How to Maintain Your Display Tray for Long-Lasting Use

Quick answer

Maintain a display tray by dusting it weekly, cleaning it with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap only when needed, and keeping it out of direct sunlight and heat. Rotate the handheld units inside the tray, check battery compartments for leaks, and store the tray flat or upright in a dry spot when it is not on display.

A display tray works hard. It holds multiple handheld game systems, invites shoppers to pick them up, and often sits near a window, a register, or a high-traffic counter where dust, fingerprints, and sunlight all do their slow work. A few minutes of care each week keeps the tray looking presentable and protects the units inside it.

The routine below is written for My Arcade display trays, including countertop point-of-purchase trays such as the TETRIS MICRO PLAYER PRO TRAY -12 PCS and the TETRIS POCKET PLAYER PRO TRAY -15 PCS. The same steps apply whether you run a small retail counter or simply keep a tray at home for display.

Why display tray maintenance matters

A display tray is part packaging, part furniture. It has to look clean enough that a customer wants to reach for a unit, and it has to hold that shape after weeks of handling. Dust and grime make even a well-stocked tray look tired, and direct sunlight can dull printed graphics and warm the electronics sitting in the tray.

Maintenance also protects the handhelds themselves. Trays that sit near a sink, a heater, or a sunny window expose the units to moisture and heat. A simple care routine reduces that exposure and makes it easier to spot problems early, such as a leaking battery or a scratched screen, before they affect the whole tray.

• Keep the tray out of direct sun and away from heat sources.
• Handle the tray by its base, not by the display graphics or the units.
• Check the whole tray at the same time each week so nothing gets missed.

What you need before you start

You do not need a cabinet full of supplies. A microfiber cloth, a soft dry brush, a spray bottle with mild soap and water, and a few cotton swabs cover almost everything. Avoid paper towels, which can leave lint and micro-scratches, and skip ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners unless the tray manufacturer specifically allows them.

Work on a stable surface with good light. If the tray is loaded, decide ahead of time where the units will go while you clean. A shallow box lined with a soft cloth keeps them from rolling around and getting scratched.

• Microfiber cloths for the tray surface and unit screens.
• A soft brush for corners, slots, and printed edges.
• Mild soap and water in a spray bottle — never soak the tray.

Step-by-step display tray care

Start by emptying the tray completely. Remove every handheld unit and set it aside on a soft surface. This gives you a clear view of the tray base, the dividers, and any printed inserts. It also prevents water or cleaner from reaching the electronics while you work.

Dust first, then clean. A dry microfiber cloth lifts most dust from flat surfaces, and a soft brush reaches the corners and slots where dust collects. Only after dusting should you use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap for sticky spots or fingerprints. Wipe once, then dry immediately with a clean cloth.

Finish by checking the tray structure. Look for loose dividers, cracked corners, or peeling graphics. Small issues are easier to fix or work around than larger ones, and catching them early keeps the tray usable.

• Never spray cleaner directly onto the tray — spray the cloth instead.
• Let the tray dry fully before putting units back in.
• If a divider feels loose, note it and avoid overloading that section.

Cleaning the handheld units inside the tray

The units in a display tray get handled far more than a personal handheld, so they need their own quick clean. Use a dry microfiber cloth on the screen and body. For the screen, a very slightly damp cloth is fine, but never let moisture reach the edges or the buttons.

Battery compartments deserve a look too. The TETRIS MICRO PLAYER PRO TRAY -12 PCS and TETRIS POCKET PLAYER PRO TRAY -15 PCS units can run on 4 AA batteries or USB-C, so if you use batteries, check them for corrosion or leakage each time you clean. Remove batteries from units that will sit unused for a long stretch.

• Clean screens with a dry or barely damp microfiber cloth.
• Inspect battery contacts for white or green residue.
• Use the 3.5 mm headphone port and volume control gently — they are small parts.

Storage and rotation habits that extend tray life

When a tray is not on display, store it flat or upright in a dry, dust-free spot. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it, since pressure can warp the base or crack printed edges. If you store the tray loaded, remove the batteries first to avoid leaks during long storage.

Rotate the units in the tray every few weeks. Moving a unit from the front row to the back gives each one equal handling time and helps you notice wear on individual units. Rotation also keeps the display looking fresh for repeat customers.

• Store trays away from damp basements, garages, and direct sun.
• Remove batteries before long storage.
• Rotate front and back units monthly to spread handling wear.

Display tray maintenance steps at a glance

1. Empty the tray: Remove every handheld unit and set them on a soft, stable surface before you clean anything. Checkpoint: the tray base and dividers should be fully visible.
2. Dust dry first: Use a dry microfiber cloth on flat surfaces and a soft brush for corners, slots, and printed edges. Common mistake: jumping straight to a wet cloth, which pushes dust into corners.
3. Wipe with mild soap only where needed: Spray mild soap and water onto a cloth, not the tray, and wipe sticky spots. Dry immediately with a clean cloth. Checkpoint: no moisture left in slots or along printed edges.
4. Clean the handheld units: Wipe screens and bodies with a dry microfiber cloth, and check battery compartments for corrosion if batteries are installed. Common mistake: letting moisture reach buttons, ports, or the 3.5 mm headphone jack.
5. Let everything dry fully: Give the tray and units time to air dry before reloading, especially around dividers and the base. Checkpoint: the tray feels completely dry to the touch.
6. Reload and rotate: Put units back, moving front-row units to the back so handling wear is spread evenly. Next step: note any loose dividers or worn graphics for repair or replacement.
7. Store smart when not in use: Keep the tray flat or upright in a dry, dust-free spot, away from direct sun and heat, with batteries removed for long storage. Checkpoint: nothing heavy is stacked on top of the tray.

Display tray facts worth knowing

• TETRIS MICRO PLAYER PRO TRAY -12 PCS: Includes 12 units of the Tetris Micro Player Pro (DGUNL-7025) with a high resolution 2.75" full color display, built-in speaker with volume control, 3.5 mm headphone port, adjustable screen brightness, and power by either 4 AA batteries (not included) or USB-C. A 12-unit tray means 12 screens and 12 battery compartments to check. The USB-C option lets you skip battery maintenance for units that stay on display, while the headphone port and volume control need gentle handling during cleaning.
• TETRIS POCKET PLAYER PRO TRAY -15 PCS: Includes 15 units of the Tetris Pocket Player Pro (DGUNL-7028) with a high resolution 2.75" full color display, built-in speaker with volume control, 3.5 mm headphone port, adjustable screen brightness, and power by either 4 AA batteries (not included) or USB-C. With 15 units, this tray holds more inventory and more surfaces to dust. The same screen, speaker, and port care applies, and the larger count makes a weekly rotation and battery check more valuable.

Display tray care is mostly about consistency. A weekly dusting, a careful wipe when something sticky lands on the tray, and a quick battery check will keep your My Arcade display tray looking sharp and holding units securely for years of use.