cleaning cartridge contacts

[psx95]

I have been using rubbing alcohol and q-tips to clean the contacts on my game cartridges for a while now. I just wanted to make sure that this method is safe and will not harm the cartridges over time?

The way that I clean a disc is to wipe it with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water. Is this a good/safe way to clean discs? I used to use one of those rotary cleaners where you spray a solution on the disc and then turn the crank on the rotary unit which rubs the disc with a pad. Is that a safe method?

[diskoboy]

For carts, I use Deoxit contact cleaner.

The stuff works wonders on dirty cartridge contacts.

As for optical discs, it sounds like you were using an old re-surfacer. It's good for a disc with heavy scratches, but completely un-necessary for discs in good shape. A simple microfiber cloth and some eyeglass cleaner is the best method.

[psx95]

As for optical discs, it sounds like you were using an old re-surfacer. It's good for a disc with heavy scratches, but completely un-necessary for discs in good shape. A simple microfiber cloth and some eyeglass cleaner is the best method.

It's not a re-surfacer, it is something I got at Walmart a while ago.

[ApolloBoy]

http://www.drillspot.com/pimages/1626/162636_300.jpg

This stuff works absolute wonders for carts, and it's way better than rubbing alcohol at getting rid of grime.

[schmake]

I have been using a rubber (eraser) to clean the contacts on my cartridges. I was using rubbing alcohol and some aerosol can for cleaning contacts. After not being able to get some MVS carts to boot properly I read somewhere about using an eraser. It worked a treat, and is hands down the cheapest method you could come across.

[BetaWolf47]

http://www.drillspot.com/pimages/1626/162636_300.jpg

This stuff works absolute wonders for carts, and it's way better than rubbing alcohol at getting rid of grime.

Yeah, I've been using this for a few years now. Though I haven't used toothpaste before, there hasn't been a single dirty game I couldn't get to work like new, aside from ones with other issues.

[jb143]

I have been using rubbing alcohol and q-tips to clean the contacts on my game cartridges for a while now. I just wanted to make sure that this method is safe and will not harm the cartridges over time?


Nope, it won't harm your games. Rubbing alcohol is used in the electronics industry all the time for cleaning boards. I know that the games themselfs usually say not to use it but I think that's so you would buy their more expensive cart cleaner instead...which by the way...is mainly rubbing alcohol.

[rimsky82]

I know I'm bumping an old thread, but I think it's important to discuss proper cleaning techniques.

I've found the best way, and also the cheapest, is to open the cartridge (I bought a security bit from amazon for $5), and rub the contacts very well with a pencil eraser. Then I go over it with a q-tip dipped in windex, and finally a dry q-tip to dry it off. I make sure there are no artifacts left by the q-tip, and put it back together. I also clean the outside of the cartridge with a windex q-tip. This makes all of my carts run like new.

As far as rubbing alcohol goes, I hear that a 91% solution is most desirable, and also that anything but denatured alcohol will leave a residue that can corode.

I've never tried glass oven top cleaner, but from your posts I imagine it works well. I would hope there are no long-term effects.

For discs, the bottom is just plastic. It's important that it's free of scratches, smudges, and anything that would prevent the laser from reading the data. Obviously windex would work very well here too, but make sure what you wipe it with will not scratch the disc.

Now, I have a couple of carts with sharpie on them, and wonder if anybody has tried and true techniques for getting it off? Most notably, I have a nes zelda cart (gold) and I'd like to get sharpie off of it without ruining the cart. I hear that scrubbing with an alcohol/comet solution works best, but am a little weary of trying it just yet.

[jb143]

I would just use rubbing alcohol over Windex. It might be safe but windex also has ammonia, dye, and perfume that I wouldn't want to be left over.

As far as removing sharpie from a cart. I've done it many times with rubbing alcohol and the slightly scrubby back of a kitchen sponge. And finish it off with the sponge side. It doesn't hurt the cart and the ink comes right off.

[Pikkon]

Now, I have a couple of carts with sharpie on them, and wonder if anybody has tried and true techniques for getting it off? Most notably, I have a nes zelda cart (gold) and I'd like to get sharpie off of it without ruining the cart. I hear that scrubbing with an alcohol/comet solution works best, but am a little weary of trying it just yet.


I gotten sharpie off of carts before,what I used was a old toothbrush and some rubbing alcohol,it can take a few goes to to get the marker off but it works great.

