Maintence Help Please

[Jeffery Mewtamer]

I havn't found a topic addressing this and google didn't help so I'll ask here. I have several older cartridge-based systems(including NES, SNES, Megadrive, and N64) and many of the cartridges (and the cartridge slots I'm sure) are in dire need of cleaning. I know that finding a cleaning kit for a cartridge system is almost impossible, but I am wondering if anyone can give me any tips on fixing this problem.

Thanks in advance

 

[Jr2swiss]

I remember way back when I use to clean the NES cartridges by blowing air into the cartridges. (Worded kind of wierd because if I had said it a different way, some inappropriate jokes would have been said.)

 

[yaustar]

Cotton buds/swabs work great for me.. swipe it across the contact on the cart and see how much dirt is there

 

[greenmikey]

I know that blowing on cartridges isnt a good idea. It gets the humidity from your breath on the contacts. Which I guess is why it works for a short while. The moisture from your breath makes contact, but over time I believe that it starts oxidizing. I could be wrong but thats what Ive been taught from the oh so wise people I know.

 

[Vimacs]

compressed air can. and "video spray" both are 99% clean and hel, compressed air against dust, and "video spray" against other stuff that you cant blow away.

 

[greenmikey]

The cleaners used are diluted alcohol, just make sure you dry it. Which I dont think should be really that much of an issue because the alcohol is good at evaporating.

 

[Jr2swiss]

Wow where have you been mikey? I missed your avatar. ^_^

 

[joeybob]

I used to have a NES. All you gotta do is take some Rubbing Alcohol and dip a Q-Tip in it, then run the Q-Tip back and forth on the cartridge contacts. You won't believe how much dirt and junk comes of it. After you do that a few times and the Q-Tips are staying white and not dirty after rubbing back and forth, then just take a Q-Tip and do the same thing but with no rubbing alcohol to dry the contact off.

I would also take my NES apart and take the Pin Connector thats inside and clean it with rubbing alcohol and a brush. This kept my NES and games running like brand new, put the game in fire it up and it would work first try. No more blowing dust into the console and games which makes it worse. And no tapping reset like a mad man hoping it will boot on the 100th reset.