cleaning the sides of cards...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 21 Jun 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

EminemsAngelBaby	21 Jun 2005
Does anyone have any good methods for doing this? The sides of my cards have become quite grimy...yuck....I've lightly wiped the faces themselves with a soft cloth and this works for a while but after a few shuffles the stuff on the sides finds it's way back onto the faces. It seems like I need to use moisture or something to get them really clean but I'm afraid it will damage the cards. I had no idea how dirty cards can get over the course of time! I read once a week in a lounge with smoking, drinking, etc. and now I have seen how grimy they can get! It's my beloved Buckland Romani too which is now oop. Thanks for any suggestions, EAB.

Astra	21 Jun 2005
First try an artgum eraser, as it's the least likely to damage the edge surfaces, and generally does a pretty good job with minor dirt. If that's not enough... anybody else?

MeeWah	21 Jun 2005
I recommend similar. A white, soft vinyl eraser "Factis Artist Eraser" or "Faber Castell Magic Rub". Recommended because they would be least likely to leave a residue or otherwise damage the edges of cards. Hold deck firmly & use firm strokes alongside the card sides. Dust off frequently in between strokes. Both erasers can be found at an excellent carrier of art supplies, Jerry's Artarama: http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/online/657/art-supplies/3

MeeWah	21 Jun 2005
Btw: Noticed that hand creams or lotions tend to leave residue on the cards, especially their edges & contribute to their picking up soiling over time. I avoid using such products whence working with the cards until after.

EminemsAngelBaby	22 Jun 2005
Oh Astra and Meewah:), Thank you very much! Sounds like just what I need...ahhhhhhhhhh. EAB.

ricardozen	22 Jun 2005
Do you have babies? Yes, i use baby butt wipes. The moisture drys in one second and leaves everything clean. And there are scented wipes also, with rose and other scents. I have sweaty hands so that was a problem to me. This was the way i find to deal with it. Cheers, Zen

zhahmi	22 Jun 2005
Another thought is antiseptic wipes - the kind you take on a long car ride. I use them with great success when cleaning my decks.

The cleaning the sides of cards... thread was originally posted on 21 Jun 2005 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.