What dry cleaning means
Comic dry cleaning uses suitable non-liquid methods to lift some surface deposits without adding colour or replacement material. It is different from washing, solvents, bleaching or chemical stain removal.
Older matte covers and modern gloss coatings respond differently, so one technique is not appropriate for every comic.
Fingerprints are not all alike
A recent light print may be mainly surface residue, while older skin oils can penetrate or alter the gloss. Attempts to remove embedded oils can create abrasion, shine differences or ink loss.
Dark solid-colour covers reveal prints and cleaning disturbance particularly clearly.
Avoid home-cleaning damage
Household erasers, liquids, wipes and solvents can smear ink, dull gloss or permanently stain paper. Test-free experimentation can reduce value more than the original dirt.
A responsible service stops where further cleaning would create disproportionate risk.
What to do next
Use this guidance to shortlist suitable comics, then use the Fantasy Road submission form for current prices and service eligibility. CGC assigns the final grade and its published turnaround times are estimates, not guarantees.
