Just saw this and WOW, what a simple method.  I haven't tried it yet, but I'm looking forward to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK7G_H7uXfY

If anyone tries it, let us know if it has the same effect as the video.  Looks as though it should.

I dunno.  She talks about it "evaporating" but dirt doesn't just "evaporate".   You see the dirty liquid run down the underside of the playfield.  

Methinks I'll stick with the old method ~ cotton swab and alcohol.   Not to mention that fact that compressed air dusters contain a refrigerant-like propellant that is really not good to breathe.

also the instant freezing effect can't be good for the insert glue..

That has to be the most stupid way to clean an insert. Bloody hell. Here are the problems:

1- The dirt doesn't evaporate, it leaked down. So you are not removing it, just moving it lower. But hey... if you like stains all over the bottom of your playfield, that's your thing...

2- You are freezing the insert, which will cause separation and may even cause the screening on top to crack and reveal the insert edges.

3- Propellants are based on butane and propane. Thus, flammable.

4- A can of spray costs as much as a bottle of windex and 1000 Q-tips. You will NEVER end up going through your supply of Q-tips.

5- Better reach with the spray? Bullshit. Get long-stem Q-tips.

6- A Q-tip dipped in windex is way less toxic than air cans. Read the labels on those cans. And research "huffing".


Man, the only more stupid cleaning video I have seen is the one where the clean the Getaway playfield with a garden hose when fixing up the game.

Actually I find compressed air does a great job cleaning inserts, just not like that.

I used to use Novus and Q-tips but I heard from someone to just blast some air in there and all the dirt comes flying out and it works great.

I now just take my air compressor and go over each insert with a little shot of compressed air, much easier and faster then the windex q-tip method and pretty good results.

But agree this method is pretty stupid.  

Quoted from Vengeance

Actually I find compressed air does a great job cleaning inserts, just not like that.

I used to use Novus and Q-tips but I heard from someone to just blast some air in there and all the dirt comes flying out and it works great.

I now just take my air compressor and go over each insert with a little shot of compressed air, much easier and faster then the windex q-tip method and pretty good results.

But agree this method is pretty stupid.  

The air compressor will work with dust, sure, but not with the smoke/oil sludge that usually builds up as a result of being in a roadhouse / bar.  Alcohol and Q-Tip all the way... I like the "evidence" of the dirt (or lack thereof on a second sqab) that lets you know you did a good job.

Quoted from websherpa

The air compressor will work with dust, sure, but not with the smoke/oil sludge that usually builds up as a result of being in a roadhouse / bar.  Alcohol and Q-Tip all the way... I like the "evidence" of the dirt (or lack thereof on a second sqab) that lets you know you did a good job.

I've personally yet to see anything other then just surface black dust on inserts on the games I've shopped out.  I've taken a q-tip and windex to inserts after I've shot them with some air and the minute traces of dirt left behind aren't worth worrying about IMO.  

The long swabs are usually sold at electronic shops such as Active or Sayal $4 for 100.

I have found them the be the most useful tool for cleaning otherwise unaccessable spots.

Agreed on rubbing alcohol and a Q tip for inserts. Some leave shockingly black swabs.

Quoted from Vengeance

I've personally yet to see anything other then just surface black dust on inserts on the games I've shopped out.  

Perhaps you don't get yours from Quebec, or ones older than 15 years....  

I've used Windex and a small paint brush, as I find the bristles of the paint brush get into all the ridges and nooks much better.   I cut the bristles short though, so there is more strength to them.

Quoted from websherpa

Perhaps you don't get yours from Quebec, or ones older than 15 years....  

OK Wayne, I am just curious, what do dirty pinball playfield lenses have to do with Québec ?  

Quoted from Vengeance

Actually I find compressed air does a great job cleaning inserts, just not like that.

I used to use Novus and Q-tips but I heard from someone to just blast some air in there and all the dirt comes flying out and it works great.

I now just take my air compressor and go over each insert with a little shot of compressed air, much easier and faster then the windex q-tip method and pretty good results.

But agree this method is pretty stupid.  

I did this to my Andromeda and I was impressed by the result. Just air compressor and everything gone... very fast!

Quoted from RAB

OK Wayne, I am just curious, what do dirty pinball playfield lenses have to do with Québec ?  

Camels, unfiltered.  

Quoted from websherpa

Camels, unfiltered.  

OK, gotcha.

There is one potential side-effect to using compressed air to blow out dust.  It is possible to build up a static charge on the plastic...thereby attracting more dirt back... but that's just a theory.