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Posted By: fkw

To me, adding anything not original to the card or taking any part of the original card away, is altering.

If you clean it up with something that is not permanent, to get it close to its original form (ie. simple eraser, soak w/water, clean surface w/water), I would not consider it altering. But it may affect the grade and should be noted (if known) especially in mid to high grade cards.