What is the best way to clean off the outside of a game system + controllers?

[Clownzilla]

Well, I just bought a Dreamcast, controllers, games, etc. for an excellent price. The whole setup has been in a smokers house AND has all sorts of dirt, gunk, etc. on it. I'm sure it wouldn't be as bad if it were not white (this thing looks like my Apple IBook minus the smoke smell). Anyway, the thing works great so I decided to buy despite the external looks. Well, long story short, I would like to get this thing clean. Any help would be appreciated!

[Sylentwulf]

Personally, goo gone or rubbing alcohol for every surface inside and out (not both on both, use common sense)

[Atari 5200]

I usually use something like windex or alcohol. NEVER use finger nail polinsh remover on ANYTHING. There are other things out there like the Mr. Clean magic eraser that'll get all kinds of gunk off.

[spanks_4]

get some 409 and a couple of scrubbing pads. i use toothbrushes, but whatever. 409 will cut threw that smoke stain with ease.

[k8track]

http://www.birman.org/pictures/noekula-kittens.jpg

[CosmicMonkey]

I use this foam stuff called Magic Sponge or something like that. They sell them in Boots. It's this white foam stuff that you wet ever so slightly, and it cleans everything.

[swlovinist]

I use Mr. Bubbles!

[XxHennersXx]

mr clean magic erasers work wonders.

[FABombjoy]

I usually tear 'em completely down and soak the case & parts with scrubbing bubbles for about 15 minutes. Then I use a soft dish brush & some Ivory to go over the whole case, clean the vents & other little crevasses. Rinse, towel dry the visible parts, and let the pieces hang & air dry.

[FantasiaWHT]

Mr. Clean magic eraser is good for marks. Goo-gone is great for getting rid of gunk/stickies. Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol is great for general cleaning & sanitizing.

[Aussie2B]

I always try to use something more natural before resorting to a chemical whenever possible, so I wouldn't neglect the value of good old-fashioned soap, water, and a rag. I've cleaned many filthy systems and controllers that way.

[Trebuken]

Pinesol if it's just dirt and dust. Goo Gone (apply to rag to not spray on) for other stuff; keep away from stickers and labels that may bleed. You can then use Orange GLow to make it shiny, though it is made for wood surfaces (I think) and is not as good for plastic.

More dramatically, you could also use a coat or two of grout and tile sealer (semi-gloss is good) after you clean it. It has a little bit of an effect.

[GarrettCRW]

You'll be amazed at what a rag soaked in hot water (plus some elbow grease) will do.

[InsaneDavid]

I usually tear 'em completely down and soak the case & parts with scrubbing bubbles for about 15 minutes. Then I use a soft dish brush & some Ivory to go over the whole case, clean the vents & other little crevasses. Rinse, towel dry the visible parts, and let the pieces hang & air dry.

This should framed and hung in the work area of anyone who restores video games.

For general cleaning, especially just before something goes out for sale, I give things a quick wipedown with windex and a soft cloth. Then again, everything is in dust free storage after its initial cleaning anyway.

[XxHennersXx]

I usually tear 'em completely down and soak the case & parts with scrubbing bubbles for about 15 minutes. Then I use a soft dish brush & some Ivory to go over the whole case, clean the vents & other little crevasses. Rinse, towel dry the visible parts, and let the pieces hang & air dry.

I do this with cartridges, but not with consoles but thats just because I've never had a console in horrible condition. the worst was my Dreamcast and Pokemon n64. dreamcast had some scuffs that came off pretty easily and my n64 had marker that came off with sharpee.

[gum_drops]

I recommend Micro Magic Odor Eliminator from Chemac for getting rid of the smell. The stuff works well on carts,controllers,systems and anything that smells.

Its biodegradable, non-toxic, non-irritating and has a really nice smell to it. Although it does NOT taste nearly as good as it smells.

[shadow77110]

Hey, I've got the same kind of problem. My SMS has motorbike stickers all over it and one sticker has been pulled off with all the gunk under it still there. Would some of these methods work for me? Thanks.

[k8track]

Wait, wait, wait... am I the only one who uses kittens to lick them off?

Man, you guys are weird. Has the whole world gone crazy?