Welcome to Giovanni’s master guide on cleaning Pokemon cards. Use this as a guide to clean and fix your own Pokemon cards. Please remember that everything you do to your cards is at your own risk. We always highly recommend practicing on a base card or cheaper card before moving on to your 1st edition Charizard. The more you clean your cards, the more you will figure out your own methods so don’t feel like you need to follow this as an exact guide. Cleaning Pokemon cards is an art and requires extreme patience. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve screwed up HUGE cards because I was drunk or sleepy. You gotta have a block of time that you are COMPLETELY focused on the task at hand. I like to clean my cards late at night when everyone is asleep and now only when I’m sober LOL. Please read the entire guide before you start and if you have any questions, please use our contact form or DM me on IG.
Videos
Watch the tutorial below if you’ve purchased the Pokemon Card Flattening Kit.
Watch the tutorial below if you’ve purchased the Pro Pokemon Card Cleaning Kit.
Here are a few long format videos I’ve made on cleaning cards, fixing dents/creases, and flattening bent cards. They are good watches but if you have a short attention span, checkout my IG highlight reels for quick videos on specific cleaning/fixing topics.
TCG Card Maintenance Guidelines: Dos and Don’ts
Polish Dos:
We’ve discovered that for almost all Pokemon cards from 1996 to the present, including those by Bandai, Carddass, Topsun, and others in various languages, you can effectively use spray and polish. Always start with a clean applicator for each cleaning session. You can find links to purchase more applicators here: Polish/Spray Applicators. Maintain the polish at a temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results. When applying polish, use a gentle, soft motion similar to spreading butter on bread—avoid pressing hard or digging into the polish. To preserve freshness, store the polish away from light and ensure the lid is tightly closed.
Polish Don’ts:
For newer Pokemon card sets with a light powder coating on the top layer, such as the Japanese Promos and cards from the Triple Beat Set, avoid using polish. These cards lack a protective layer over the powder coating, and applying polish can strip it away, leaving only the underlying clear coat. Therefore, refrain from using polish on these cards to maintain their pristine condition. Additionally, be cautious with cards that feature delicate foil accents, and if polish dries on a card, apply more polish gently rather than scratching it off, which can remove the dried polish without damaging the card.
Spray Dos:
Use the spray prior to applying polish to clear off any residues, grime, or heavy fingerprints. The spray is effective at restoring the card’s surface to a factory-like condition. Like with the polish, the spray can be safely used on Pokemon cards from 1996 to the present, regardless of the language or brand.
Spray Don’ts:
Never spray directly onto the card. Also, avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can damage or remove the paint. Instead, gently wipe troubled areas with a cotton applicator moistened with spray, using light touches and patience.
Card Tool Dos:
Utilize the tool to adjust the edges and corners of the cards. This method is particularly effective when combined with humidity treatments and allowing the cards to rest between discs. TCG cards are typically thin and rigid, so sometimes the best approach for correcting lifted edges or corners is simply letting them rest after a humidity treatment.
Card Tool Don’ts:
Never apply excessive force when using the card tool. Always place a penny sleeve between the tool’s surface and the card to protect the paint, which can be easily removed if mishandled. Move slowly to avoid creating friction that could shift or remove the paint.
General Advice:
To prevent any potential damage, always test your cleaning and maintenance techniques on a base card from the same set before handling more valuable cards like the 1st Edition Charizard. This helps ensure that you know how to properly care for your most prized cards.
