Grading & Cleaning: What Collectors Need to Know
One of the questions we’re always asked during live streams is: “If my card has been cleaned or polished, will the grading company know? Will it be rejected as altered?”
The simple answer is: Not if it’s done correctly. Cleaning means removing fingerprints, dust, surface smudges, or polishing out light scratches — not altering or adding to the card itself. And importantly, across all of the submissions we’ve supported so far, we’ve never had a single rejection linked to cleaning or polishing.
⸻
What cleaning actually means
At Curio Card Care Services, when we talk about cleaning, here’s what we do:
• Wiping away fingerprints, smudges, and dust.
• Polishing to reduce very minor surface marks or scratches.
• Removing safe-to-lift residues without damaging the card.
What we don’t do: alter printing, recolour, or trim in any way. Our process is about restoring a card’s natural presentation, not modifying it.
⸻
Grading companies & recent debates
The topic has been in the spotlight recently after reports that PSA is considering introducing its own in-house cleaning or “wipe” service. This has sparked debate, because while collectors have sometimes worried that cleaning could be flagged as “altered,” PSA’s move suggests that superficial preparation is not only acceptable — it may even be a service they’ll monetise themselves.
This raises questions of fairness and consistency across the industry, but it also underlines a key point: when cleaning is done properly, grading companies do not see it as altering the card.
⸻
Why use Curio Card Care Services?
Our approach gives collectors peace of mind:
• Proven results — we’ve never had a rejection on a card we’ve cleaned or polished.
• Specialist knowledge — we’re one of the UK’s first dedicated card cleaning and restoration companies, built specifically for the hobby. Whilst lots of companies have this as an add on service, cleaning and restoration is our focus.
• Insurance and security — your cards are fully covered while in our care, something not all shops or individuals can provide. We have had unique insurance cover built for our specific needs, allowing us to work on cards up to £10k.
• Innovation Driven— we always strive to learn more. We share techniques and knowledge with fellow collectors, but always put the safety and integrity of your collection first.
⸻
Final thoughts
Cleaning and polishing are part of preparing a card to look its best before grading. Done right, it doesn’t mean altering the card — it means protecting and enhancing it. At Curio Card Care Services, we treat every card as if it were our own, ensuring it shines today and stands the best chance at grading well tomorrow.
⸻
✨ Ready to give your cards the treatment they deserve? Get in touch with us today and see how we can help your collection look its best.
