sinistermoon #1 Posted July 22, 2009 (edited) Does anyone know the exact type of plastic that consoles such as the Sega Genesis, Atari 2600, NES and others are made of? I ask because a guy on youtube made a video about cleaning game consoles with WD-40. It just seems like a bad idea to me. I mean that stuff takes rust off chains. So it seems like it would wear at the writing that is on consoles(ie: power and insert cartridge here). He didn't just spray the hell out of the console or anything. He sprayed some on a rag and then just kinda genitally wiped it down. It seemed to do the job. And the WD-40 website says that it is safe for plastics besides a few. So could this damage consoles? Is there any chance that it could seep into the plastic and mess it up? Maybe cause pitting or weak spots? I know that people that work on pinball machines don't use it because it causes fires and things to sort out. But will it hurt the exterior of a game console? And also if you don't use WD-40 then what do you suggest? I personally just take the consoles apart and use warm water. Edited July 22, 2009 by sinistermoon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gameguider #2 Posted July 22, 2009 I've never thought about doing this... I may test it out on an unwanted game. Like you say, I normally take the console apart and leave to soak in hot water and antibacterial liquid overnight. That loosens it and then I just use a toothbrush and a sponge wipe it before rinsing it in hot water. Could WD-40 remove a thin layer of the plastic? If so - I'll use it on some yellowed consoles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warmachine #3 Posted July 22, 2009 Console housings are usually made from ABS plastic. The place I got my second genesis from, used starting either to clean game consoles. It worked really well and they looked brand new afterward. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
STICH666 #4 Posted July 22, 2009 Console housings are usually made from ABS plastic. The place I got my second genesis from, used starting either to clean game consoles. It worked really well and they looked brand new afterward. LOL I wouldn't doubt it since ether is used to clean grease out of engines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinistermoon #5 Posted July 23, 2009 @gameguider That will not work because consoles that yellow, such as the SNES, yellow from flame retardant cheicals in the plastic. In other words, if you take it apart you will see that it has yellowed not only on the top but the whole piece of plastic has yellowed. @warmachine YES! ABS plastic that is it. I couldn't think of that for the life of me. Thanks man! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pinball22 #6 Posted July 23, 2009 (edited) ... and then just kinda genitally wiped it down ... Ew! You definitely shouldn't clean your consoles with your junk! (BTW, for un-yellowing, check this thread: http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?s...138244&hl=) Edited July 23, 2009 by pinball22 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MCHufnagel #7 Posted July 23, 2009 ... and then just kinda genitally wiped it down ... Ew! You definitely shouldn't clean your consoles with your junk! Really, then you'll have more gunk to clean off! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
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