Pokémon card cleaning kit: what’s inside and how to use it
A good cleaning kit brings together what you need to remove dirt, revive a dull holo and reach into the corners, with nothing that could scratch the card. Here is what the DistrictTCG restoration kit contains, what each item is for and in which order to use them.
- The kit contains a cleaning spray, a shine gel, 2 microfibre cloths, 5 foam applicators and 10 cotton swabs.
- The spray cleans, the gel revives: always use the spray first.
- The products go on the microfibre cloth or the applicator, never directly on the card.
- The kit costs €59, versus €69.80 for the spray and gel bought separately.
What’s in the kit
| Item | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Restore+ cleaning spray | Removes fingerprints, dust and greasy film, especially on matte areas (back, borders, frame). Alcohol-free. |
| Restore+ shine gel | Brings back the mirror effect of holo surfaces and removes surface micro-scratches. |
| 2 microfibre cloths | One to clean, the other to buff. Soft and non-abrasive. |
| 5 foam applicators | To dose the gel in very small amounts and apply it without pressing. |
| 10 precision cotton swabs | For corners, edges and the frame. |
In which order should you use them?
- Remove dust with a dry microfibre cloth.
- Spray onto the cloth and wipe the back and borders.
- Run a barely dampened cotton swab around the corners.
- If the holo is dull, apply a very small amount of gel with an applicator.
- Buff with the second, clean and dry microfibre cloth.
- Put the card in a new sleeve.
The complete kit
The Pokémon card restoration kit
Alcohol-free cleaning spray, shine gel, 2 microfibre cloths, 5 applicators and 10 cotton swabs: everything you need for €59.
See the kit – €59What the kit does, and what it doesn’t
The kit cleans the surface, revives the holo and removes micro-scratches. It does not repair a crease, a damaged corner or a deep scratch, and it does not flatten a curved card: for that, see the flattening kit.
Which cards is it for?
All Pokémon cards, modern and vintage, as well as Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Lorcana or Dragon Ball Super. Always test the method on a common card before treating a valuable one.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards can one kit handle?
It depends on the condition of the cards: a few sprays and a very small amount of gel are enough per card.
Can I buy the products separately?
Yes: the spray and the gel cost €34.90 each, and the microfibre cloths, applicators and cotton swabs are also sold on their own. The kit costs less than the spray and gel alone.
Is the kit suitable before grading?
Yes, to prepare the surface. A retouched card is still a no-go.