How to clean a Game Boy cartridge.

Introduction

In this guide, I will show you how to clean a Game Boy cartridge as long as the cartridge is only dirty and there is no corrosion or other damage to any of its parts.

Cleaning the cartridges is important because over time, dust can enter their interior, and if not properly removed, it can end up damaging the games.

Step 1 Gather the necessary cleaning materials.

Before cleaning the cartridge, make sure to have everything at hand. The most recommended materials for cleaning a cartridge are:
Latex or nitrile gloves: This will prevent you from touching the motherboard directly with your fingers. Fingers contain grease, and if you sweat excessively, it can also introduce moisture. Moisture can damage and oxidise certain parts of the cartridge, so it's better to use gloves during the cleaning process.
Alcohol: It is preferable to use isopropyl alcohol, but rubbing alcohol can also work. You won't need to use too much, so you can have a small container with some and refill as needed or if it gets dirty. Make sure the alcohol concentration is close to 100% and does not contain any perfume.
Can of compressed air or an air blower: Air is our best ally for removing dust without damaging the cartridge. Please do not blow into the cartridges. Although it's an old trick we learned since we were kids, the air we exhale from our mouths contains saliva and moisture, which can promote rust on the cartridge.
White eraser, medium hardness: The eraser is excellent for friction cleaning the dirt from certain parts of the cartridge. Make sure it's not too soft or greasy. Additionally, it's recommended that it be thin and contained within a container to keep it as clean as possible.
Microfibre cloth: Microfibre cloths used for cleaning glasses are also good for cleaning cartridges and other parts of retro consoles because they do not shed threads, lint, or dust.
Important: Make sure you are working on a large surface that can withstand contact with alcohol without being damaged.
If possible, clean the surface you'll be working on before disassembling the cartridge.

Translate

Step 2 Evaluate the condition of the cartridge.

If the cartridge is yours and has been stored correctly in a dust-free environment, using a can of compressed air before inserting it into the console will be sufficient.
If we have just acquired the cartridge, and it either didn't come with a box or hasn't been stored properly, and it shows signs of dirt, it's best to proceed with a more thorough cleaning and skip using the can of compressed air.
Obvious signs of dirt or if the dirt is blocking the connectors, try to determine the source of the dirt. If it's caused by spilled liquids like yogurt or a soft drink, it may not be fixable even if you clean the cartridge.

Translate

Step 3 External cleaning

Before cleaning the inside of the cartridge, it is advisable to clean the casing to avoid transferring dirt from the outside to the inside of the cartridge.
We start by cleaning the cartridge connectors with the microfibre cloth dampened in a bit of isopropyl alcohol. To reach them properly without damaging the cartridge, we can use a flat plastic tool or an old credit card.
Next, we proceed to clean the sides of the cartridge. For this, we again use the microfibre cloth moistened with alcohol and one of the corners of the card.
Lastly, we run a clean part of the microfibre cloth moistened with alcohol over the external part of the cartridge, being careful not to apply too much pressure on the game label to avoid damaging its color or causing it to peel off.

Translate

Step 4 Internal cleaning of the casing.

Up until now, we could work without gloves, but from this step onward, gloves are necessary.
To clean the inside of the cartridge, it's necessary to open it. Sometimes, the area around the screw accumulates the most dirt due to its recessed shape. If that's the case, it's advisable to leave the screw soaked in isopropyl alcohol until we finish cleaning.
To open the cartridge, we'll use a 3.8-millimeter hexagonal screwdriver to loosen the screw. If you don't have one, there are affordable options available on Amazon. Do not use other tools as it could irreversibly damage the cartridge.
If the cartridge casing is very dirty, we can wash it with water, soap, and a low-hardness scouring pad. To ensure no moisture remains when it's time to reassemble the cartridge, it's best to let it dry for at least 6 hours in a dust-free enclosed place.
If you choose this step, it's advisable to keep the motherboard in a sealed plastic bag where it won't be exposed to dust.
To avoid water damage to the cartridge label, it's best not to wet it or minimise wetting it, and then dry it with a highly absorbent paper or cloth without rubbing or scraping it.
If the casing is not very dirty, carefully remove the game's motherboard and clean the inside with alcohol, using the microfiber cloth to reach the corners and ensure thorough cleaning.
At this point, it's essential to check the condition of the alcohol. If it's very dirty, it's time to replace it with a new, clean measure of alcohol. The same should be done with the microfibre cloth.

Translate

Step 5 Cleaning the motherboard.

With the casing now clean, it's time to move on to the motherboard.
The first step would always be to use compressed air to ensure that there is no dust on the different connectors.
Once we have made sure to remove the dust, the way to clean it is with a clean microfibre cloth moistened with clean isopropyl alcohol.
Caution: Do not exert too much pressure on the motherboard as it is more fragile than it appears and could break.
If the connectors of the cartridge appear to be dirty, it's time to use the eraser. Gently rub the eraser on them to remove the stubborn dirt. After erasing, it's recommended to pass over them again with alcohol, being very careful.

Translate

Step 6 Mount the cartridge

When all the parts are clean, it's time to reassemble the cartridge. To do this, take the screw out of the alcohol and verify that it's clean.
If the screw shows signs of corrosion, you can use a specific product to remove the rust, although replacing it with a new screw is more advisable.
Once the cartridge is reassembled, it is ready to be played with or properly stored in a clean, dry place with minimal dust exposure.

Translate

Step 7 Tools that should never be used to clean cartridges.

Cotton buds: Cotton buds are commonly used for cleaning cartridges, but they can release lint and cotton threads that may end up scratching the connectors.
Cotton makeup removal pads: Same reasons as cotton buds.
Cotton: Same reasons as mentioned above.
Common cleaning products: Although the base of many cleaning products is alcohol, most of them contain some form of dye or perfume that can damage our cartridges, making them not recommended options.
Abrasive products: Metal fibre scouring pads or brushes with metal bristles should not be used as they will irreparably scratch the cartridge.