Should you clean a card before grading?

🧠 Introduction

Are you getting ready to send a Pokémon or TCG card to PSA, BGS, or CGC for grading? Are you wondering if you should clean your card beforehand?
It’s a common question, and the answer is yes, but with caution.

In this article, we explain why it is recommended to clean your card before sending it, how to do it safely, and what the grading experts think about it.

🎯 Why clean your card before grading?

Grading is a strict procedure where every detail counts.
Companies like PSA or Beckett examine cards based on several criteria, including surface cleanliness, sometimes using a magnifying glass or microscope.

Here is why a thorough pre-cleaning can make all the difference:

✅ Avoiding a poor grade due to dust or marks

A fingerprint, stuck dust, or greasy film can be mistaken for a light scratch.
This can cost you an entire point on the final grade, especially in the "Surface" category.

✅ Restoring the original luster (especially for Holo cards)

Shiny cards quickly accumulate micro-dust, oxidation, or moisture residue.
Proper cleaning restores a “fresh from the pack” look without leaving any streaks.

✅ Preparing the surface for inspection

Professional grading is performed under grazing or UV light.
It is better for every square centimeter to be perfectly clean, dry, and free of stray reflections or micro-deposits.

⚠️ What you must absolutely not do

Many collectors fear that cleaning is prohibited or will be detected by PSA. In reality, cleaning is tolerated, as long as it does not alter the card.

❌ Prohibited by PSA:

Excessive or abrasive polishing
Application of varnish or gloss wax
Repairing or recoloring edges
Removing a crease with heat or heavy pressure

✅ Authorized (and recommended):

Removing fingerprints or dust
Gently cleaning the surface
Drying without oily or scented products
Using neutral, undetectable products

🧴 Which method do the pros recommend?

Grading professionals or certified eBay resellers use gentle and targeted techniques.

🧼 Classic method (to avoid):

Baby wipe: too wet, leaves a film
Standard cloth: risk of micro-scratches
Pure water only: ineffective on greasy marks

✅ Recommended method:

Soft anti-static microfiber (eyeglass type)
Residue-free TCG cleaning spray, like our Restore+ cleaning spray
Flat cotton swab for the corners
Nitrile gloves to handle without adding grease
Air dry or gentle wipe without pressure

💡 Tip: perform a test on a low-value card to validate your technique.

🔍 What the pro graders say

“A clean, well-presented card with no residue has a much higher chance of landing a PSA 9 or 10. It’s not cheating, it’s maintenance.”
— Ex-BGS employee (Reddit source)

“We never penalize a clean card. However, we do penalize a greasy, blurry, or dusty one.”
— CGC collector testimonial