9 replies to this topic

[JohnnyRockets]

I have never cleaned a cartridge, what is the best way?

Sega Genesis and N64 carts for starters, but I imagine they are all the same, right?


Thanks!



JR

[frankodragon]

Cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol works the best.  Scrub the contacts back and forth.

[StoneAgeGamer]

Windex for quick clean, it removes dust and dirt. Most carts just need that.
DeoxIT contact cleaner for deeper clean and corrosion removal if Windex doesn't do the job.
Fine grade sand paper very sparingly and lightly on contacts if DeoxIT isn't enough.
If the sand paper fails, put in shoe box and bury in back yard. RIP

[fiddlepaddle]

Be careful about windex (or any cleaner) on the labels, it can fade or remove the artwork.  I also would use 91% rubbing alcohol (available at most drug stores) rather than water-based cleaners on the contacts since water will promote corrosion.  Q-tips are indispensable.  Alcohol removes Sharpie, and other markers from the plastic.  Goo Gone removes wax markers (& crayon) and also thrift store price stickers.  Tough marks on plastic can sometimes be removed using "magic eraser" foam cleaners.

[dendawg]

In Soviet Russia, cartridge cleans you.

[StoneAgeGamer]

fiddlepaddle, on Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:48 PM, said:

Be careful about windex (or any cleaner) on the labels, it can fade or remove the artwork.  I also would use 91% rubbing alcohol (available at most drug stores) rather than water-based cleaners on the contacts since water will promote corrosion.  Q-tips are indispensable.  Alcohol removes Sharpie, and other markers from the plastic.  Goo Gone removes wax markers (& crayon) and also thrift store price stickers.  Tough marks on plastic can sometimes be removed using "magic eraser" foam cleaners.

Yeah I was more talking about the contacts, not plastic or label. Although if cart label has lamination a little amount of Windex shouldn't hurt. Just spray it on cloth first instead of cart.

[JohnnyRockets]

Thanks everyone!

[Schizophretard]

This guy's videos is how I learned how to do it.

[chrisballer]

There are a few different cleaners that I use.  You just have to remember to be careful, and practice on some common carts first until you know how the cleaners will work.  I use Magic Erasers, Goo Gone, and a newer one that I found Goof Off.  I have the 91% alcohol, but the only time I use it is if I don't open the cart to clean the contacts.  If I open the cart a few swipes with a Magic Eraser makes them look like new.  A couple things to note is that Goof Off has a stronger smell to it, but it fades soon after use.  The goof off works way better to clean than Goo Gone, but if I need to soak a label to come off I still use Goo Gone.  The Magic Eraser is abrasive, but it will not hurt unless you are rubbing hard in the same spot for a bit.  Furthermore, I always use cleaner sparingly, and put it on a paper towel or Q-tip first.  If you use too much cleaner and get near the outside of the label the cleaner can get under the label and discolor or lift the label.  Always have a clean dry paper towel at the ready incase you get a run or too much on the game to dry off promptly.  If you want to do a quick clean the Magic Eraser is best, and works awesome on N64 carts.  If you have marker depending on the cart I like to use the Goof Off.  For example, If you rub at marker too long with a Magic Eraser sometimes on a NES cart which has texture you can rub the texture down.  I noticed on these carts to put Goof Off on a paper towel and rub lightly in a circle motion the marker will come off without any wear to the surface of the cart.

Anyway, I hope these couple tips help you.

[Classic Pac]

I found WD-40 works better than anything else