How to Clean Video Games: Discs, Cartridges, Cases & More

In this article, we are sharing the professional restoration tricks we use every day. You will learn how to safely revive everything from 80s cartridges to modern discs. Restore them to their former glory and maintain their value.

The Table of Contents

How to Clean Video Games

Before you organize or sell your collection, take a few minutes to clean the externals. No one wants to deal with a sticky case from the 90s. A little maintenance helps keep the game alive.

Cleaning game discs (PS1, PS2, GameCube, etc.)

Disc surfaces are delicate. Using the wrong cloth can cause permanent scratches, so always use gentle materials.

• What to use: A light mist of glass cleaner and super-soft toilet paper (like Charmin).
• The Process: Spray a small amount of cleaner onto the disc and wipe it gently.
• Important: Don't use paper towels. Their coarse fibers can scratch the surface.

How to Clean Game Cases & Remove Stickers

Plastic cases are durable, but old price tags and "rental store" stickers can be stubborn to remove.

• General Cleaning: Wipe the outer plastic with a paper towel and a household cleaner.
• Removing Stickers:
  1. Dab rubbing alcohol onto the sticker until you saturate it.
  2. Wait 2–3 minutes for the adhesive to loosen.
  3. Peel the sticker away carefully using your fingernail or a paper towel. It should lift off without damaging the plastic underneath.

How to Clean Cartridge Games (NES, SNES, N64, etc.)

Cleaning a cartridge is trickier than cleaning a disc. You must handle the fragile paper label and the internal metal parts with care.

Step 1: Cleaning the plastic shell

• For general dirt: Use a small scrub brush and a mild household cleaner to scrub the plastic shell. Stay away from the label—moisture is its biggest enemy.
• The Label: If the label is dusty, use a barely damp paper towel to wipe it once, then immediately dry it with a fresh towel.
• Removing Markers & Stickers: Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or Armor All Cleaning Wipes. They effectively remove permanent markers and tough adhesives from the plastic shell.
  • Pro Tip: Rub gently! Scrubbing too hard in one spot can "buff" the plastic, leaving a shiny, mismatched patch on the cartridge.

Step 2: Cleaning the Internal Metal Pins

If your game isn't loading, the problem is usually oxidation on the metal pins. Experts often use a "3.8 mm Game Bit" to open cartridges. However, you can usually get good results without taking the game apart.

• The "Deep Clean" Method:
  1. Wrap an Armor All wipe or a soft cloth with 90% rubbing alcohol around the tip of a flathead screwdriver.
  2. Slide the cloth back and forth with a light touch across the gold pins inside the cartridge.
  3. Repeat until the cloth comes away clean.

Watch: How to Remove Rental Stickers Without Damaging the Label.

Learn our expert tips to save those old ex-Blockbuster games!

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How to Clean Consoles and Handheld Systems

You can clean most classic consoles using a household cleaner and an old toothbrush. The brush helps get into hard-to-reach vents and corners. Screens on devices like the Game Boy or Nintendo DS need a gentle touch to prevent scratches.

Cleaning Console Shells

• The Process: Use a small brush or toothbrush with cleaner. Scrub the dirt off the plastic housing.
  • Pro Tip: Be careful not to let liquid drip into the ports or the machine's interior.

Cleaning screens and LCDs

Portable consoles have fragile screens. They can scratch easily if you use the wrong materials.

• What to use: A light mist of glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth or super-soft toilet paper.
• The Process: Gently wipe the screen in a circular motion to achieve a streak-free finish.
• Important: Do not use paper towels or rough cloths. These can leave small scratches that ruin the screen over time.

How to Clean Battery Corrosion in Handhelds

If you open an old handheld console and find a white, crusty mess, don't panic. Battery leakage (corrosion) is common in older gear, and as long as the damage isn't severe, it is usually easy to fix.

Tools for the Job:

• An old toothbrush
• 90%+ rubbing alcohol (isopropyl)
• Paper towels
• Cotton swabs (Q-tips)

The 4-Step Cleaning Process

1. Step 1. Remove the old batteries:

   • Discard the leaking batteries. Be careful not to get the white powder on your skin, as it can be mildly irritating.

2. Step 2. Scrub the Affected Areas:

   • Dip your toothbrush in rubbing alcohol. Scrub the white, powdery crust. The alcohol will help break up the acid without damaging the electronics.
     • Tip: Use a Q-tip for tight corners or small springs.

3. Step 3. Clean the metal terminals:

   • Pay close attention to the + and – metal contacts. Scrub until the metal looks shiny again. If the contacts remain dull or crusty, the device won't get power.

4. Step 4. Dry and Test:

   • Wipe the area with a paper towel and let it air dry for a few minutes. Insert fresh batteries and test your device.

Pro Tip: In our experience, this method works about 80% of the time. To avoid this issue, always remove the batteries from devices you’ll store for 3 months or more.

Final Thought: Organization is key

Organizing your collection helps you manage it better. You can find what you need, whether you're playing or trading. A little effort goes a long way in turning a cluttered space into a navigable collection. Your games are now cleaner, better organized, and ready for action or sale. Whether you want to enjoy your collection or cash in on your efforts, you’re set up for success.

Commonly Asked Questions

Please note: At The Old School Game Vault, we do not buy buffed or resurfaced games. These machines grind the disc's surface. As a result, they often lower the game's quality for future collectors. For light grime, stick to the "glass cleaner and soft tissue" method mentioned above.