Proper cleaning materials for cartridges

Hi All,

I've recently returned to collecting after life got in the way for a decade or two. I unearthed my old NES/SNES/Genesis, and I have a hundred or so games that are in dire need of cleaning. I did some Googling and it seems like 90+% isopropyl is the cleaner of choice, but I've also heard people use Windex and Brasso.

On the other hand, Windex seems like a poor choice because who knows what's in it? Mostly water, wich sounds like a bad idea. I've also heard that Beasso is bad because it leaves a film on the contacts and is too abrasive. I've also heard that erasers are both good and bad for contacts. What's the story? Can anyone tell me what the best methods of cleaning cartridges and cases is?

Any input here is greatly appreciated.

 

This has been covered time and time again.

Don't use Windex. It's not a window. Don't use Brasso - the contacts aren't brass. Don't use a pencil eraser - you're not erasing graphite from paper (and take a look at what a dirty eraser does to paper).

IPA is correct - specifically, to clean the contacts on your cartridges, use contact cleaner. Simple.

 

Yeah don't use window cleaner, isopropyl works for me.

 

Just a simple combination of rubbing alcohol and cotton buds works for cleaning cart contacts.

For cleaning console cases, remove all the screws, springs, and anything else metal from the plastic casing and soak the case in all-purpose cleaner for a minute or two. Go over the outside and inside of the case with a soft-bristled toothbrush and once done, rinse the case with water and let it air dry for several hours.

 

Have any of you tried DeOxIt? I bought some of that but haven't tried it yet. It's supposed to be an electrical contact cleaner so I'm sure it's safe but I'm not sure how well it'll work.

 

DeoxIT is (or at least one of their products is) indeed a contact cleaner. Personally, I would say the stuff they put in is unnecessary and you're paying for the brand, so I'd stick to regular contact cleaner (an electronics store such as Maplin in the UK or Radio Shack / Frys in the US should carry it - maybe even own brand) - something like Servisol or Electrolube is great. As you can see here, DeoxIT is rather expensive in comparison to other brands. To give you an idea, Maplin own brand is £3.99 (about $6) for 200ml.

By the way, I tend to avoid switch cleaner for this purpose, as it has a lubricant. It should be fine, but I prefer the unlubed stuff

Incidentally yes, cotton buds (e.g. Q-Tips) are fine for use with contact cleaner.

[EDIT]
I should say, that's my personal opinion on DeoxIT (and we don't really see it on this side of the pond). They certainly do products that are suitable and even show edge connectors (albeit not video games) on their website. It'll do the job... maybe it'll do the job brilliantly. Just be aware it's a rather expensive, name brand.

 

Thanks for the input! Growing up, when I cleaned my games (which was rare) it was with IPA. These days there are so many more options that it makes my head spin. When I got back into collecting, I went a bit crazy and bought just about all of the recommended stuff just to cover my bases, so I've got plenty DeOxIt and IPA on hand.

 

[EDITED]
I've looked into their recommendations and the DeoxIT D-series is their cleaning product. They even do wipes, which would be a way to clean cartridges (and many large manufacturers use the Gold series wipes on new edge connectors), but probably rather more expensive at around 40 cents per wipe!

 

isopropyl is the way to go on everything aside from plastic. Eats the paint in seconds lemme tell ya..

 

I haven't seen too much in the Internet about cleaning the cartridges themselves. Some of the games I bought off eBay have mystery fluids and general grime on them. Not to mention names written in sharpie. What cleaners are safe to use on the outside of cartridges?

 

Xian Xi of neo-geo.com forums recommends Deoxit , he is a highly respected member. I since have been using Deoxit after reading what he recommends.

 

Are you happy with the results?

 

yes , some years ago i bought a PS2 Network Adapter and it didn't work at all but i used Deoxit red and gold on the connector pins. I gave it a shot and it worked i thought it was a fluke but ive been using it ever since. My process for Neo Geo Carts is Pencil Rubber then Contact Cleaner then Deoxit red for 30 mins then Deoxit Gold for 30 mins


btw i used it on my Denon Amplifier's headphone socket and it made a huge difference sound wise

 

Take the pencil eraser out of the equation as it's pointless and rather detrimental. So is using contact cleaner first. DeoxIT D-series (never been called red) is all you need to clean. Gold seems to be more a protector, so it's fine to use after.

I've not tried DeoxIT. It's not IPA, although it contains a certain amount. Some of it is petrol-based. The price is rather offputting, though - the UK distributor sells D5S-6 in a 5 oz spray can for £13.56. It's weird you guys measure liquids in dry measures, but it should work out roughly the same as the metric measure, so we'll say 142ml. When you search DeoxIT on their page, they ACTUALLY give you Pro Power contact cleaner (a brand I do use) - 200ml spray can is £2.53. They then list the above DeoxIT, then an Ambersil contact cleaner at £8.64 for 400ml.

I'm sure DeoxIT is great, I'll probably even try it one day. Is it really worth paying OVER FIVE TIMES as much for it, though, when regular contact cleaner does the job just fine?

 

i'm really reluctant to take a pencil eraser to my cartridge contacts, it just seems like it could cause a lot of damage, and with the price of retro games these days, I just don't want to risk it.

In terms of cleaning, you apply the contact cleaner and let it sit for 30 minutes? It often wondered this because I haven't found any guides or videos online that suggested letting it "soak", so to speak. I'll have to look into the deoxit gold as well. It does seem extremely expensive but I do like that they have a brush applicator. I do have the aerosol version and there's just no way that you can apply the stuff without soaking everything in the area. The brush applicator is a much better solution for cleaning a small area like cartridge contacts.

 

i use Contact Cleaner briefly , Deoxit red for 30 mins and gold for 30 mins

 

Deoxit red IS the contact cleaner though, isn't it?

 

yes but it has other benefits such as Dissolves Corrosion , Improves Contact and Protects Surfaces. After using a Pencil Rubber i use Contact Cleaner in a Aerosol Can so i use 4 different things in my processes. I can say as well some members here are a little scared of a Pencil Rubber but when i have used it the contacts on a Memory Card or Cart they become shiny which means it has removed nasties

 

I bought a can of Radio Shack contact cleaner, works fine if you mind the smell. I usually just give the cart another wipe with alcohol after application.