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8086-PC moved page Game and Console cleaning to Game and console cleaning
The most important tools you'll need for cleaning most parts of a console are
*Isopropy Isopropyl alcohol, at least 90 percent. 70 percents have other adulterant chemicals in them.
**Check the label to make sure they didn't add acetone, as it damages (fogging on bottom side) CDs and leaves a residue on cartridges and connectors, over time this build up and causes problems.
**Alternatively, Denatured Alcohol as it contains none of these other chemicals. You can find it in a hardware store in the paint section.
If you don't have isopropyl alcohol, get some. You can buy a bottle for only a few dollars at any drug store, and one bottle will last you a long time. '''Do not use Windex/Ammonia based cleaning products''' as they leave a massive residue inside machines that is difficult to completely remove from sockets and cartridge connectors, and can after a while cause a short or arching.
==Consoles==
===<b>Cartridge/Expansion Slots</b>expansion slots===
: The section applies to any port or slot that a circuit board (cartridge, memory card, etc.) or cord (controller, A/V, etc.) attaches to on the console. The best course of action is to take a toothbrush, dip it in isopropyl alcohol, shake it to remove excess, and scrub the offending slot or port. This is extremely effective for cartridge slots, and for those you don't have to worry too much about being gentle. It's also great for controller ports that use pins (i.e. the Genesis and Atari 2600); you just need to be careful not to bend the pins. For other ports where there are pins on the cord that are inserted into holes on the console (i.e. Genesis A/V cable), you can press the toothbrush against these ports and slide the bristles into the holes to clean them, although this usually isn't necessary.
: When you clean a slot or port, you should also clean whatever goes in it to prevent the future accumulation of dirt on the connector. This applies especially to cartridges.
===<b>Laser Lens</b>lens===: For consoles which use optical discs, the laser lens can be cleaned very quickly once you have access to it. Top-loading consoles ([[PlaystationPlayStation|PS1]], [[Sega Saturn|Saturn]], etc.) make it very easy to reach the laser since all you have to do is open the lid. Consoles which use a tray or a slot (PS2, 3DO FZ-1, etc.) will necessitate that you open the console to gain access.
: To clean the lens, start by getting some isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, but not too much; just push the tip against the alcohol container to squeeze out the excess. Then use the alcohol-soaked cotton swab to clean the lens by moving the swab gently in circles. Unless it appears you've left a puddle of alcohol behind on the lens, don't bother using a dry cotton swab to wipe it off; the alcohol should evaporate entirely in less than a minute.
===<b>Console Casing</b>casing===
: In many instances, it is sufficient to wipe down a console's plastic with a damp cloth to remove most of the dirt. However, if a console has many grooves that can trap dirt or if you suspect there may be bugs living inside, you may need to open the console and completely separate the inside parts from the outer plastic shell to be able to give it a proper cleaning.
==Controllers==
The steps to cleaning almost any controller are usually as follows:
#Remove the screws on the bottom of the controller and open it. If the controller you're cleaning has unusual screws, see [[Proprietary Screw Drives]].
==Media==
===<b>Cartridges</b>===
The best method for cleaning cartridges is simply to use isopropyl alcohol (90 proof) and a cotton swab to clean the contacts. If this doesn't work, you can also use a pink eraser (for a pencil) on the contacts to help make them like new again.
To remove Sharpie marks and other types of permanent marker writing, rub over the marked areas with a dry-erase marker, then wipe clean with a paper towel or damp rag. Use caution on labels and stickers, as any break in the printed surface that reveals the paper pulp will absorb the dry-erase marker ink, and will not give it back so easily.
For corrosion on the pcb and/or components try electronic contact cleaner (You can find this at your hardware store or auto-parts store). Spray generously and scrub the area with a toothbrush, then blow out with compressed air. Once the corrosion is removed, check the connections for shorts and the components for damage.
===<b>Discs</b>===
For cleaning and taking off very fine scratches; use a small amount of toothpaste and using your finger rub the toothpaste up and down (from the center hole to the outside edge) the bottom of the disc rubbing firmly. After you've gone around the disc a few times hold it under a faucet, mixing the toothpaste with water and washing it off. Once '''all''' of the toothpaste is rinsed off, carefully dry the disc with a soft cotton rag/shirt. Be advised that some brands of toothpaste are more harshly abrasive than others, and can result in you needing to visit a game shop to have your disc professionally resurfaced. For practice, try using CDRs that have become coasters. This way, if you make a mistake, you will have lost nothing in the process.
