getting sticky stuff off of hucards

[AlexKidd]

I've got a some hucards that have sticker residue left on them which I can't remove using only my hands. I was wondering if it would be ok to put some water on them as long as I don't touch the contacts? If not, what would be the best way to get rid of this stuff?

[esteban]

I've got a some hucards that have sticker residue left on them which I can't remove using only my hands. I was wondering if it would be ok to put some water on them as long as I don't touch the contacts? If not, what would be the best way to get rid of this stuff?

It depends on the nature of the "sticky stuff", really.

Water will work -- if the sticky stuff is "sugar" residue left over from organic stuff like candy, yogurt, hot cocoa, candy bars, etc.  Water usually *sucks* for adhesive residue left from stickers, tape, labels, etc. Water is ineffectual against sticky grease residue.

Isopropyl Alcohol -- is my *preferred* cleaning agent, not only because it cleans most residue better, but because it dries quickly (try to get as close to 100% alcohol as you can, the less water, the better).

Never use acetone (nail polish remover) or other hardcore products since they can eat a HuCard for breakfast.  

Still, some particularly tough residue (certain types of adhesives / grease / crayon) might call for drastic measures. I've used "Goo Gone" for really bad situations. Use Goo Gone at your own risk -- I only use it on the white plastic areas, applied with a cotton swab.  Allow the Goo Gone to sit for a little bit and break down the residue. Wipe with a clean cloth when done. The directions recommend a soapy water wipe after this, to remove any Goo Gone residue.  

Whatever cleaner you use: Use a cotton swab. In general, I would not only stay away from the contacts, but the ENTIRE "black area", since this is where the PCB ROM is located on 99.99% of HuCards.  The rest of the HuCard (that is, the white plastic) is inert.Well, to be precise, there exist a few HuCards whose  PCB is longer -- like Street Fighter II -- but you'll notice these because they have a *raised* surface. Also, take note that Ten no ke Bank and Populous HuCards have batteries tucked in there as well.

Note: Alcohol can be used on the "black area" and contacts, just be careful and conservative. Use a cotton swab. I'd never use Goo Gone on the black area though.

[Keranu]

Water will work -- if the sticky stuff is "sugar" residue left over from organic stuff like candy, yogurt, hot cocoa, candy bars, etc.  Water usually *sucks* for adhesive residue left from stickers, tape, labels, etc. Water is ineffectual against sticky grease residue.

Haha, I love the examples you gave here.

I had this "sticky stuff" around the pins on a Japanese Super System Card 3.0 that I received with my PCE+CD. It prevented the HuCard from working, but after wipping it for awhile with my thumb and other fingers, I managed to get nearly all of it off and it worked fine. Good luck with yours.

[PCEngineHell]

Orange cleaner.It will do the job just fine,and does not eat plastic like candy.You can spray it on a cloth,or paper towel,and use it to "buff" off the hucards sticky crap.After that,use some alcohol to  get the remainder of orange cleaner off,as it tends toleave your hucards smelling like fresh oranges,and I have never cared for that smell much.

[Keranu]

Mmm, orange cleaner.

[OldRover]

Makes you want to eat the hucards...probably not the best result.

j/k of course...