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How to clean cartridges, just a verification
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 1:54 pm
by latenitevacancy
Rubbing alcohol and q-tips right? I'm right, right?
Some tool on Facebook is telling me 409 works and alcohol corrodes games. I think he's wrong. But I could be wrong. I just wanna know what everyone else uses to clean their games. I'm sorry I know this comes up all the time, I'm just trying to prove a point.
Re: How to clean cartridges, just a verification
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:06 pm
by jfe2
Alcohol and q-tips FTW!
Re: How to clean cartridges, just a verification
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:09 pm
by CRTGAMER
I have pretty good luck with an eraser. Take the PCB out of the cart case first.
Re: How to clean cartridges, just a verification
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:12 pm
by latenitevacancy
CRTGAMER wrote:I have pretty good luck with an eraser. Take the PCB out of the cart case first.
I know this works as well. At any rate, I'm just trying to see if anyone has used 409 cleaner with any success. Because I doubt they have.
Re: How to clean cartridges, just a verification
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:17 pm
by Hobie-wan
I wouldn't use 409 because it will probably leave behind residue. Alcohol (or better electrical contact cleaner) will completely evaporate. A white plastic eraser if you have the board out of the case is also good, especially in combination with the contact cleaner. If a cart is really corroded, a green scrubby sponge (dry) is just abrasive enough to get it clean without being dangerous like sandpaper.
Re: How to clean cartridges, just a verification
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:21 pm
by sevin0seven
Hobie-wan wrote:I wouldn't use 409 because it will probably leave behind residue. Alcohol (or better electrical contact cleaner) will completely evaporate. A white plastic eraser if you have the board out of the case is also good, especially in combination with the contact cleaner. If a cart is really corroded, a green scrubby sponge (dry) is just abrasive enough to get it clean without being dangerous like sandpaper.
yep, i agree with mr hobie here. i use electrical contact cleaner also (better than alcohol). the white plastic eraser is a WIN too!
Re: How to clean cartridges, just a verification
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:28 pm
by blackmagepwns
60% alky and a LOT of q-tips.
I clean my ENTIRE collection this way (150+ games) and there is not one game that doesn't work. (Note: I get most of my carts from the flea market located right where dust storms take place daily.)
Even my water damaged Mike Tyson's Punch Out ft. Mike Tyson.
Re: How to clean cartridges, just a verification
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:31 pm
by latenitevacancy
I know to really trust Hobie, so thanks for the feedback. Thanks to everyone actually. Appreciate it guys.
Re: How to clean cartridges, just a verification
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:43 pm
by Hobie-wan
I'm sure the 409 will help if it is a really dirty game or a NES cart that's been spit in for years. It just isn't the best solution and you'll end up trading a bunch of dirt for a little residue.
Re: How to clean cartridges, just a verification
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:54 pm
by Hatta
Alcohol is a pretty poor solvent really. The reason it's commonly used is because it's easy to get your hands on, and not likely to do much damage. Go with the contact cleaner. You can pick up TV tuner cleaner at radio shack, or contact cleaner at an autozone. Mass Airflow Sensor cleaner works great too. I spray a little in a shot glass and dip my qtips in that.