A couple years ago I got irritated by how much card cleaning kits cost. I decided to source some of the commercial kits and use the mass spectrometer I have access to at work to figure out how to make my own. I’ve taken what I learned and am now passing the savings onto the community. Don’t waste your money on an overpriced kit. I’ve sold over 100 of these with great feedback.
The before/after photos in my listing were provided by some of my customers who left them in their ebay feedback comment. Cleaning is great for cards that are dirty, but I don't claim that it is magic or can work miracles. My customers have consistently had great results. If you buy this kit please share your photos as well!
What you are purchasing:
1. A cleaning kit with plenty of extra swabs and microfiber cloths. Most other companies give very few in hopes of nickle and diming you for the rest of your life. Instead, my goal is for you to buy one kit and make you self sufficient at cleaning for the rest of your life. The supplies I provide are what I use and what is needed. Also, I am not interesting in becoming an a la carte salesman. I sell kits. If you need more of anything just ask. I’ll help you.
2. My expert knowledge. I have included very detailed instructions. However, some people have special use cases and unique questions. If you have any trouble I am here to help. I'm very responsive and want to help people learn to clean.
Some other commercial kits focus on marketing, branding, and what I believe to be predatory false advertising. With my kit you get the same product capabilities and much more supplies at an affordable price point.
In the kit you get:
.5 oz of card polishing compound
5x foam swabs (color may be blue or orange)
10x individually wrapped microfiber clothes
2 oz spray bottle with plenty of cleaning spray
Please start by testing your process on some cheaper cards. Get your process down then move on to more expensive ones. If for some reason you are not happy with your testing just PM me. I can help you resolve your issue or I will provide a full refund. Just don’t take advantage of me 😊.
Cleaning instructions
Simple Cleaning instructions (For your first couple cards. Then move onto the detailed instructions)
Refer to the last image of the listing on how to hold your card in place while cleaning.
1. Apply the cleaning spray to a cloth (3 pumps) and wipe the front of your card.
2. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any residual cleaning spray.
3. In a swirling motion, apply a minimal amount of the polishing compound to the holo portion of the card using a foam swab. If you are practicing on non holo cards its fine to use the compound, but use very little.
4. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any residual polish. If polish residue remains on the non holo portion of the card apply your breath to the surface of the card before wiping with the cloth.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for the back of your card.
Detailed Cleaning instructions (3 Sections: General, Basic, Advanced)
General Cleaning Technique (use this technique whenever wiping your card with a cloth):
1. I recommend reading the entire listing details before starting. Refer to the last image of the listing for instructions on how to hold your card in place while cleaning.
2. As you wipe, do so in a consistent direction as shown by the arrows in image. Always wipe perpendicular to the edge you are approaching, as shown by the arrows in the image. Wiping parallel to an edge can cause edge whitening or holo silvering if too much pressure is applied. Perpendicular wiping will help mitigate this.
3. Following the image, I recommend having dedicated area where spray/polish is wiped on and a separate area for wiping with a clean cloth.
4. After the front is clean, flip the card over and repeat the process for the back.
Basic/Initial Cleaning Technique:
1. Cleaning Spray (To Remove Dirt/Grime): Spray a cloth with the spray. Wipe down your card carefully. Start with 2-3 pumps at enough distance to disperse the spray evenly. As you get more comfortable you can decide to use more pumps. NEVER SPRAY YOUR CARD DIRECTLY. It will get too wet and you risk removing ink rather than dirt. Use lite pressure.
2. Take a clean cloth folded into 1/4 and wipe your card clean.
3. Polish Compound (To Remove Holo Scratches/Scuffs): Apply the polishing compound to holo surface using a swab applicator in a swirling motion. I have had a few customers who have gotten excess compound on the non-holo portion of their cards. When using the compound, be sparing and try to apply only to the metallic holo surface. You don’t need much. I do not recommend using the polishing compound on cards with textured holo surfaces. However, If you are careful it is possible.
4. Take a clean cloth folded into 1/4 and wipe your card clean.
5. If polishing compound residue remains on the non-holo portion of the card it may leave streaks or look dull. To remove it, apply your breath to the surface of the card and then wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.
6. Repeat steps as needed.
Advanced Cleaning Technique:
1. To Add Shine or Reduce Scratches on Non-Holo Portion of Card: You can use the polishing compound on the non-holo portion of the card. You just need to use a very minimal amount. Take a swab applicator and apply the compound to one portion of a microfiber cloth folded into 1/4 rubbing it into the cloth slightly. This technique is considered “Advanced” because if you rub with excessive force there is a risk of removing a small amount of ink on the backs of Pokémon cards. I encourage you to practice on low value cards and get comfortable before attempting on anything of value.
2. Wipe your card with the compound applied cloth.
3. Apply some of your breath to the surface of the card where the compound has been applied.
4. Take a clean cloth folded into 1/4 and wipe your card clean.
5. If you have properly removed all of the polishing compound from the non-holo surface your card should be nice and shiny. Repeat steps 3-4 as needed.
Note: for those considering using for graded card submissions. I make no claims about improving a graded submission. So please don't ask if will get you a PSA 10. Many companies will, but it is unethical in my opinion. Some graders have announced watching for and canceling orders where external substances are found on cards. Proceed at your own risk.
Disclaimer: clean cards at your own risk. And if you aren’t comfortable with the results on cheap cards do not try on expensive cards. I would much rather provide you a refund after trying on cheap cards and being unsatisfied then have you damage expensive cards and leave a bad review or blame me. Cleaning takes some technique and it’s not for everyone. Take your time and get comfortable before doing something expensive.