Cleaning video game systems

[Gregory DG]

What do you guys use to clean your game systems? Any particular chemicals or soaps you use?

 

Most of the time I will take apart the system before cleaning it. It really helps to be able to get into those tight areas. It's also great to get the circuit boards out of the way.

 

I generally use warm water with soap and an old (but clean) t-shirt to clean them. Afterwards, (on the black plastic Atari systems) I use a little Armor-All to shine them up.

[ahector]

can you open nes systems to get the insides clean? it kinda looks like you can't to me but i may just not know and don't watn to damage anything you know?

[Ze_ro]

You shouldn't have any problem with a NES... mine just used normal phillips screws, and came apart rather easily (aside from one screw that was hopelessly stripped and had to be drilled out). On their later systems however, Nintendo started using security screws which make things more difficult.

 

I don't usually clean my systems other than the occaisional blow into the cartridge slot... however, I have a habit of cleaning used controllers quite well. I usually take everything apart and let it soak in soapy water for a while, then scrub everything off and put it back together. If necessary, I even use soapy water on the PCB's inside the controllers (make sure it's very dry before you put it back together though!!), and it seems to get the job done. I use the same process to clean my keyboard every once in a while.

 

--Zero

[Atariman]

I just use some soap and water for mine. Anything that doesn't have a paper label I just let soak. (I don't know how well these things would fare in a dishwasher... )

[Gregory DG]

Article over at TAT about cleaning game systems.

 

http://www.ataritimes.com/features/fea_cle...nyouratari.html

 

Next, I'll be working on how to take apart each Atari system!

[MrRetroGamer]

Article over at TAT about cleaning game systems.

 

http://www.ataritimes.com/features/fea_cle...nyouratari.html

 

Next, I'll be working on how to take apart each Atari system!

 

Nice feature! Just a sidebar on that, don't over-torque your screws when you re-assemble you console. 20 year old plastic can be VERY brittle and shatter like it was dipped into Liquid Oxygen!

[Gregory DG]

Nice feature!  Just a sidebar on that, don't over-torque your screws when you re-assemble you console.  20 year old plastic can be VERY brittle and shatter like it was dipped into Liquid Oxygen!  

 

Good tip, thanks! I'll add it in.

[BoOchan!]

I use Marveer, Which is a Wood Polisher and makes consoles smell like Cherries, or a bottle of "Home Brand" Instant Shine, Which is an Australian only Product of Woolworths. They both work very well!

[angusjake]

clean them? huh? I just try not to play in the dirt with them and that way they don't get too messy.

[fire_Will]

I also take apart the system when I get one a yard sale or wherever before I hook it up. This last one I got the circuit board was pretty bad had been out in the weather some I think man was it dirty. So the question is what do you clean the ciruit board with any suggestions right now i just gently kinda wipe it down best I can and call it good.