[rimsky82]

I would just use rubbing alcohol over Windex. It might be safe but windex also has ammonia, dye, and perfume that I wouldn't want to be left over.

To clarify, I've been using the Windex Multi-Surface with vinegar. It is clear. Is ammonia or vinegar bad for the contacts? The last time I used rubbing alcohol on a circuit board it left a residue that appeared greasy.

[dendawg]

My cleaning methods:

For carts I use Dawn on the contacts with a Chore Boy golden fleece scrubby, followed by an alcohol rinse. (70-91%)

For discs, I just use Dawn again on the surface, and scrub the surface with my thumb, followed by a tap water rinse and dab dry with a paper towel.

Scoff if you must, but I've saved a lot of cart games by those methods.

[BetaWolf47]

Not scoffing at you using Dawn, but doesn't the fleece scratch up the contacts?!

[dendawg]

Not scoffing at you using Dawn, but doesn't the fleece scratch up the contacts?!

Surprisingly, no. It's even less abrasive than using scotch brite scrubbies, since the golden fleece is basically chemically treated terry cloth to make the fibers a little stiffer.

[SithWarrior]

I been using brasso to clean the contacts and 99% alcohol to take off any left over brasso.

P.s is it bad using high percentage of isopropyl alcohol?

[Sabz5150]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41jcjWgEElL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

My cleaner of choice. Its safe on plastics and phenolic, tears up carbon deposits and dries almost instantly. Not cheap, however...

[jb143]

I been using brasso to clean the contacts and 99% alcohol to take off any left over brasso.

P.s is it bad using high percentage of isopropyl alcohol?

Nah, electronics grade alcohol is pretty high percentage. The only problem is that it costs a lot more. I use cheap dollar store stuff and have never had any problems. Cleaned many a used carts and it a q-tip and alcohol have cleaned probably about 95% of them.

[jordandavid]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41jcjWgEElL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

My cleaner of choice. Its safe on plastics and phenolic, tears up carbon deposits and dries almost instantly. Not cheap, however...

Exactly, I picked up the smaller 4.5 oz can (difference is it's red and has a picture of male and female ends of contacts on the label, mine still has the price tag of 4.99 on it). The stuff lasts pretty long.

I got the two security bit pack from www.electricquarter.com to open my games. Then I usually use one of those white click erasers to get the surface gunk off first. When the end of the eraser stops turning up black I use CRC QD Electronic Cleaner and cheap paper towels (slightly more abrasive than extra soft quilted kinds) until it's nice and shiny. Sometimes I run the eraser back over the contacts to check if I can buff anything else up, but I always like to finish with a bit of the cleaner to get rid of any extra debris/residue/film.

I'm no expert, but I'm pretty confident with my methods, as I have not damaged any games as of yet and they all seem to work after a good cleaning. I've been warned against using alcohol as it can lead to corrosion. (alcohol leaves a film, film attracts dust, dust attracts moisture, moisture causes oxidation) - something to that effect. Don't attack me, but I heard a compelling argument, I picked up the electronic cleaner and haven't looked back.

[Oldskool]

As crazy as it may sound, I use the security bit, take the cartridge apart. Then use toothpaste and a toothbrush on the contacts. First I use straight toothpaste by rubbing it in with my fingers until the toothpaste turns dark. Then I wet the toothbrush and start brushing away at it. After I feel it has been cleaned off well I rinse the contacts off and brush until the suds go away. Finally I polish it off with a cotton towel. You'd be amazed how clean it gets. And toothpaste is always around and cheap.

[SithWarrior]

As crazy as it may sound, I use the security bit, take the cartridge apart. Then use toothpaste and a toothbrush on the contacts. First I use straight toothpaste by rubbing it in with my fingers until the toothpaste turns dark. Then I wet the toothbrush and start brushing away at it. After I feel it has been cleaned off well I rinse the contacts off and brush until the suds go away. Finally I polish it off with a cotton towel. You'd be amazed how clean it gets. And toothpaste is always around and cheap.

I seen people use toothpaste to fix cd/dvd base games but never on the old cartridge games, you should post a video on youtube showing that, just to see the comments you'll get lol.

