics and fabrics.

Humidity is equally important. High moisture can cause mold on fabrics and rust on metal parts, while very dry air can make plastics brittle. Aim for 40–50% relative humidity. A simple hygrometer helps you monitor levels. If you live in a humid climate, a dehumidifier or silica gel packets in storage bins can help.

• Use blackout curtains or UV film on windows near your display.
• Keep a hygrometer in your display room to track humidity.
• Avoid storing merch in basements or attics with extreme temperature swings.

Step 2: Handle and Dust Figures Like The Trapper and The Huntress

NECA's 7-inch scale figures are articulated, meaning joints and paint can wear with rough handling. Always support the figure by the torso when moving it, not by an arm or leg. Dust regularly with a soft makeup brush or compressed air held at a distance. For stubborn dust in crevices, use a slightly damp cotton swab, then dry immediately.

If you pose your figures, avoid leaving them in extreme stances for long periods, as this can stress joints. Rotate poses every few months. When not on display, store figures in a dust-proof case or original box with acid-free tissue. Never use household cleaners or solvents on painted surfaces.

• Dust figures every 2–4 weeks to prevent buildup.
• Use a soft brush; avoid paper towels which can scratch.
• Store extra accessories in small zip bags labeled with the figure name.

Step 3: Wash and Store Apparel and Accessories

The Cold Fog Fisherman Beanie and any DBD apparel should be washed sparingly. For the beanie, hand wash in cold water with mild detergent, then reshape and air dry flat. For t-shirts and hoodies, turn inside out, wash cold on gentle, and tumble dry low or hang dry. Avoid fabric softener, which can break down fibers and fade prints.

The Haunted by Daylight Gamer Mat needs different care. Wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry completely before rolling or storing. Never machine wash or submerge it. For small collectibles like the Lil' Monster Keychain, wipe with a dry cloth and keep away from moisture to prevent rust on the metal ring.

• Wash beanies by hand; never wring or twist.
• Air dry apparel to prevent shrinkage and print cracking.
• Roll gamer mats loosely; avoid folding to prevent creases.

Step 4: Store Collectibles to Prevent Damage

When not displayed, store collectibles in a cool, dry place. Use acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap for fragile items. Keep small pieces like keychains in a labeled container so they don't get lost or scratched. For figures, the original box is often the best storage option, as it provides structure and protection.

Avoid stacking heavy items on top of boxes. If you use plastic bins, ensure they are clean and dry, and add silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Check stored items every few months for signs of pests, mold, or discoloration. Early detection prevents a small issue from ruining your collection.

• Label storage boxes by category and date.
• Use silica gel packets in humid climates.
• Inspect stored items quarterly for damage.

Your 5-Step Dead by Daylight Merch Care Routine

1. Step 1: Assess your display environment: Check for direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Move items if needed. Checkpoint: No direct sun on any merch; humidity between 40–50%.
2. Step 2: Dust and handle figures with care: Use a soft brush for dusting. Support figures by the torso when moving. Mistake to avoid: Grabbing an arm or leg, which can loosen joints.
3. Step 3: Wash apparel and accessories correctly: Hand wash beanies; machine wash shirts inside out on cold. Air dry. Checkpoint: No fabric softener; prints remain intact.
4. Step 4: Clean gamer mats and small collectibles: Wipe mats with damp cloth; dry keychains with a soft cloth. Mistake to avoid: Submerging gamer mats or using harsh cleaners.
5. Step 5: Store items properly when not displayed: Use acid-free tissue, original boxes, and silica packets. Label bins. Checkpoint: Stored items are cool, dry, and inspected quarterly.

Product care notes

• Dead by Daylight x NECA - The Trapper 7" Scale Action Figure: Fully articulated 7-inch scale figure based on the original Killer. Articulation means joints can loosen or break if handled roughly; pose carefully and dust regularly.
• Dead by Daylight – Cold Fog Fisherman Beanie: Chunky rib knit with a short, snug cuff and embroidered Dead by Daylight logo patch. Hand wash cold and air dry to protect the embroidery and prevent stretching.
• Lil' Monster Keychain: Collectible keychain with a metal ring, listed under collectibles and pins. Keep dry to prevent rust on the metal ring; store in a padded container to avoid scratches.

Caring for your Dead by Daylight merch doesn't require a museum budget—just consistent habits. Control light and humidity, handle figures gently, wash apparel correctly, and store everything safely. Your collection will stay display-ready for years of horror-filled enjoyment.