Discovered a trick for sticky NES cartridges that actually works

I spent years blowing into NES carts and getting frustrated. Finally tried the rubbing alcohol and q-tip method on the pins of a copy of Mega Man 2 that wouldnt boot, and it fired up on the first try after drying for 20 minutes. Has anyone else had better luck with this vs. the old blowing trick?

2 comments

2 Comments

dylanbarnes1mo ago

The blowing thing actually pushes moisture deeper into the cartridge which can cause more corrosion over time. Alcohol is good for cleaning but you really want to use 91% or higher since the lower percentages have more water and take way longer to dry. Just make sure you use a good quality q-tip that wont leave fuzzy bits stuck on the pins.

grace4191mo ago

I read a tech repair blog that said 91% isopropyl is the way to go because the water in the 70% stuff can cause the pins to tarnish faster over time. @dylanbarnes is right about that and the q-tip fuzz issue, I use those foam swabs from the hardware store instead. Letting it dry fully for at least 30 mins in front of a fan has been the real trick for me, even with the higher percentage alcohol.