[BetaWolf47]

As crazy as it may sound, I use the security bit, take the cartridge apart. Then use toothpaste and a toothbrush on the contacts. First I use straight toothpaste by rubbing it in with my fingers until the toothpaste turns dark. Then I wet the toothbrush and start brushing away at it. After I feel it has been cleaned off well I rinse the contacts off and brush until the suds go away. Finally I polish it off with a cotton towel. You'd be amazed how clean it gets. And toothpaste is always around and cheap.
I remember you mentioning that. If it works that well, no wonder it's used for our teeth :D The more surprising thing is how well the aforementioned cooktop cleaner works. It has never failed me thus far.

[channelmaniac]

Pink pencil eraser is the tool of choice here.

Q-tips and alcohol are uses to clean the contacts if I can't disassemble the cart. I use 100% isopropyl alcohol that is available at Fry's.

Formula 409 is my cleaner of choice for gunk on a cart or on the edge connectors. Rinse well with clean water or alcohol.

For permanent marker I use the pure 100% isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush or rag. If that doesn't work then I use a fresh marker to go over the old THEN use the alcohol to remove both.

:D

[jordandavid]

If that doesn't work then I use a fresh marker to go over the old THEN use the alcohol to remove both.

I've heard that and tried that and it does work pretty well.

[InsaneDavid]

To clarify, I've been using the Windex Multi-Surface with vinegar. It is clear. Is ammonia or vinegar bad for the contacts?

The thing with isopropyl alcohol is that it will evaporate where using something like windex will leave a residue.


The last time I used rubbing alcohol on a circuit board it left a residue that appeared greasy.

What was the amount per volume of the isopropyl alcohol you were using? Remember that 50% alcohol is going to be 50% water, which is what you don't want. Try to keep in the 90% range for contact cleaning, the cheaper stuff for general usage.

General cleaning I've had best results with Simple Green for grime and Windex for general plastics cleaning.

[caitsith2]

For carts, I use Deoxit contact cleaner.

The stuff works wonders on dirty cartridge contacts.


Have to agree here. I have used it many years back, on an nes cart, which then went into intermittent nes system. The plus, worked perfect. Another plus, after a few carts had deoxit applied, the system would just work totally fine, without even needing to push the cart down. Connection was that good.

I keep a can of deoxit on hand, all the time, for that reason.

[Oldskool]

Have to agree here. I have used it many years back, on an nes cart, which then went into intermittent nes system. The plus, worked perfect. Another plus, after a few carts had deoxit applied, the system would just work totally fine, without even needing to push the cart down. Connection was that good.

I keep a can of deoxit on hand, all the time, for that reason.

That's interesting, it's almost like the clean cartridges cleaned the NES itself. Does this NES have a new 72 pin connector installed? I've only heard of them playing games in the "up" position with NES's that have a new 72 pin.

[caitsith2]

That's interesting, it's almost like the clean cartridges cleaned the NES itself. Does this NES have a new 72 pin connector installed? I've only heard of them playing games in the "up" position with NES's that have a new 72 pin.

It was quite a while, like 8 years back, but no, that was the systems original 72 pin connector. I never specifically tried to clean it, but what I think happened, is that indeed, the cartridges transferred some of the deoxit to the 72 pin connector, where the repeated insertions and removals allowed the deoxit to do its thing.

[Oldskool]

I was at Radio Shack today with a buddy and noticed some of that Deoxit stuff on the shelf - no way I'm spending 20 bucks on a bottle of that. I guess I'll stick with the tooth paste. :rocker:

[BetaWolf47]

It was quite a while, like 8 years back, but no, that was the systems original 72 pin connector. I never specifically tried to clean it, but what I think happened, is that indeed, the cartridges transferred some of the deoxit to the 72 pin connector, where the repeated insertions and removals allowed the deoxit to do its thing.

Yeah, that tends to happen. I exclusively clean my consoles using that method, although I use the previously mentioned cooktop cleaner for that. My formerly finicky N64 works like new now!

And Radioshack has Deoxit at $20? Yeesh.

[Oldskool]

Yeah and it's a very small bottle at that. Maybe it lasts long, I dunno. Sounds like it's the best though.

[BacteriaInfection]

hey guys...it's been a looong time coming, but I really need to clean all my nes and snes cartridges.

Question: I don't have windex, will Mr. Clean work equally as well?

Question: Is it true I can use toothpaste on the contacts? Will my ultrabright Advanced Whitening Toothpaste work? How does this compare to using Brasso?

thanks...I'll be going to the store in an hour...so I eagerly await whatever help you guys can give me. :)

[BacteriaInfection]

bump. Can anyone help?

