After 15+ years of buying retro games, we've cleaned thousands of cartridges, discs, and consoles. These are the same methods we use every day before a game goes back on the shelf.
- Never blow into cartridges. Moisture from your breath causes the metal pins to oxidize and corrode over time.
- Use 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol on cartridge pins. Avoid 70% — the water content can damage the contacts.
- Armor All Cleaning Wipes are one of the most effective tools for removing permanent marker, sticker residue, and grime from cartridge shells without damaging the plastic.
- For disc cleaning, use a light mist of glass cleaner and super-soft toilet paper like Charmin. Never use paper towels — their coarse fibers scratch the surface.
- Never use a disc resurfacing machine. We do not buy buffed or resurfaced games — the grinding process lowers quality for future collectors.
- Clean, well-maintained games can fetch up to 40% more at trade-in. The Old School Game Vault has been buying retro games since 2008 and inspects every item for condition before paying.
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:
- Dab rubbing alcohol onto the sticker until you saturate it.
- Wait 2–3 minutes for the adhesive to loosen.
- 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:
- Wrap an Armor All wipe or a soft cloth with 91% rubbing alcohol around the tip of a flathead screwdriver.
- Slide the cloth back and forth with a light touch across the gold pins inside the cartridge.
- 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!
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
- 91%+ rubbing alcohol (isopropyl)
- Paper towels
- Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
The 4-Step Cleaning Process
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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.
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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.
- Dip your toothbrush in rubbing alcohol. Scrub the white, powdery crust. The alcohol will help break up the acid without damaging the electronics.
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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.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I safely clean old video game cartridges without damaging them?
Never blow into the cartridge. Moisture from your breath corrodes the metal pins over time. Use 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab and slide it back and forth across the gold pins until the cloth comes away clean. Stay away from the paper label since moisture is its biggest enemy.
What are the best cleaning products for restoring vintage game cartridges?
Armor All Cleaning Wipes are one of the most effective options for the plastic shell and sticker residue. They remove permanent marker and old adhesive without damaging the plastic. For the internal metal pins, 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab does the job.
Can I use 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean game cartridges?
No. The water content in 70% alcohol can damage or rust the metal pins. Always use 91% or higher. It evaporates faster and leaves no moisture behind on the contacts.
Does Windex clean game discs?
A light mist of glass cleaner works well on disc surfaces. Never use paper towels since their coarse fibers scratch the disc. Use super-soft toilet paper like Charmin instead and wipe gently from the center outward.
Should I use a disc repair machine on scratched games?
No. Resurfacing machines grind the disc and lower its quality for future collectors. The Old School Game Vault does not buy buffed or resurfaced games. For light grime, glass cleaner and soft tissue is all you need. Deep gouges that affect the data layer are not fixable without resurfacing.
