Home >> Internet Games >> Video Game Consoles

How to Clean an SNES Console

Super Nintendo Entertainment Systems (SNES) collect dust and dirt the same as any other electronic item. The debris can affect how well the console works. As many SNES game veterans know, a little dirt on the game cartridge's metal strip can stop the game from working correctly. Some players suffer a loss of game files. Clean the console to help prevent this from happening. Rubbing alcohol safely cleans the electronic device without causing it to short out or break.

Things You'll Need

Cotton swabs
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towel

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug all the cords from the SNES console, including the controllers. Hold the SNES console over a trashcan. Push open the cartridge flap to allow loose dirt to fall out of the console. Set the console on a flat surface, bottom down on the table.
- 2
  Dip a cotton swab tip into the rubbing alcohol to wet it. Open the cartridge flat. Rub the metal strip inside of the slot with the wet cotton swab. Wipe off the plastic areas around it. If the cotton swab turns black or brown with dirt, swap it out for a clean one. Use this same method to clean the metal prongs on the game cartridges.
- 3
  Wet another cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Wipe out the controller connection ports.
- 4
  Fold a paper towel in half, then half once more. Wet the corner of the paper towel with the rubbing alcohol. Wipe off the outside of the console.
- 5
  Set the console aside to dry for two hours.

Video Game Consoles