Whether you’re building a retro collection or getting your games ready for trade-in, keeping your cartridges clean and functional is key. A little care can go a long way in helping them look sharp, load fast, and last for years. Here are 7 simple tips to keep your cartridges in great shape—inside and out.
1. Clean the Contacts with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
When a game doesn’t load, dirty contact pins are usually the culprit. The best way to clean them is with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. This is the type of alcohol commonly used for cleaning electronics.
- Dip the swab (not soaked) in alcohol and gently rub the metal contacts inside the cartridge.
- Let it dry completely before reinserting into your console.
✅ Avoid lower-percentage alcohols, which can leave behind residue.
2. Avoid Blowing Into the Cartridge
It may feel nostalgic, but blowing into a cartridge can actually do more harm than good. Your breath adds moisture and particles that can damage the connectors over time. Stick with alcohol and cotton swabs for safer cleaning.
3. Store Cartridges Upright and Dust-Free
Proper storage can make all the difference.
- Keep cartridges vertical like books to protect the labels.
- Use plastic sleeves, bins, or cases to prevent dust buildup.
- Avoid direct sunlight, heat, and humidity—no attic or damp basement storage!
4. Use Soft Cloths for the Exterior
For surface grime or smudges, use a dry microfiber or soft cotton cloth to gently wipe the plastic.
For tougher spots, use a lightly damp cloth with a tiny drop of dish soap—then dry thoroughly. Don’t let moisture get inside!
5. Preserve or Protect the Label
The condition of the label can make or break a cartridge’s value, especially for collectors.
- Never use stickers or write on the label.
- Avoid aggressive scrubbing—labels can fade or peel.
For prized games, consider a protective shell or case to prevent fading or scratching.
6. How to Remove Unwanted Stickers
Rental stickers, price tags, and personal labels were common back in the day. Here’s how to remove them safely:
- Use a hair dryer to warm the sticker—this softens the adhesive.
- Slowly peel it off.
For leftover residue, use Goo Gone or isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth—never directly on the label.
✅ Test any solvent on a small area first to ensure it won’t damage the surface.
7. How to Remove Permanent Marker or Names
It was super common for people to write their names on cartridges with Sharpie. Want to remove it? Here’s how:
- Try rubbing alcohol (90% or higher) on a cotton pad or swab and gently rub the writing.
- If that doesn’t work, use a magic eraser (gently!).
Avoid acetone—it can melt or discolor plastic.
✅ Always test on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t affect the finish.
Keep Your Games Looking and Playing Great
A little upkeep goes a long way—especially if you’re thinking about trading in your old games. At Save and Reload Games, we love helping fans keep their collections in top shape. Got something you’re ready to part with?
And when you buy retro cartridges from us, you can trust that they’ve been fully cleaned and tested using these same tips and best practices. We want every game we sell to look great, work perfectly, and bring that spark of nostalgia back to life.
🎮 Browse our online store today and keep your collection looking legendary!
