How To Get The Rust Off Outside Nes Games

To remove rust from the outside of NES game cartridges, use a fine steel wool or a specialized rust eraser, gently rubbing the affected areas until the rust is gone.

Ever find your old Nintendo games covered in that dreaded orange dust? It’s frustrating, especially when you’re itching for some retro gaming. The question of how to get the rust off outside NES games is a common one for collectors and gamers alike.

It’s not the end of the world, though, as there are methods you can use to restore those beloved cartridges. We’ll explore the best way to tackle this annoying problem and keep those cartridges in great shape.

How to Get the Rust Off Outside NES Games

So, you’ve got some classic NES games that have seen better days. Maybe they were stored in a damp basement or just got a little neglected over time. Now, the dreaded rust has crept onto the metal parts, and you’re wondering if your favorite games are doomed. Don’t worry! Rust on your NES cartridges, especially the outside, is a common problem, but it’s definitely something we can tackle. This article will guide you through how to carefully and effectively remove rust from your precious NES games, bringing them back to their former glory.

Understanding Rust and Why it Appears

Before we jump into the cleaning process, it’s helpful to understand what rust is and why it forms on our games. Rust is a type of corrosion, a chemical reaction that happens when iron or steel reacts with oxygen and water (or moisture). The metal parts of your NES cartridges, like the screws and the pins inside the game slot, often contain iron or steel, making them prone to rust. Humid conditions and temperature changes can accelerate this process. When these elements combine, a reddish-brown flaky substance, which we call rust, appears on the surface of the metal.

The Science Behind Rust

Think of rust like this: imagine iron as a tiny little building block. Oxygen and water are like mischievous forces that want to change these blocks. When oxygen and water come into contact with the iron, they form a new substance, iron oxide, which is what we see as rust. This chemical reaction weakens the metal over time, making it important to address rust before it causes serious damage. The salt in human sweat can also act as an electrolyte, which helps to increase the rate of the chemical reaction causing the rust.

Identifying Rust on NES Games

Rust usually looks like reddish-brown or orange discoloration on metal surfaces. It can range from small spots to larger areas. You’ll typically find rust around the screw heads, the metal contacts (inside the cartridge edge connector), and sometimes even around the metal nameplate of the game. Sometimes, very light rust can look more like a brownish stain. Before starting any cleaning process, examine your game cartridge closely to identify the rust and its severity.

Safety First: Precautions Before Cleaning

Before we start, always remember that safety is important. We’re dealing with old electronics, and we don’t want to make any mistakes. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Some of the cleaning solutions we’ll use can have strong odors. Make sure you are in a place where air circulates freely. Open a window or use a fan if necessary.
Protect Your Skin: Wear gloves (rubber or nitrile) when handling cleaning chemicals. This will protect your skin from irritation or chemical reactions.
Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles, particularly if you are working with chemicals or using small tools. This will help you from getting any chemicals or particles in your eyes.
Unplug Everything: Make sure that your NES console and all other electronics are unplugged before you start to clean your games.
Be Gentle: Never force anything when you’re working on your games. Be patient, and use gentle methods for cleaning.

Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies

Okay, now let’s gather the tools and supplies we’ll need to get rid of that pesky rust. Here’s a basic list:

Soft Cloths or Microfiber Towels: These are great for wiping and polishing without scratching your game.
Cotton Swabs: Useful for getting into tight spaces and cleaning small spots.
Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol): A good all-purpose cleaner for electronics. Look for 90% or higher concentration.
White Vinegar: A natural and effective solution for removing rust.
Baking Soda: A mild abrasive cleaner that can work well with vinegar.
Small Bowls or Containers: For mixing cleaning solutions.
Soft Bristled Toothbrush (Old): Ideal for gently scrubbing rust away.
Distilled Water: For rinsing. Tap water can have minerals that could leave residue.
Small Screwdriver (Phillips Head): To carefully open the game cartridge (if needed).
Contact Cleaner: Specifically made for cleaning electronic contacts.
Optional: Rust Remover: There are specific rust remover solutions available but be sure it is safe for plastic

The Cleaning Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have all our tools ready, let’s get to the actual cleaning. We’ll cover a few different methods, starting with the mildest and then moving to more involved solutions.

Method 1: Dry Cleaning with a Cloth

Sometimes, the rust is very light or it might just be surface dirt that looks like rust. In this case, start with the gentlest method:

Wipe the Cartridge Down: Use a dry, soft cloth to gently wipe down the entire surface of the game cartridge. This can remove loose dust, dirt, or even some light rust particles.
Check for Progress: After wiping, look at the cartridge to see if the rust has improved. If it has, you might not need to do much more.
Continue as Needed: You can repeat this several times, making sure to apply gentle pressure.

This might be all that is needed for extremely mild rust. If this doesn’t work, we’ll move on to the next step.

Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol Cleaning

Rubbing alcohol is a good first step for a little more cleaning power. It evaporates quickly and is relatively safe for electronics.

