Cleaning Techniques

Cleaning is the foundation of all card conservation work. Before attempting any other restoration technique, a card should be properly cleaned. The key principle is simple: always start with the least invasive method and escalate only if necessary.

The safest dry cleaning method uses a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dust and debris.

A clean, dry microfiber cloth can remove surface dust and light fingerprint oils.

Also on this page
  • Overview
  • The Golden Rules
  • Dry Cleaning Methods
  • Soft Brush Method
  • Microfiber Dry Wipe
  • Precision Dry Cleaning (Advanced)
  • Wet Cleaning Methods
  • Card Cleaning Spray
  • Application Methods
  • Stain Removal
  • Types of Stains
  • Absorbent Paper Method
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This page is part of the Card Conservation Wiki member library — the working reference behind The Cardboard Alchemists. Technique pages with tested settings, the Card Sensitivity Database, logged incidents with the exact parameters that caused them, and community experiments you will not find written down anywhere else.
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