A cleaning card system and method for cleaning contaminants accumulated in a card reader and pushing dust or dirt out the back of the card reader is disclosed. The card reader cleaning plow of the invention includes a semi-rigid material having the same or similar width and thickness of a data bearing card that is normally read by the card reader, but being longer and having a notch, or notches, cut in the leading edge of the card reader cleaning plow that allows the insertion of the card reader cleaning plow beyond the limiter post, or posts built into the card reader. The card reader cleaning plow may be inserted into the card reader and cleans the reader heads, any rollers or guides and the feed path, and harmlessly pushes the dust and particulates build-up through the device.