Dampen a Cotton Swab or Cloth: Dip a cotton swab or a small section of a cloth into rubbing alcohol. Don’t soak it completely, you want it slightly damp.
Gently Rub the Rusty Areas: Carefully rub the affected areas with the damp swab or cloth. Be gentle, and work in small circles. This helps loosen the rust without damaging the cartridge.
Remove the Alcohol: Use a dry section of the cloth or a fresh cotton swab to remove the alcohol from the surface.
Inspect and Repeat: Check if the rust is gone. You might need to repeat this step several times to clean stubborn rust.

Method 3: Vinegar Soak and Scrub

For more stubborn rust, we’ll bring out white vinegar. It’s a mild acid that helps to dissolve the rust.

Prepare a Vinegar Solution: Pour a small amount of white vinegar into a bowl. You don’t need much.
Dip a Cotton Swab or Toothbrush: Dip a cotton swab or the toothbrush into the vinegar. You can also use a cloth for larger areas.
Gently Scrub the Rust: Gently scrub the rusty areas with the dampened swab, brush, or cloth. Let the vinegar sit on the rust for a few minutes so that it can begin dissolving the rust. The acidity in vinegar breaks down the rust chemically, which allows you to remove it easily.
Rinse with Distilled Water: After scrubbing, rinse the area with a small amount of distilled water. This will remove the vinegar and the loosened rust. Ensure no moisture is left on the cartridge when done.
Dry Thoroughly: Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to dry the area. Be sure no moisture is left. Moisture promotes rust, so removing all traces of water is very important.

If there is still rust, you can add baking soda to the next step.

Method 4: Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that works well with vinegar to clean rust.

Make a Paste: Mix a small amount of baking soda with a few drops of vinegar in a small bowl. Stir until you have a paste-like consistency.
Apply the Paste: Use a cotton swab or the toothbrush to apply the paste to the rusty areas.
Gently Scrub: Gently scrub the areas with the brush or swab in a circular motion. The baking soda will help lift the rust away.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the paste off completely with distilled water. Ensure that no residue remains.
Dry Completely: Thoroughly dry the game cartridge with a clean cloth or paper towel, removing all moisture.

Method 5: Using Contact Cleaner

Contact cleaner is specifically designed for electronic connections and can help to remove any lingering oxidation or light rust.

Spray the Contact Cleaner: Lightly spray the contact cleaner onto a cotton swab or soft cloth.
Clean the Affected Area: Gently wipe the affected area with the damp swab or cloth.
Allow to Dry: Let the area dry completely before using the game.

Method 6: Opening the Cartridge (If Necessary)

If the rust is inside the cartridge near the metal contacts, you may need to carefully open the game cartridge for access.

Use the Correct Screwdriver: Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws from the back of the game cartridge. Store them in a safe place.
Gently Open the Cartridge: Carefully open the cartridge halves, making sure not to break any clips or connectors.
Clean Interior Rust: Use any of the above methods (rubbing alcohol, vinegar and baking soda paste) to clean any rust inside the cartridge. Be very gentle with the internal components and make sure to thoroughly clean the contacts.
Reassemble the Cartridge: Put the two halves back together carefully and replace the screws. Make sure it closes and is properly secured.

Method 7: Specialized Rust Removers

If you have tried the above methods and the rust is extremely stubborn, you can consider using specialized rust removers available at hardware stores or online.

Choose a Product Carefully: Make sure you use a rust remover that is safe to use on electronics and will not damage plastic or other components.
Follow Instructions: Follow all instructions provided on the product label.
Test in a Small Area: Before applying the rust remover to the whole cartridge, test it on a small, hidden area. This will help you make sure that the product will not damage your game.
Apply Carefully: Use cotton swabs or a small cloth to carefully apply the rust remover to the affected areas.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with distilled water and dry completely.

Post-Cleaning Care and Prevention

Once you’ve successfully removed the rust from your NES games, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening again.

Proper Storage

Dry Environment: Store your games in a cool, dry place where humidity is low.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don’t store games in areas that get very hot or cold, such as attics or garages.
Use Cases: Consider storing your games in plastic cases or sleeves to keep them protected from dust and moisture.

Regular Inspections

Check Regularly: Take a look at your games every few months. This will allow you to catch early signs of rust or damage before they become serious issues.
Clean Off Dust: Gently wipe dust off your games with a soft cloth every now and then.

Additional Tips

Desiccants: Place desiccant packets (those little silica gel packs) in the storage area to help absorb moisture.
Play Regularly: Using your games can sometimes help prevent the buildup of moisture and rust.

By following these steps, you can keep your classic NES games in great condition and ready to be played for years to come.

Cleaning rust from your beloved NES games can be a rewarding experience. It’s a little bit like giving these cartridges a new life. By using the right tools and being patient, you can effectively remove rust and restore your games. Remember to always prioritize safety and take your time, and with a bit of care, you can keep enjoying your NES collection for many years ahead.

I broke my PS5 controller because of my step sis #shorts

Final Thoughts

So, to get rust off outside NES games, use a soft cloth and a bit of white vinegar, gently rubbing the affected area. If vinegar does not help, try using a rust remover specifically designed for electronics. Apply it carefully, and wipe the area clean. This method is effective but needs patience.

Proper storage is a must to prevent future rust problems. Keep your cartridges in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Regular cleaning also plays a key role to keep your games in good condition.