How To Clean Game Cartridges

Download Article

Download Article

How to clean a video game cartridge using inexpensive products from around the house. Using this method you can clean most cartridges from systems like the N64, Game Boy and Atari 2600 systems.

Steps Download Article

1. 1

   Get a small container of alcohol. It is recommended not to dip the swab in the bottle of alcohol, as not to contaminate it.

2. 2

   Dip a cotton swab in the alcohol.

3. 3

   Carefully, but firmly rub the alcohol doused cotton swab against the copper contacts of the game cartridge. Rub about 2 times back and forth, and switch to the other side of the swab. Continue until the swab comes back without dirt on it.

4. 4

   Inspect the cartridges to be sure that there's no cotton fibers left on the cartridge.

5. 5

   Allow the cartridges to dry completely before you attempt to play them. It's best to let them air dry, and not blow on them.

Add New Question

• Question

  Can I use hydrogen peroxide?

  

  Jackson Quesinberry

  Community Answer

  No. Hydrogen peroxide is corrosive and will damage the contacts.

• Question

  Do I use rubbing alcohol in place of hydrogen peroxide?

  

  In my experience with most 3DS/DS games, 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol works just fine. However, in most cases I choose to distill it with water (one part water to two parts alcohol), just in case it may be a little too strong for some cartridges.

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

• You may have to use multiple cotton swabs.

• For Atari-made games, this method also does work. You need to open the cartridge sliding door to clean the cartridge contacts.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

• Only a little alcohol is needed. You don't want to drench the cartridge.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Game cartridge
• Cotton swabs

About This Article

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 67,586 times.

Did this article help you?

How To Clean Game Cartridges

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Old-Game-Cartridge

Posted by: wallswhiden.blogspot.com

Share this post