How to clean Pokémon cards
If you’ve been neglecting your cards over the years or recently unearthed your old, well-loved collection from childhood, you’re probably wondering how to clean them up. But how do you clean thin pieces of cardboard without risking total destruction? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place.
In this blog, I’ll guide you through the steps to clean your cards safely, while sharing tips and tricks to help you avoid accidentally ruining your cherished collection.
Disclaimer:
The following cleaning method works perfectly for cards you’re planning to store in a binder or display. If you’re considering cleaning something rare or pricey, like a first-edition Charizard, put it down and back away slowly. Most collectors agree that cleaning high-value cards does more harm than good, so this method is best saved for binder cards or those with sentimental value.
What you’ll need
First things first, let’s gather what you’ll need:
- Microfiber cloth: This acts as a soft, protective surface for your card while you work.
- Cotton swabs: Perfect for delicate cleaning without scratching the card.
- Cleaning solution: I use a 50/50 mix of water and glass cleaner (most cheap store brands work great).
- Optional microscope or magnifier: Not essential, but handy if you want to inspect dirt or scratches up close.
With these tools ready, you’re all set to begin.
Step-by-step cleaning process
- Start by laying down a microfiber cloth to give your card a soft, safe surface to rest on. This will protect it from scratches or scuffs while you work and give you a solid base to focus on cleaning.
- Next, hold your card under a good light or grab a magnifier to get a closer look. Take a moment to really examine the dirt; is it just sitting on the surface, or does it seem more stubborn and embedded? This will help you decide how much care and patience you’ll need for the cleaning process.
- Now, dip the tip of a cotton swab into your cleaning solution, but keep it light. You’re aiming for slightly damp, not dripping. Cards don’t like baths.
- With your swab ready, start gently moving it over the dirty areas in small, circular motions or soft, sweeping strokes. The key here is to let the moisture loosen the dirt and not try to scrub the cooking pots.
- As you clean, keep an eye on your cotton swab. Once it starts picking up dirt, it’s time to swap it out for a fresh one. No need to get attached to it.
Avoiding additional damage
One of the golden rules of card cleaning is to stay far, far away from the edges. The edges of Pokémon cards are not sealed, so moisture can easily absorb into the card and cause warping.
Also, remember that patience is your best friend here. If the dirt doesn’t come off straight away, let it sit for a bit with the moisture from your cotton swab and try again gently. This isn’t a race, and the slower you go, the better your results will be.
Checking your work
Once you’ve cleaned the card, hold it at an angle under a light to check for any lingering dirt. If you spot something you missed, grab a fresh swab and go over it again. For holos, this is especially important since dirt can stand out against the shiny surface.
If you really want to go the extra mile, a quick check under a microscope or magnifier will let you spot any micro-scratches or missed specks.
Knowing when to stop
Cleaning your cards can be such a satisfying process that it’s easy to get carried away. Trust me, everything might seem to be going perfectly until one stroke too many ruins the card entirely. If a stubborn spot refuses to budge after a few gentle attempts, it’s probably best to leave it alone.
Final thoughts
Cleaning Pokémon cards is a fantastic way to reconnect with old favourites and give your collection a bit of extra attention. That said, not every card is worth cleaning as valuable or rare cards are often better left untouched to preserve their original condition. Instead, focus on cards destined for a binder or display and take your time. Believe it or not, the process can be surprisingly therapeutic and enjoyable!
If you’ve got questions or tips of your own, drop them in the comments. I always love hearing from other collectors. Now, grab your supplies, take it slow, and happy cleaning!
