Often times, you will come across a game system, controller, or other electronic that needs a good internal and external cleaning. The processes outlined here will help you safely remove dirt from the unit. Note that this will not reverse yellowing of white or grey plastic — for that you would need to "[[Retrobrite]]" the plastic.
**Cleaning Consoles**
Ever find one of your old systems and controllers buried in your garage, covered in years of dust and funk? Have you bought a used controller and realized how _unbelievably_ gross it is? Well, don’t worry, I have the perfect solution for you that can make almost any old system or controller look new again!!!
{{Note|If you are working in a sink, plug the drain first so that small parts are not lost down the drain.}}
(for the record, this will not fix SNES systems that are [http://www.vintagecomputing.com/index.php/archives/189 discolored and yellow])
== Required Materials ==
You’ll need a few basic things, but there’s one main thing that makes this possible: GooGone. I discovered the stuff over 10 years ago and it’s amazing. I’ve cleaned _everything_ with GooGone and it always makes things look brand new again! Okay, I’ll stop before I sound like an infomercial. Anyway, here’s what you need:
* The electronic device, fully disassembled
* GooGone spray gel
* Kitchen brush with plastic bristles (''not'' metal!) or large paintbrush
* Any dish detergent
* Compressed air or handheld electric duster blower
\- Tools to open your console (most of the time you just need basic screwdrivers, but [http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5575041517&toolid=10001&campid=5337251560&customid=&icep_uq=4.5MM+Game+Tool&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg SNES and N64 require this tool]). - GooGone spray gel. - Kitchen brush with plastic bristles, _not_ metal! - Any dish detergent - A sink - Compressed air (I highly [http://www.retrorgb.com/tools.html#air recommend a "computer cleaner"] or compressed air) - A video game console or controller that’s had all of the metal and electronics removed. [[File:CleaningConsoles01.jpg]]
== Cleaning Plastic ==
# First, make sure your console or controller has had every bit of metal or electronics removed!!!! Seriously, unbolt and remove everything.
# Remove as many metal parts from the console or controller as possible.
# Spray all of the electronic components with compressed air. This is one of the few chances you'll probably have to get the electronics clean and the less dust that's covering them, the cooler the components will run.
# Use compressed air or blower to remove as much dust as possible from the surface of the electronic components.
# Also, an important tip: Make sure your sink drain is closed when working on controllers...you wouldn't want to lose any small controller parts down the drain! [[File:CleaningConsoles02.jpg]]
# Working one piece at a time, spray GooGone directly on the dirtiest areas, especially where there is dirt build-up as demonstrated in the picture below: <br> [[File:CleaningConsoles03.jpg]]
# Spray some GooGone directly on the dirtiest areas, especially the controllers (ewww): [[File:CleaningConsoles03.jpg]]
# Splash a little bit of water around the GooGone.
# Splash a little bit of water around the GooGone.
# Use the plastic bristled brush and thoroughly scrub the entire console or controller for as long as it takes to get clean. - Clean all individual pieces as well, such as controller buttons, expansion doors, etc. - Do not scrub over any labels, just around them. - Add water and more GooGone as needed. - If needed, spray some GooGone on a Q-tip to get in tight areas, like the holes in the controller where the buttons sit. [[File:CleaningConsoles04.jpg]]
# Use the brush and thoroughly scrub the entire console or controller for as long as it takes to get clean.
# Wash off as much as the GooGone as you can. - Try your best not to soak the labels, but they will get wet.
# Clean all individual pieces well, such as controller buttons, expansion doors, etc. Avoid scrubbing any labels or text unless you are trying to remove it.
# Squirt some dish detergent and scrub once again, making sure to get a good lather and scrub every bit of your system or controller (that's not a label). - The purpose of the dish detergent is to clean off the slippery residue that the GooGone leaves behind, as well as clean any remaining dirt out.
# Repeat the spraying, wetting, and scrubbing process as needed. Tight spots can be reached with a cotton swab covered in GooGone. <br> [[File:CleaningConsoles04.jpg]]
# Once it seems as clean as it will get, rinse off as much GooGone as possible.
# Squirt some dish detergent and scrub once again, making sure to get a good lather and scrub every bit of your system or controller (that's not a label or text). This will remove the residue left behind by the GooGone.
