Is it safe to use a magic eraser on cartridge contact?

[scribblemacher]

I usually clean a cartridge using rubbing alcohol and some vigorous scrubbing with a Q-tip. Would it be safe to open a cartridge and use a magic eraser on the contacts? I'm aware that they are basically really fine grit sand paper so I'm technically removing a very thin layer off the contacts.

[MWK]

I'd recommend you to use a regular (rubber) eraser instead.

[shybry]

I've heard that magic erasers can work well for removing marker stains from the cartridge shells. Not sure I'd want to scrub the cartridge contacts with one though...

[GohanX]

I've used magic erasers on some carts that no amount of cleaning will resurrect with good results, but it's a last resort. As in, if the magic eraser doesn't work the cart gets thrown away. I wouldn't use it as a part of routine cleaning.

One funny thing is that it removes the dirt, but will not leave the contacts new looking. Before erasing, you may see dirty insertion marks. Afterwards, the dirt is gone but the marks are still there, I assume some of the brass (or whatever) plating has been rubbed away with the dirt!

[133MHz]

Now we've gotta wait a month or so and check for corrosion on the currently shiny pins.

[80sFREAK]

Coopper, especially tinned, can not corrode. Only the case, if you do eat weird/junk food and fart a lot around H₂S can cause appearing black film of CuS or SnS

[ericj]

Cooper, especially tinned, can not corrode.

Anderson Cooper looks like he's been tinned. No corrosion yet. 

[80sFREAK]

Oh shi....

P.S. wehn yuo see tihs, you konw waht hapeened

[MWK]

Forgive me 80sFREAK, but I still don't believe this "magic eraser" doesn't remove that tin shielding from the pins... I'm with 133MHz's opinion and rather stay with my rubber eraser

[security16]

Magic erasers are just melamine foam sponges. Using it dry may help clean it but i'm unsure if it would cause some sort of static that would damage the components but they are fucking wonderful for cleaning the outsides of the consoles and carts!

[zaneiken]

I use Brasso metal polish and 99% isopropyl alcohol on all my cart contacts.  After my carts have been cleaned, I keep them in zip-lock bags.

[security16]

I use Brasso metal polish and 99% isopropyl alcohol on all my cart contacts.  After my carts have been cleaned, I keep them in zip-lock bags.

I think using the brasso is kinda pointless as far as i know it just makes the points shiny and nothing more. The isopropyl alcohol is pretty much your standard cleaning product for electronic stuff and will remove most residues on electronics and does not cause corrosion.
On another note WOOHOO ANOTHER AUSSIE !!!

[zaneiken]

In the past, I used isopropyl only, but found that games sometimes still did not work.  Ever since I've started using Brasso, I've had a 100% success rate.

[rubinhomoto]

Hi There!

I´m using magic erasar, but I don´t force too much on the contacts... so I remove only the dirt...
But i´d preffer ruber with a simple tissu and if the game doestn work, so I try with magic eraser...
I save a few games using magic eraser.