How to Clean Nintendo Entertainment System Cartridges

Hello! In this guide I will show you how to...

Nintendo Nintendo Entertainment System Easy 5 - 10 minutes Guide 151028

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Guide overview

Before you begin

Hello! In this guide I will show you how to clean NES cartridge contacts. Let's get started!

Step 1

Take Apart the Cartridge

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Remove the three screws on the bottom of the cartridge. While most of the time the screws are security screws, sometimes there are Phillips/Flathead screws.

Step 2

Mix the Abrasive Paste

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Simply put about 2 tablespoons of baking soda on the cartridge contacts. Then put enough water on the baking soda until it is the consistency of a thick paste.

Step 3

Scrub the Contacts

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Take something like a toothbrush or the scraping part of a sponge and scrub the cartridge contacts.
After scrubbing for about 4-5 minutes, rinse the cartridge board off in the sink. Let it dry for about 4 hours after pouring alcohol under the chips.