Saving flooded game stuff

[eastman415]

Two weeks ago where I live, we had a lot of bad flooding due to thunderstorms. I got a large collection of games from a friend that were in his basement that I'm trying to save. I've been cleaning everything just physically of all the "dirt" so far. I need to get everything properly disinfected though. Does anyone know if diluted bleach will damage any of the plastics? I'm not worried about the labels. The games are half nes and n64 games, and the other half are master system and genesis.

[wiggy]

This is a great resource for such questions.

http://www.coleparmer.com/Chemical-Resistance

Comparing ABS plastic, which is what's used in the cartridge shells for both consoles, with a bleach (sodium hypochlorite) solution consisting of 20% bleach and 80% distilled water yields this result

"B = Good -- Minor Effect,
   slight corrosion or
   discoloration."

Considering such, I prolly would avoid bleach if at all possible.

[Arseen]

I'd just use water and soap.

I think that kills enough of the bacteria.

[eastman415]

That is a pretty informative site.

I've gotten recommendations for vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and they both get an A from that site. I'll have to see how they compare to just a general soap as a disinfectant.

[wiggy]

Honestly, if you're not worried about the labels, then throw them in the dishwasher.  That should pretty much do it with almost no effort.  That is, after gutting them.

[Arseen]

Honestly, if you're not worried about the labels, then throw them in the dishwasher.  That should pretty much do it with almost no effort.  That is, after gutting them.

I was thinking that too but not sure is the dishwasher too hot?

And do you want shit in the diswasher?

[wiggy]

Honestly, if you're not worried about the labels, then throw them in the dishwasher.  That should pretty much do it with almost no effort.  That is, after gutting them.

I was thinking that too but not sure is the dishwasher too hot?

And do you want shit in the diswasher?

ABS can take a pretty good amount of heat.  I'd of course test with a not-so-valuable cart. 

I mean, it's a washer.  It washes things.  Putting dirty stuff in it doesn't seem like a weird thing to me.

[zakurowrath]

ABS Plastic does fine in the dishwasher. I've taken apart all my used consoles and threw the cases in the dishwasher. It gets them really nice and clean. Also the hotter the water the less time it takes to dry.

[Arseen]

ABS can take a pretty good amount of heat.  I'd of course test with a not-so-valuable cart. 

ABS Plastic does fine in the dishwasher. I've taken apart all my used consoles and threw the cases in the dishwasher. It gets them really nice and clean. Also the hotter the water the less time it takes to dry.

Good to know

I mean, it's a washer.  It washes things.  Putting dirty stuff in it doesn't seem like a weird thing to me.

He said that there was flood, so there is good chance that the really literally is shit.
Does he really want it to the dishwasher?

[wiggy]

He said that there was flood, so there is good chance that the really literally is shit.
Does he really want it to the dishwasher?

Why not?  It's not like the shit is gonna stay in the dishwasher.

[Arseen]

Yeah the shit will eventually go away, but next few cycles there will be stuff floating around.

Don't believe me? Check the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, the one cathes the big stuff. Take a smell, not super clean smelling isn't it?

[sheep2001]

I wouldn't really want it in my dishwasher.  What's wrong with a bucket and some regular mild detergent?  There's no need to go all overboard.  Or even some detergent wipes which are guaranteed to kill 99% of bacteria should do the job just fine.  I am assuming they haven't got lumps of turd stuck to them of course.

[wiggy]

My filter is as clean as a whistle. I also don't put dishes with large chunks of stuff still attached in it. Shit/Crap is pretty much water soluble, so I can't imagine it floating around in there, at least not in chunks. Just rinse the carts before putting them in there, like you would/should do with dishes. If its a big concern still, run it empty with some bleach afterward. Dunno, the idea doesn't really repulse me.

[eastman415]

It was actual sewer backup. Fortunately the games for lack of a better term just look... wet. The consoles however...


I also have a small recycling bin full of cables and controllers. Still deciding what if anything I want to attempt to clean.

I like the idea with the dishwasher though, as the games don't have anything caked on them, and I just need the heat
and detergent to get them sanitized so I don't feel like I need to wash my hands after I pull a game out of its case.

[larryinc64]

A sewer backup? I hope that's dirt.