[raylydiard]

i was fixeing other sega cdx today had green all over the cart solt
i used a very fine sand paper and very carfully done that and then used contact cleaner afterwards and works a charm


I have been using rubbing alcohol and q-tips to clean the contacts on my game cartridges for a while now. I just wanted to make sure that this method is safe and will not harm the cartridges over time?

The way that I clean a disc is to wipe it with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water. Is this a good/safe way to clean discs? I used to use one of those rotary cleaners where you spray a solution on the disc and then turn the crank on the rotary unit which rubs the disc with a pad. Is that a safe method?

[Oldskool]

hey guys...it's been a looong time coming, but I really need to clean all my nes and snes cartridges.

Question: I don't have windex, will Mr. Clean work equally as well?

Question: Is it true I can use toothpaste on the contacts? Will my ultrabright Advanced Whitening Toothpaste work? How does this compare to using Brasso?

thanks...I'll be going to the store in an hour...so I eagerly await whatever help you guys can give me. :)

Yes you can use toothpaste on the cart contacts. But it's best to take the cart apart, otherwise you'll get toothpaste inside the cart.

"First I use straight toothpaste by rubbing it in with my fingers until the toothpaste turns dark. Then I wet the toothbrush and start brushing away at it. After I feel it has been cleaned off well I rinse the contacts off and brush until the suds go away. Finally I polish it off with a cotton towel. You'd be amazed how clean it gets. And toothpaste is always around and cheap."

Just make sure everything is nice and dry when you are done, I use a hair dryer sometimes if I accidently got some of the chips wet.

I guess one of these days I'll post a video of a before cleaning - during cleaning - and after cleaning - problem is: All of my carts have been cleaned already!

I don't know how it compares to Brasso personally. I have not use Brasso not even once in my entire life, but I know it's THE best tarnish remover. I just don't know - are the contacts Brass?

[raylydiard]

I have used deoxit on cart solt but its dear stuff it good stuff
used the whole can in about a week on console reapairs alone.
toothpaste i will give that a go cheers buddy.



Yes you can use toothpaste on the cart contacts. But it's best to take the cart apart, otherwise you'll get toothpaste inside the cart.

"First I use straight toothpaste by rubbing it in with my fingers until the toothpaste turns dark. Then I wet the toothbrush and start brushing away at it. After I feel it has been cleaned off well I rinse the contacts off and brush until the suds go away. Finally I polish it off with a cotton towel. You'd be amazed how clean it gets. And toothpaste is always around and cheap."

Just make sure everything is nice and dry when you are done, I use a hair dryer sometimes if I accidently got some of the chips wet.

I guess one of these days I'll post a video of a before cleaning - during cleaning - and after cleaning - problem is: All of my carts have been cleaned already!

I don't know how it compares to Brasso personally. I have not use Brasso not even once in my entire life, but I know it's THE best tarnish remover. I just don't know - are the contacts Brass?

[Oldskool]

Let me know what you think when you try it. I am the only person I know other than myself that has done it this way. Maybe I can start a trend hehe.

Now toothpaste on a CD is a different story. Some people think that it's supposed to be some magic trick or something, put it on, rinse it off and you're disk will look like new.. :hmm: But really, for CD's toothpaste is for more like doing localized scratch repair. And you have to rub the hell out of it. I have fixed many CD's that way, just use the toothpaste where the scratch is ONLY and basically dull the finish. For some reason people are covering the entire disc, letting it dry for 5 minutes (WTF?), then simply rinsing it off. I guess over the years the whole toothpaste process has been changed/altered and now people say it doesn't work, when it does - just because people are going about it wrong.

[SuperOstrich]

Now, I have a couple of carts with sharpie on them, and wonder if anybody has tried and true techniques for getting it off? Most notably, I have a nes zelda cart (gold) and I'd like to get sharpie off of it without ruining the cart. I hear that scrubbing with an alcohol/comet solution works best, but am a little weary of trying it just yet.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works wonders on sharpie ink and is generally safe to use* on glossy NES and SNES labels. I recently picked up a bubble bobble cart that someone had drawn all over, a minute or two of gentle scrubbing and it looks as good as new. With the Zelda cart you might want to do a test on somewhere inconspicuous, as the gold coating isn't particularly durable.

*Magic Eraser / Melamine Foam is an abrasive, so there is a risk of damaging your stuff. I've had good luck, but your mileage may vary. I've heard horror stories about magic eraser wrecking N64 labels so be careful!