I usually clean mine. I don't like E. coli and butt cheese all over them. If you ever taste one, they are kind of salty. Actually I use that "pink goo" that is NOT recommended in The Official U.S. Casino Chip Price Guide. They recommend Armor All Multi-Purpose Cleaner. I have not tried it, but would like to. I still have plenty of "pink-goo" to go thru yet... <g> Chuck from KC