As you can see, there is no concensus. I clean my own chips in my collection as I see fit. I don't clean traders. I leave that decision for the new owner. Some like them cleaned, some don't. I could probably get more for some chips on eBay if I cleaned them first. Is it more important to make money or help other chippers build their collections? I like this hobby to be self supporting. I feel my time has value. But I never want to forget, the chips are really what it's all about. And the friends.