Cartridge Cleaning Products

[toymailman]

I am wondering what people use for cleaning their cartridges (label, shell, and contacts). I used to use ClassiClean (for all those things), but ran out now. I thought it was a great product and now wished I had stocked up with more. If anyone has an extra bottle (or two) then I'd be happy to pay for some. Otherwise, what are the best options out there? Thanks!

[Serious]

Not a recommendation, but something to share so that someone else may learn from it..

 

I once used alcohol to clean the a silver label cart. It worked great on the main label and the casing. When I applied it to the end label (which was black with red text), all of the black came off, leaving a completely red label on the end.

 

Because I had tested it on the mail label, first, I assumed the end label would be fine. I was shocked that the end label had a completely different reaction than the main label.

 

I believe this was a 1983 cartridge. Keep in mind that not all silver label cartridges are the same, so some of the later printings (like the ones that have holes under the main label) may react differently.

 

After this experience, I do not let alcohol touch any label, at all.

[AAirhart]

I just use a slightly damp towel on labels, alcohol will remove ink.

[mkiker2089]

mild glass cleaner is always a safe bet. The type that is good for TVs and eye glasses.

[karokoenig]

I stopped using alcohol on any Atari 2600 labels. Some could take that stuff, some were extremely vulnerable. I even had some labels (silver, black or whatever) catch permanent whitened fingerprints from touching them with hands that had a tiny residue of alcohol on them. I still use alcohol to (carefully) clean all plastic parts of a cart. I just avoid touching the label with it.

 

I can confirm the observation that the endlabels seem to be especially vulnerable to alcohol. Never use it on those!

 

For label cleaning I use warm water with a little mild soap in it.

[Philflound]

I'd go with the soap and mild water. I've had some glass cleaners also take off the ink. I put alcohol on a qtip to clean contacts. Though you have to watch that they don't catch and tear fibers. You don't want the fibers getting caught in your system.

 

Phil

[Necron99]

Labels - Damp cloth first, if that didn't work, a damp Q-tip. works better for things like permanent marker or small lines. depending on the label, I might use a little alcohol or mild soap in the water. sometimes I've used goo gone, had good and bad results with it so be careful.

 

Shells - Goo Gone for stickers, then a damp cloth to clean other dirt and grime. really tough permanent marker stains I use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser but be warned that rubbing too much with it can smooth out a surface, which is bad for say a NES or 2600/7800 game as the plastic is bumpy. Mostly I use it ONLY as a last resort.

 

Contacts - Alcohol and a Q-tip. dip one side of the q-tip in alcohol and rub both sides of the contacts (contacts facing down so extra drip fall instead of going in the cartridge) flip the q-tip and gently dab the contacts to dry. wait a few minutes before testing cartridge.

[nanochess]

In my own experience it's also a very bad idea also to use alcohol over some shells, it leaves a kind-of white marks.

[+save2600]

Alcohol clearly not good on labels. Best to stick with plain old water or mild dish detergent.

 

Edge connector can be cleaned with alcohol, but if they're really bad or oxidized, use TV tuner cleaner or something like DeOxit. I've even used brake cleaner in a pinch, but really don't recommend it as it will eat through plastics, etc. if you're not careful.

[sqoon]

Isopropyl is fine and works great only on plastic coated labels, otherwise avoid it. It will remove ink on uncoated labels.

 

As for cleaning the outside casing of cartridges, Windex or similar seems to work well. Generally if a cartridge is especially grungy, I use a toothbrush and isopropyl to get into any crevices or indentations. Goo-Gone is a necessuty for getting off old glue or residue, and a heat gun is recommended for removing old stickers and rental store decals.

 

For the contacts, I always start off with a light scuffing with 600 grit sandpaper, followed by 4-6 swipes with isopropyl on a cotton swab. 91% isopropyl, none of the 70% or 50% as the water content is not good for electronics. As a last resort, I also keep electronic contact cleaner handy for especially stubborn contacts and PCB's.

[trevDesigns]

Meguiars Quik Interior Detailer

Always spray to a microfiber then wipe the carts/systems/controllers clean, then wipe with a dry cloth.

Never seemed to have a problem using on labels.

 

Also use Goo-Gone.

[+save2600]

Goo-gone will eventually eat through stuff. And dry out glue too. Not recommended on labels at all as it'll cause an actiplaque looking result. And if used excessively, will actually mar plastics (changing their very chemical makeup resulting in a melted appearance), worse than rubbing alcohol.

Edited August 1, 2013 by save2600

[toymailman]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!