What is the best way to clean out games and systems?

[krambigmac]

I know that it's supposedly bad to use rubbing alcohol for NES games but I really have no idea what to do for Atari games. I mean cleaning the inside but the outside of the system or the label of the game is also what I'm curious about. Please no sarcasm unless you say it is because I don't know much about this stuff.

[moycon]

There are several older threads dealing with this same topic. I suggest a damp cloth and some sort of cleaner (simple green, Fantastic) Wipe the console/cart down avoiding any sickers or lables. Use Q-Tips to get in the cracks. Give it a shot of armor all once its cleaned up...The thing will shine baby!!!

[MoonlightKnight]

If you're talking about cleaning the PCB, I use the cleaning solution that you get for VCRs. If you're talking about the outside of the cart, then soap and water followed by a little Armour All working great.

[VidGameKing]

whats wrong with rubbing alcohol? I use it for restoring all of my older systems, given, i dont have any nintendo stuff but still it should be ok.

[kyle]

Hey mark ive read both your post this and the one about your grandma. Seems you are worried about people being sarcastic to you or makeing fun of your topics. You dont have to worry about that on here most people are nuts about atari and clean their games and hug their games some even make love to their games. And we love talking about games you will like it here! lol

[Scooterb23]

quote

some even make love to their games

 

Those, however, take a little extra cleaning

[krambigmac]

Sweet thanx, KB. I used to be on the IGN DC boards and they were like a family. I'm on a Virtua Fighter board where they're ruthless so I just wanna make a good first impression. I just don't like asking questions that seem stupid to the big time Atari nuts since I'm new to this but I've been reading the past 5-6 pages so I'm just trying not to repeat what others say.

[MoonlightKnight]

Hey Mark,

 

There doesn't seem to be any stupid questions around here. If you really don't know something, just ask. Someone will answer your question with an answer that you want to hear. I've only been posting for about a month myself and everyone in here has been real friendly.

 

So ask away!

[Lemmi]

I just use a damp wash cloth with water to clean the outer part of the 2600

 

and for the games i use rubbing alcohol the 99% kind

[Atari Master]

I use the 70% brand cuz i can't find 99%.

[Cassidy Nolen]

Just for the record:

 

I started reading this board because I love Atari. I kept reading this board because you all rock. I would have any of you in my home for game night, and not worry about some sarcastic jerk ruining it for me. I have made new friends all over the globe, and learned years worth of knowledge in a few months.

 

As for cleaner, I bought a cartridge cleaning kit at EB, and use it for carts of all makes, sizes, etc. I think it uses alcohol. I use Fantastic on the systems outside.

 

Good luck, and welcome to the group!

 

Cassidy

[+-^CrossBow^-]

Yeap...I use 409 on the outer console shells...and use a washcloth and then a toothbrush for the hard to reach spots. Then I wipe the excess of that...and hit with some De-Solv-It which will leave a lemon fresh smell, eat away anything that remains from the 409 and will leave the case looking brand new.

 

For the carts themselves, It depends on the how badly the cart needs cleaning. I try the q-tip and alcohol bit first. But sometimes I have to crack the case apart and use a pink pearl brand eraser to clean the contacts to like shiny new. However, lately I found that I can use some electronics cleaner and some tuner cleaner to get rid of most of the corrosion on the contacts...and I don't have to take the cart apart to do this.

 

still the q-tip and alcohol method is the least damaging of the methods...and also great PM for them afterwards.

[Kong]

The best and easiest way that I have found to clean the outside of a 2600 (if it is really nasty), is to take it apart. Just take the screws out of the back and set the board aside. Gently remove the bezel over the switches and scrub it down with some general household cleaner. Your left with the top case and the base. Take those two pieces and toss them in the dish washer. They look like there brand new when they are done.

 

I've down this with a couple of my 2600's that looked like they had been sitting in a barn for the last 20 years. It gets everything out of all the nooks and grooves on the top of those original cases.

[+-^CrossBow^-]

Ummm..we have been over this...

 

The problem with the dishwasher method is that is destroys the original serial number label on the bottom of the console. If you trying to clean the damn thing off so that it looks good and you want to keep it...then why destroy the very label which gives the VCS its identity? Seriously...if you want it looking like new and the serial number sticker is already missing...then by all means use a dishwasher. Otherwise but you @ss and elbow into it to get it looking like new.