diff --git a/tailbone/grids/filters.py b/tailbone/grids/filters.py
index 3f23196d..b80f6050 100644
--- a/tailbone/grids/filters.py
+++ b/tailbone/grids/filters.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 ################################################################################
 #
 #  Rattail -- Retail Software Framework
-#  Copyright © 2010-2019 Lance Edgar
+#  Copyright © 2010-2020 Lance Edgar
 #
 #  This file is part of Rattail.
 #
@@ -859,8 +859,13 @@ class AlchemyGPCFilter(AlchemyGridFilter):
         """
         Filter data with an equal ('=') query.
         """
-        if value is None or value == '':
+        if value is None:
             return query
+
+        value = value.strip()
+        if not value:
+            return query
+
         try:
             return query.filter(self.column.in_((
                 GPC(value),
@@ -870,9 +875,13 @@ class AlchemyGPCFilter(AlchemyGridFilter):
 
     def filter_not_equal(self, query, value):
         """
-        Filter data with a not eqaul ('!=') query.
+        Filter data with a not equal ('!=') query.
         """
-        if value is None or value == '':
+        if value is None:
+            return query
+
+        value = value.strip()
+        if not value:
             return query
 
         # When saying something is 'not equal' to something else, we must also