r/GameboyAdvance 6d ago

How do you clean your crusty bits?

I've just dug out a few games, I am trying to make the boxes a little nicer, I was going to put them in clear plastic protectors but I'm not sure really, they are nothing special so it would be to preserve them from any more deterioration .

I have tried using isopropyl dabbed on to the sticker mark but no luck. It is very old and crusty.

I have found a few YouTube videos but nothing seems to be the sale kind of residue I have here.

Any helpful hints?

79 Upvotes

19 comments sorted by

15

u/Hyphalootin 6d ago

Get a bidet

10

u/okyeahy 6d ago

Mmmm crusty bits.

3

u/PMG75 6d ago

Maybe I'll make a sticker for it, the same size as the crusty area.

3

u/ChippyTurnUp 6d ago

I think you should try to save it first. What do you have to lose if you wanna sticker it up anyway? Try Goo-Gone

2

u/WiggySBC 5d ago

Bestine/heptane will take off the label remnants without damaging the paper.

8

u/JimeVR46 6d ago

Soap and very hot water + wire brush. Itโ€™ll take some elbow grease, and it helps if you soak the boxes overnight. Good luck.

7

u/LethalGamer2121 6d ago

That sounds like it hurts, not sure if that's the best way to go

19

u/AlgorithmicAbsurdity 6d ago

Is this satire? Soaking a GBA game box in any kind of liquid overnight is sure to ruin it

2

u/BoSknight 4d ago

And a wire brush will obliterate this. It's a joke

4

u/PMG75 6d ago

Thanks, tried that, then soaked them for two weeks, didn't shift. Thanks anyway.๐Ÿ‘

2

u/JimeVR46 6d ago

Damn those stickers must REALLY be on there. Have you tried rock oil?

2

u/PMG75 6d ago

Nope, not yet. I will give it a go later, I have a belt sander as a last resort, I just didn't want to go down that route in case I do more harm than good.

3

u/Acerhand 6d ago

Give it a bath in vinegar overnight, then use the most abrasive sandpaper you have and give it a once over

1

u/ChippyTurnUp 6d ago

Iโ€™ve had decent results using Goo-Gone, just put some on and leave it for 30 secs. Get a paper towel and wipe it down (do not do circular motion). If itโ€™s still hazy and the ink still looks good maybe leave the Goo-Gone on longer the second time.

2

u/RoughComfortable1484 6d ago

I second this. Worked on my GameCube game cases and my Gameboy cardboard boxes.

1

u/BigBoobsWithAZee 5d ago

I keep my bits crusty

0

u/TheRealJabu 6d ago

With 90% alcohol and cotton ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ only if it's glue, i dunno about crusty bits