How to Clean NES Game Cartridges (External Cleaning Tips)

[happyoldMEN]

I want to clean my Zelda 2 game but when I use the eraser, the gold paint comes off!

[VideoGameMuseumCom]

@happyoldMEN Bummer on that one. Yeah, it's good to remember that gold NES cartridges are simply painted, so solvents or aggressive cleaners will take the finish off. I'd stick with Windex for gold cartridges.

[happyoldMEN]

@VideoGameMuseumCom So Windex on a cloth for the exterior is safe? Because I even rubbed it with a dry Q-Tip and that damn paint was coming off.

[VideoGameMuseumCom]

@happyoldMEN If a dry q-tip is taking off the paint, then it sounds like you have an especially sensitive game. I'm not sure what to recommend if even a dry soft item like a q-tip takes the paint off.

[happyoldMEN]

@VideoGameMuseumCom NVM my mistake, turned out I was just rubbing a spot that was already missing a small amount of paint and I stopped immediately in fear of damaging it further. So I guess the cloth with Windex would be OK. Worst case scenario, I have some gold spray paint...

[AnonymousNothing]

Also, imitation Windex is not necessarily the same. Windex is generally ammonia-free. The opposite is true of generic brands. Again, I don't mean to appear overly critical, I just feel like you've overlooked a little bit.

[AnonymousNothing]

You sure use a lot of solvents. Magic Erasers are a godsend for us retro-gamers. You should mention that sometimes alcohol leaves discoloration if used for a long period. Excellent tip with the hair dryer, but you should always apply cleansers to rags first. I use an old piece of denim. Dampen with Windex and gently rub the sticker until saturated, then use a dry piece to sort of coerce it into thin, gooey lines. Masking tape works fairly well for removing the sticky residue.