# Once again, wash off the console and make sure you get all of the soap out.
# Once again, wash off the console and make sure you get all of the soap out.
## Shake off the excess water.
# Shake off the excess water. Dab (not rub) the labels with a towel. You should dry the labels as quickly as possible, so they don't get discolored.
## Dab (not rub) the labels with a towel. - You should dry the labels as quickly as possible, so they don't get discolored.
# Use compressed air to get the water out of hard to reach spots.
## Use compressed air to get the water out of hard to reach spots.
# Leave everything to dry for at least a few hours.
## Leave everything to dry for at least a few hours. - I usually repeat the last few steps every hour or so to speed things along: shake excess water, spray with compressed air, dry labels with towel.
# If cleaning a controller, you may wish to clean the controller cable and connector as well. You can do this by spraying some GooGone on a paper towel, squeezing it around the cable, and pulling the cable through your hand. Repeat with water to remove the GooGone. <br> [[File:Cord%20Cleaning.gif]] [[File:CleaningConsoles06.jpg]]
## The controller cords and connector at the end usually get really dirty as well. - Spray a little bit of GooGone on a paper towel to clean the cord and connector. - Repeat the process with a bit of water (or maybe Windex or something) on the towel to get the GooGone off. - Make sure to scrub extra good on the connector at the end of the controller...you'd be surprised how dirty those get too!: [[File:Cord%20Cleaning.gif]]
# After everything is completely dry, re-assemble it and enjoy your "brand new" console or controller!
## Seriously, cords get dirty. I'd consider this one "very clean" and look how gross it left the paper towel: [[File:CleaningConsoles06.jpg]]
## After everything is completely dry, re-assemble it and enjoy your "brand new" console or controller!
I posted a video of the whole process if anyone wants to see it for themselves.
Here's some before and after examples (click on each one for full-size...but I'll warn you, they're really gross): [https://cdn.retrorgb.com/images/CleaningConsoles07%20-%20Large.jpg [[File:CleaningConsoles07.jpg)] [images/CleaningConsoles08.jpg ![]](https://cdn.retrorgb.com/images/CleaningConsoles07%20-%20Large.jpg]]
With bare glass, you can use Windex or any other generic glass cleaner and a rag — taking care to avoid getting it on the plastic bezel. However, if you are using a professional CRT monitor, please check whether your screen has an anti-glare film on it. Generally, you can tell because the screen is darker than other screens and may have light scratches showing a lighter color glass underneath.
Since you have the console apart, why not take this opportunity to clean the cartridge inputs? [http://www.retrorgb.com/cleangames.html I _strongly_ recommend that everyone follw this guide with all their old systems!!]
Often times, anti-glare film is already in bad shape with scratches, peeling, or tears in it. In that case, you can try and remove it by peeling as much as you can off (which isn't always possible) and dissolving the rest of it by using a rag and isopropyl alcohol (90%+, higher the better), taking care not to get alcohol on the plastic bezel. With hard scrubbing, you can remove the film completely and then go over the screen with glass cleaner. You can either get a new film applied by a professional or leave it as is.
== Cleaning Metal ==
Generally, the only time you need to clean metal is if something was spilled on it, it's rusted, or it's being corroded by leaked.
* To remove residue from metal, use any household cleaner such as dish soap and water or Simple Green and clean it off. Ensure that you immediately and completely dry the part so that it doesn't cause it to rust.
* To remove rust or corrosion, soak the part in vinegar or lemon juice for 30 minutes, then scrub the rust/corrosion off. Once cleaned, rinse it off thoroughly with water and dry it completely so that it doesn't immediately rust again. Alternatively, you can use a rust dissolving product which is just another strong acid.
== Cleaning Circuit Boards ==
If a board is covered in dust, attempt to remove the dust with compressed air or an electronic duster blower or a dry soft-bristled paint brush. If dust/dirt is caked on, either submerge it in warm water with dish soap and gently scrub it clean with a soft-bristled brush OR drench the board with simple green, gently agitate the dirt with a soft-bristeld brush, and hose it off. Allow the board to fully dry for 5 days — or less time with a fan or dehumidifier — before powering it on.
If there are any capacitors on the board that leaked, use a cotton swap and isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean the area where it leaked.
