How To Get The Green Rust Off Outside Nes Games

How to Get the Green Rust Off Outside NES Games

So, you’ve found some of your old NES games, and they’re not looking so good. Instead of the cool gray plastic, there’s that icky green stuff – it’s called verdigris, but we’ll call it green rust for now! This green rust is a type of corrosion, a chemical reaction that happens when metal parts of the game cartridge, like the screws or even some of the contacts, react with moisture and air. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean your games are ruined! You can totally clean it off. Let’s get those NES games looking good again.

What Causes Green Rust on NES Games?

Before we jump into cleaning, let’s chat about what causes this green monster. Understanding the cause can help you prevent it from happening again.

The Main Culprits: Moisture and Metal

The main thing that causes green rust on old NES games is moisture. Think about it: if your games were stored in a damp basement, a humid attic, or even just near a window where condensation forms, they are more likely to get green rust. The metal parts of the game cartridges react with this moisture and oxygen to form verdigris or green rust. The plastic casing itself doesn’t usually get rusty, the green stuff is forming on the metal components and sometimes spreads to the plastic.

Other Contributing Factors

• Poor Storage Conditions: Storing games in hot, humid places is a recipe for disaster.
• Dirty Hands: Touching the metal parts of the cartridge with dirty or sweaty hands can speed up the reaction. Oils and acids from your skin can help corrosion along.
• Time: Even if you store your games in a nice place, the passage of time can lead to oxidation. The older the game is, the greater the chances of it being affected.

Safety First: Precautions Before Cleaning

Before we start cleaning, we need to make sure we’re doing it safely. We’re going to use some chemicals that can cause problems, especially if you don’t use them properly. Let’s take some precautions:

Protecting Yourself

• Wear Gloves: You don’t want cleaning solutions or the green rust on your hands, so always wear gloves while cleaning. Latex or nitrile gloves work well.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. Open a window or turn on a fan. Some cleaning solutions have strong odors, so good airflow is really important.
• Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles. This will protect your eyes from accidental splashes of cleaner.

Protecting Your Games

• Test First: Before you start cleaning the whole cartridge, test your cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area. This will let you see how the cleaner reacts to the plastic.
• Be Gentle: Never scrub too hard. You don’t want to damage the game cartridge. Use gentle motions and soft materials.
• Avoid Soaking: Don’t soak your games in any liquid unless it’s absolutely necessary. Water and electronic components don’t mix!

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, let’s make sure we have all the right tools to get the job done. This will help everything go smoothly and you won’t have to stop mid-cleaning.

• Cotton Swabs (Q-Tips): These are great for cleaning small areas and crevices.
• Soft Cloths: Microfiber cloths are best for wiping down surfaces without scratching them.
• Old Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush works great for getting into tighter spots and scrubbing away loose green rust.
• Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or higher): This is our main cleaning agent. It’s good for removing grease and grime, and it dries quickly. Lower percentages are not as effective.
• White Vinegar (Optional): If isopropyl alcohol doesn’t work, you can try white vinegar, but it should be diluted with water. More on this later.
• Distilled Water (Optional): Only use if you are diluting other cleaning agents like white vinegar.
• Small Containers or Bowls: You’ll need these to hold the cleaning solutions.
• Safety Glasses or Goggles: Protect your eyes from splashes.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Green Rust

Okay, now for the main event! Let’s clean some of that green rust off your NES games. We’ll go through the process step-by-step. Remember to take your time and be gentle.

Step 1: Preliminary Cleaning

Before using any liquids, let’s remove the loose stuff.

• Use the soft brush to gently brush away any loose debris, dust, and green rust from the game cartridge.
• Pay extra attention to the edges and crevices where green rust tends to gather.
• Wipe the game cartridge with a dry cloth to remove the brushed-off debris.

Step 2: Isopropyl Alcohol Cleaning

This is our first and usually best bet for tackling the green rust.

• Pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol into a container.
• Dip a cotton swab into the alcohol. Make sure the cotton swab is wet, but not dripping wet.
• Gently rub the affected area using the damp cotton swab. Don’t scrub hard. You want to dissolve the green rust, not scratch the plastic.
• If the green rust is stubborn, use the cotton swab to gently loosen it. You might need to go over it a few times.
• Once the green rust is dissolved, wipe the area with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Repeat these steps, using clean cotton swabs and cloths, until all visible green rust is gone.
• Allow the area to air dry completely before moving onto the next step or putting the game back in storage.

Step 3: Dealing with Stubborn Green Rust

If the isopropyl alcohol doesn’t get rid of all the green rust, you can try a diluted white vinegar solution. But remember, use this carefully and only if needed.

Preparing the Diluted Vinegar Solution

• Mix equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water in a small bowl or container.

Using the Diluted Vinegar Solution

• Dip a cotton swab into the diluted vinegar solution. Again, make sure it’s damp but not dripping.
• Gently rub the affected area with the vinegar-soaked cotton swab. Be careful not to get any solution inside the cartridge.
• Let the solution sit for a few minutes. This will help to break down the green rust.
• Use a clean, dry cotton swab to remove any remaining loosened green rust.
• Use a damp cloth (using only distilled water) to wipe the area and make sure to remove any traces of vinegar.
• Dry the area using a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Make sure everything is completely dry before storing the game.

Important Note: Be very careful when using vinegar. Vinegar is acidic, and if used too long, it can cause more damage. Never soak your games in vinegar. Always use diluted vinegar and remove it completely. If you are unsure, try testing it in an inconspicuous spot.

Step 4: Final Touches

After you’ve gotten rid of all the green rust, give your games a final look over to make sure they are sparkling clean.

• Inspect each game cartridge for any remaining green rust. If you find any, repeat the above steps as necessary.
• Wipe the entire game cartridge with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any residue or fingerprints.
• Let the games air dry for a while to make sure all the cleaning solutions have evaporated.

Preventing Future Green Rust

Now that your games are clean, let’s talk about how to keep them that way. Here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent green rust from returning.

Proper Storage is Key

• Keep it Cool and Dry: Store your games in a cool, dry place, like a closet in a room that’s not prone to humidity.
• Use Plastic Cases: Store your game cartridges in plastic protective cases. You can buy these online or at retro game stores. This will keep them from getting dusty and reduce moisture exposure.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep your games out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the plastic to fade and can increase the temperature, which could encourage moisture to form.

Regular Maintenance

• Clean Regularly: Every few months, give your games a quick wipe down with a soft cloth. This will remove dust and other contaminants.
• Handle with Clean Hands: Before you touch the metal connectors, make sure your hands are clean.
• Check for Moisture: If you live in a humid area, you should check your games more frequently to make sure that there isn’t any new green rust forming.

By taking these few steps, you can help ensure that your NES games stay in great condition for many years to come.

Cleaning green rust off your NES games takes a little time and patience, but it’s totally achievable. By following the steps carefully and taking some basic preventive measures, you can keep your games looking their best and ready to play. Remember to work in a well ventilated space, wear protection, and be gentle while cleaning your games. Happy gaming!