Is Cleaning Stamps Acceptable?

Is it appropriate to clean a stamp? Not to remove the cancel, but stains or general dinginess. If it is OK, is there a correct procedure and a cleaning solution that won't damage gum?

No. It is in the best interest of the collector to leave stamps- especially mint stamps- well alone. Keep in original condition. If it wasn't particularly old or mint you could always soak it in warm water maybe a little bit of dishsoap in the water, rinse and press but not with a mint stamp of course.

It all depends on who you ask. Many say boiling water with a small amount of Dawn dish detergent, others say cold water. The best results I've had are with boiling water, even on older pre-1900 stamps. Beware of the Red ones, and this is only for used Stamps or unused with no gum.

There is a very fine line between alteration and conservation. Stamps that are affected by mold, mildew or some chemical changes should be appropriately cleaned or neutralized as a conservation measure.

When the stamp has so many ancient hinges cemented on the back that it is curled like a pringle - that is when I give it a bath. I'm leery of hot water.

Cleaning a stamp is like cleaning medals, it reduces their value to zero.
NEVER DO IT

Not exactly true. Cleaning a Stamp, meaning removing old hinges, paper from an envelope, dirt in general is absolutely acceptable. Cleaning to remove a cancel is not.

Have a mint stamp with a tiny brown spot. Any ideas how to remove?

Does it have gum ? Just checking as I usually figure Mint as having original gum, hinged or unhinged.

I should have been more specific in my original post. I was thinking of mint stamps, with gum, that have stains on the face or just appear dingy or dirty. I didn't know if "freshening" their appearance was considered alteration. I also didn't know if there was a cleaning agent that would clean the stamp but not affect the gum.

"Not exactly true. Cleaning a Stamp, meaning removing old hinges, paper from an envelope, dirt in general is absolutely acceptable. Cleaning to remove a cancel is not."

I live in England. In England cleaning means cleaning and it reduces the stamp's value to zero. It is not acceptable under any circumstances.

If you must and if it's mint try hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip (not drenched just lightly moistened) and swab it VERY VERY gently. My best advice is to try this on another damaged stamp to see how it works for you and to get an understanding of how to do it. Good luck with whatever you decide.

To make a stamp look like it is something that it is not is a big no no for me!

And when a person starts to say their collection is full of forgeries and is sure there are forgeries that are in his collection that he does not know about yet.

And he sells stamps on an on line auction and writes in the comment section there is nothing wrong with selling forgeries so all the buyers can see it.

Further comments that selling a forgery by accident is not a problem because everyone is doing it, so why is it wrong.

That is when I end my membership with that on line auction!

And it all starts by trying to remove a stain!

KGV,
I could not agree more.
Very valid points.

Removing hinges is as far as I will go. One thing I love about used stamps is their history. Stamps are ephemera. They really were intended to use and throw away. I think it's cool they survived. It amazes and thrills me (I've got to get out more!) when I see a stamp that has lived and carries it's journey with it. A cancel, an dealer or expertizing mark on the back, insect nibbles, it's all speaking to me. And I can't get their voices out of my head!

There is a fine line between alteration and preservation, but I've never seen a Stamp listed as "Original dirt"