== Cleaning Flex Circuit Boards ==
Due to the fragile nature of flex circuit boards, you should only consider cleaning them if absolutely necessary. Utilize a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to gently clean it against a flat surface such as a table top.
Latest revision as of 03:48, 28 June 2022
Often times, you will come across a game system, controller, or other electronic that needs a good internal and external cleaning. The processes outlined here will help you safely remove dirt from the unit. Note that this will not reverse yellowing of white or grey plastic — for that you would need to "Retrobrite" the plastic.
If you are working in a sink, plug the drain first so that small parts are not lost down the drain.
Kitchen brush with plastic bristles (not metal!) or large paintbrush
Any dish detergent
Compressed air or handheld electric duster blower
Cleaning Plastic
Remove as many metal parts from the console or controller as possible.
Use compressed air or blower to remove as much dust as possible from the surface of the electronic components.
Working one piece at a time, spray GooGone directly on the dirtiest areas, especially where there is dirt build-up as demonstrated in the picture below:
Splash a little bit of water around the GooGone.
Use the brush and thoroughly scrub the entire console or controller for as long as it takes to get clean.
Clean all individual pieces well, such as controller buttons, expansion doors, etc. Avoid scrubbing any labels or text unless you are trying to remove it.
Repeat the spraying, wetting, and scrubbing process as needed. Tight spots can be reached with a cotton swab covered in GooGone.
Once it seems as clean as it will get, rinse off as much GooGone as possible.
Squirt some dish detergent and scrub once again, making sure to get a good lather and scrub every bit of your system or controller (that's not a label or text). This will remove the residue left behind by the GooGone.
Once again, wash off the console and make sure you get all of the soap out.
Shake off the excess water. Dab (not rub) the labels with a towel. You should dry the labels as quickly as possible, so they don't get discolored.
Use compressed air to get the water out of hard to reach spots.
Leave everything to dry for at least a few hours.
If cleaning a controller, you may wish to clean the controller cable and connector as well. You can do this by spraying some GooGone on a paper towel, squeezing it around the cable, and pulling the cable through your hand. Repeat with water to remove the GooGone.
After everything is completely dry, re-assemble it and enjoy your "brand new" console or controller!
With bare glass, you can use Windex or any other generic glass cleaner and a rag — taking care to avoid getting it on the plastic bezel. However, if you are using a professional CRT monitor, please check whether your screen has an anti-glare film on it. Generally, you can tell because the screen is darker than other screens and may have light scratches showing a lighter color glass underneath.
Often times, anti-glare film is already in bad shape with scratches, peeling, or tears in it. In that case, you can try and remove it by peeling as much as you can off (which isn't always possible) and dissolving the rest of it by using a rag and isopropyl alcohol (90%+, higher the better), taking care not to get alcohol on the plastic bezel. With hard scrubbing, you can remove the film completely and then go over the screen with glass cleaner. You can either get a new film applied by a professional or leave it as is.
Cleaning Metal
Generally, the only time you need to clean metal is if something was spilled on it, it's rusted, or it's being corroded by leaked.
To remove residue from metal, use any household cleaner such as dish soap and water or Simple Green and clean it off. Ensure that you immediately and completely dry the part so that it doesn't cause it to rust.
To remove rust or corrosion, soak the part in vinegar or lemon juice for 30 minutes, then scrub the rust/corrosion off. Once cleaned, rinse it off thoroughly with water and dry it completely so that it doesn't immediately rust again. Alternatively, you can use a rust dissolving product which is just another strong acid.
Cleaning Circuit Boards
If a board is covered in dust, attempt to remove the dust with compressed air or an electronic duster blower or a dry soft-bristled paint brush. If dust/dirt is caked on, either submerge it in warm water with dish soap and gently scrub it clean with a soft-bristled brush OR drench the board with simple green, gently agitate the dirt with a soft-bristeld brush, and hose it off. Allow the board to fully dry for 5 days — or less time with a fan or dehumidifier — before powering it on.
If there are any capacitors on the board that leaked, use a cotton swap and isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean the area where it leaked.
Cleaning Flex Circuit Boards
Due to the fragile nature of flex circuit boards, you should only consider cleaning them if absolutely necessary. Utilize a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to gently clean it against a flat surface such as a table top.
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