Cleaning baseball cards properly prior to submitting them for professional grading is an important part of the grading process. Grading services will deduct points from the overall grade if a card shows any dirt, fingerprints, or other debris. Here are the recommended cleaning steps to take to get your cards as clean as possible before submitting them for grading:

Start by gently brushing off any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of the card with a very soft brush. An artists brush or makeup brush works well for this. Brush very gently in one direction from the top of the card downwards being careful not to scratch the surface. Clean the front and back of the card this way. You want to remove any loose particles that could negatively affect the grade.

For stuck-on dirt or stains, you’ll need to very carefully wipe the surface with a soft microfiber cloth. First, test the cloth on a less valuable card to ensure it does not scratch. Dampen the cloth very slightly with distilled water, just enough to be moist but not dripping. Gently wipe the surface of the card with very light pressure from the top down. Work in small circular motions and change areas of the cloth frequently so you’re not moving dirt around. Repeat with a dry area of the cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture. Take your time and work slowly, inspecting the results under good lighting as you go.

For stubborn smudges or fingerprints on the high-gloss areas, you can try using a special collectibles eraser. Ink and Con Clean is a popular brand made specifically for cleaning collectibles without scratching. Gently rub the eraser over problem areas, changing sides frequently, until the smudge is removed. Go very lightly and check your progress often to avoid over-rubbing. As with the microfiber cloth method, finish with a dry wipe.

Fingerprints can deposit oils onto the surface of cards over time. For removing stubborn fingerprints, you may need to use a specialty cleaner. Green Gobbler Degreaser is a gentle formula safe for collectibles. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball or Q-tip and gently rub the soiled area. Wipe immediately with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any residue. Check that the print is fully removed before moving to another spot.

After cleaning the fronts and backs, check carefully under bright lighting for any remaining dirt or debris. Use a magnifying glass or loupe to inspect edges and corners where debris can hide. Gently brush or wipe as needed, being very cautious of any print near edges that could rub. Cleaning preserves the integrity and value of a card’s surface and guarantees the best possible final grade.

Once cleaning is complete, allow the freshly cleaned cards to fully air dry before touching or handling them. Even residual moisture from clean microfiber cloths could potentially leave marks if the cards are stacked before fully drying. Lay the cards flat, front-side up, spaced apart on a clean, lint-free surface like a table or workspace. Allow at least 24 hours for complete drying time.

Double check for any remaining moisture before storing or submitting the cards. A lint-free cloth can gently polish the surfaces one last time if needed. Then the cards are ready to carefully sleeve and submit to the grading company. Cleaning properly eliminates uncertainty over potential deductions and gives the cards the best shot at achieving the highest true grade based solely on condition. Getting the cards as pristine as possible through thorough cleaning is a vital part of the grading process.

Taking the time for a meticulous multi-step clean prepares cards optimally for professional third-party grading. Grading services have high standards, and taking cleaning seriously shows respect for the grading process and the condition of the collectible. Following these cleaning recommendations should yield great results and satisfaction when the fresh numeric grade is revealed in the new holder. Proper cleaning gives collectors confidence that the grade accurately represents each card’s true state of preservation.