Cleaning and storing your cartridges (methods, etc.)

[wiggy]

Im on the fence about using dielectric grease, i would like some counseling. I have the following questions:

1) if i apply it to the pins of my games, will i need to reapply it constantly? Does it evaporate?
2) could there be damage in the long term for applying the grease?
3) can i play normally the games that have the grease?
4) do i need to open the games to apply the grease? Or could i just use a cotton from the outside?

Considering i removed the gold plating for most of my games, what would be my best bet? Apply the grease or not?
Please help me, i would really really appreciate it.

I think you might just be over-thinking it.  Just store em somewhere dry and call it a day.

[Pepe_el_mago]

One last question: how much time will the silica gel bags last? So i need to change them periodically? How will i know they are full?

Thanks

[sheep2001]

Unless you're in a very damp environment, they will last for many many years.

Seriously, though, there are plenty more things in the world to worry about than this!

[e_brugal]

They won't be damaged, maybe you won't see the day they will stop working

[sLpFhaWK]

I just got a pretty good donation of NES Carts from my gf's brother but they are terribly filthy. Some have this black dirt/grime on the front of them that i need to clean.

what would be the best way to go about it, and maintain the label?

These are the worst in the bunch.

[irvgotti452]

Best to use a dry old toothbrush then follow up with a q-tip & alcohol. You'd be surprised how effective a dry brush can be.

[e_brugal]

I will say magic eraser is the best way

[segamer]

I use Comet, a tooth brush and water. I just very carefully avoid the label and remove the cartridge board.

[sheep2001]

Best to use a dry old toothbrush then follow up with a q-tip & alcohol. You'd be surprised how effective a dry brush can be.

This.  And, eeewwwwwww!  Wtf did he do with them?

[Ozzy_98]

brush off the crud first otherwise you just make mud.  But when it comes to removing, if it doesn't need goo gone, then a magic eraser wetted down with 70%/99% IPO is best.  Only thing that I've not been able to remove with that with ease so far is paint stick, and a few stickers (that's what goo gone is for).

And that cart is nothing compared to some I've cleaned.  That doesn't look sticky or gooey or anything.

[sLpFhaWK]

They were in a cabinet i think, i honestly dont know where they were. he found them, said i could have them and my gf brought them home. along with some gameboy/gbc games and a gb gameshark lol i was pretty excited to see that.

[monjici]

I sometimes use baby wipes to clean dusty or dirty games/console/controller. If it's gentle enough for a baby, it shouldn't damage plastic parts in any ways plus, you can toss them away once you're done.

[irvgotti452]

I am against the use of magic eraser on video game related stuff unless it's absolutely necessary. It's sandpaper killing off the original texture and making it look odd on most occasions. Solvents too are a concern when just soap and water is sufficient (for surface jobs).

I even found that with pin connectors just a good soft rubber eraser followed by a light amount of 91%+ ipa on a clean cloth does the job just as well as people who insist on chemicals that can down the road corrode the connections (rarely do you need to use stuff like Brasso). Though I am for the use of 91% and up iso-alcohol and pcb cleaner. That's just my collected research on pcb care. *my two cents*

[Ozzy_98]

I am against the use of magic eraser on video game related stuff unless it's absolutely necessary. It's sandpaper killing off the original texture and making it look odd on most occasions. Solvents too are a concern when just soap and water is sufficient (for surface jobs).

I've never had a magic eraser affect the texture on nes games unless maybe you use it dry, and you're not supposed to do that (Nor would it work well).  The melamine foam isn't very tough and tears away before it can affect the carts plastic. 

Brasso should never be used in my book.  I'd rather wetsand with 2000 grit then use it. 

[irvgotti452]

I am against the use of magic eraser on video game related stuff unless it's absolutely necessary. It's sandpaper killing off the original texture and making it look odd on most occasions. Solvents too are a concern when just soap and water is sufficient (for surface jobs).

I've never had a magic eraser affect the texture on nes games unless maybe you use it dry, and you're not supposed to do that (Nor would it work well).  The melamine foam isn't very tough and tears away before it can affect the carts plastic. 

Brasso should never be used in my book.  I'd rather wetsand with 2000 grit then use it. 

I've seen some overkill on the magic eraser lol. Also yes to wetsanding. When I worked autobody I was introduced to a sanding block that Meguirs makes that comes in up to 2600 I believe and is about 15 bucks thats perfect for corroded carts.