How to Maintain Arcade Cabinets

What could be more fun than having your own arcade cabinets at home? You can play anytime you want and enjoy the nostalgia of your favorite games. But owning these iconic pieces also comes with some responsibility — regular cleaning and maintenance are required to keep your pieces operating and looking as intended. With the right tips, you can keep your family's favorite pastimes in optimal condition.

Learn more about how to clean arcade cabinets and maintain arcade games at home below.

What Not to Do to Your Arcade Games

When discussing how to maintain arcade cabinets, it's best to start by avoiding certain actions that can hinder their smooth operation and preserve their games in optimal condition for years to come. Understanding what not to do can help you avoid accidental damage. If you want to keep your games safe, here's what not to do to your arcade cabinet:

• Place the game in direct sunlight: Protect your investment by never situating it in front of a window or anywhere it may be in direct sunlight. The sun can damage the finish and colors of your game cabinet, causing them to fade.

• Keep the game in a high-humidity environment: Moist conditions can quickly damage a quality game cabinet. Humidity can lead to moisture buildup inside your unit, which can cause mold and deterioration. Avoid storing your game cabinet in areas with high humidity, or consider investing in a dehumidifier to maintain its condition.

• Let maintenance go too long: Regular maintenance is something you don't want to put off. Neglecting cleaning and maintenance tasks can shorten the life span of your game cabinet and lead to more costly repairs down the road.

• Leave the machine plugged in during maintenance: When cleaning or repairing your gaming machine, always unplug it before you begin. Attempting to perform maintenance tasks while the system is still plugged in can cause damage to the machine and be a personal safety hazard.

• Clean with the wrong materials: Always use the proper cleaning supplies and maintenance tools. Refer to your user manual for guidance on the recommended products for regular cleanings and maintenance tasks. Failing to follow these directions can result in damage to your machine.

Arcade Cabinet Maintenance Tips

With your arcade game cabinets, regular preventive maintenance can go a long way. A great place to start is with the operating manual for your machine. Here, you'll find detailed information on the specific recommendations for the repair and maintenance of your arcade cabinet. Each type of game cabinet or table may be different and have unique maintenance recommendations, so it's best to know what your specific gaming piece needs.

Follow these maintenance tips to keep your machine in top condition:

• Keep the exterior clean: Regular cleaning can keep your game cabinet in tip-top shape. Use a gentle all-purpose cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior of your game cabinet. Don't use harsh chemicals or cleaning agents unless your manufacturer specifically recommends them. Even paper towels may cause scratching if your machine has plexiglass components.

• Clean the insides: Not all game tables and cabinets have an accessible interior, but if yours does, you'll want to know how to keep this clean, too. If your game has a removable panel, open it to access the inside. Be very careful with any electronic components as you work with them. Check for dust buildup on the inside of the machine, using a vacuum attachment if necessary to clean it out.

• Check game components: All game tables and cabinets can benefit from regular checks of their various parts. Carefully inspect both the exterior and interior areas for any loose parts. Even a loose screw can cause a game to be uneven and throw off the calibration. Play a round and ensure everything is working correctly. If anything seems wrong during your inspection, take a closer look. Check if it is a simple fix or if you need professional help.

These tasks should be performed every few months to ensure your game runs smoothly. This can also prevent the need for costly repairs in the future.

Repairs for Your Arcade Game Cabinet

Whether your game cabinet is brand new or antique, it may need some repairs at some point. If you have an old unit, it might be harder to find the right parts for repairs. You may need to find new ways to fix your game cabinet and use what you can find. Sometimes, modifications are necessary for older units.

Even if your gaming unit is newer, certain repairs can become technical and may require expert advice or assistance. Some arcade game maintenance is better left to a professional. However, there are many minor repairs you may be able to do yourself. For example, you may want to invest in a multimeter to measure current, voltage, and resistance.

Be sure to conduct thorough research before undertaking any repair project. Many game cabinets and tables have specific maintenance needs and may have unique instructions for repairs. So, whether it's a broken air hockey table that needs fixing, a pool table in need of maintenance or something else, read up on the basics before you start.

If you're ever unsure about repairing your own arcade game or would like the peace of mind that comes with having an expert handle the repair, seek out professional repair help. This can ensure you get the work done correctly the first time.

Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about new products, sales & promotions, and more!