"How - to": Clean and Maintain Your Pinball Machine

Regular cleaning helps keep your pinball machine looking great, playing consistently, and reduces unnecessary wear on the playfield and its components.

Pinball machines do not require complicated cleaning procedures, but it is important to use the correct products and avoid aggressive cleaners.

Before You Start

Before cleaning the game:

• Turn the game OFF.
• Disconnect the power if you need to work inside the cabinet or underneath the playfield.
• Remove the playfield glass.
• Remove the pinballs when performing a complete playfield cleaning.
• Use only clean, soft microfiber cloths.

Never spray cleaning products directly onto the playfield, plastics, display or electronic components. Always apply the product to the cloth first.

Cleaning the Playfield

Dust, rubber particles and dirt carried by the pinballs will gradually accumulate on the playfield.

For normal cleaning:

1. Remove loose dust and debris with a clean microfiber cloth.
2. Apply a small amount of pinball-safe playfield cleaner/polish, such as NOVUS 2, to a clean microfiber cloth.
3. Gently clean the playfield using the cloth.
4. Pay particular attention to ball paths, around inserts, slingshots, bumpers and other areas where dark marks tend to accumulate.
5. Use a second clean microfiber cloth to remove any remaining product and buff the surface.

Do not pour or spray cleaner directly onto the playfield.

Important

Avoid getting cleaner or wax into:

• Switches
• Optos and sensors
• Lamp sockets
• LEDs
• Mechanisms
• Electrical connectors

Excess product in these areas may affect the operation of the game.

How Often Should You Clean the Playfield?

There is no single interval that works for every machine.

A home game that is played occasionally will require less frequent cleaning than a machine in a public location.

As a general reference, inspecting and cleaning the playfield approximately every 500 games is a good starting point.

If you notice visible ball trails, rubber dust or dirt accumulating on the playfield, clean it sooner.

This Article is related to Playfield cleaning only - CLICK HERE.

Cleaning Playfield Plastics

For clear and printed plastics, use a non-abrasive plastic cleaner, such as NOVUS 1.

1. Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth.
2. Gently wipe the plastic.
3. Dry it using another clean microfiber cloth.

Never spray the cleaner directly onto the plastic while it is installed in the game.

Avoid aggressive household cleaners, solvents or petroleum-based products, as they may damage the plastic or printed artwork.

Cleaning Ramps

Plastic ramps should be treated carefully, especially around printed or decorated areas.

Use a soft microfiber cloth with a small amount of plastic-safe cleaner.

Do not use abrasive pads or aggressive polishing compounds.

For difficult areas, clean gradually rather than applying excessive pressure.

Cleaning Metal Ramps and Wireforms

Chrome and metal wireforms normally require only light cleaning.

Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove:

• Dust
• Fingerprints
• Rubber residue
• Light dirt

Avoid aggressive metal polishes unless specifically recommended for that component, particularly around plated, painted or coated parts.

Cleaning the Pinballs

The condition of the pinballs is extremely important.

Dirty, scratched, pitted or corroded balls can accelerate playfield wear because they continuously travel across the surface at high speed.

Periodically:

1. Remove the balls from the game.
2. Wipe them with a clean microfiber cloth.
3. Inspect the entire surface.

Replace any ball showing:

• Rust
• Pitting
• Deep scratches
• Rough areas
• Significant surface damage

A damaged pinball should not be returned to the game.

Cleaning Rubbers

Rubbers naturally collect dirt and wear during normal gameplay.

Wipe accessible rubber parts with a clean cloth during routine maintenance.

Inspect them for:

• Cracks
• Cuts
• Hardening
• Excessive dirt
• Loss of elasticity

Replace worn or damaged rubbers rather than trying to restore them with aggressive cleaning products.

Clean rubbers also help prevent dirt from being transferred back onto the playfield.

Cleaning the Playfield Glass

Remove the glass from the machine before cleaning it.

Use a good-quality ammonia-free glass cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth.

For best results:

1. Clean both sides of the glass.
2. Dry it completely.
3. Make sure no cleaner remains around the edges before reinstalling it.

Never spray glass cleaner while the glass is installed above the playfield.

Cleaning the Cabinet

For the exterior cabinet and backbox, normally a clean microfiber cloth is sufficient.

For fingerprints or light dirt, use a slightly damp cloth and immediately dry the surface.

Do not use aggressive cleaners, solvents or abrasive products on cabinet artwork or decals.

Displays and Electronic Components

Displays, boards, connectors and other electronic components require extra care.

Do not spray any cleaning liquid directly onto electronic parts.

For the display surface, use a clean, soft microfiber cloth and avoid excessive pressure.

If cleaning requires access to electronic components, always turn the machine off and disconnect it from power first.

What You Should Never Use

Avoid using the following products on your pinball machine unless specifically instructed by Pedretti Technical Support:

• Abrasive cleaners
• Scouring pads
• Magic erasers on finished or printed surfaces
• Strong solvents
• Petroleum-based cleaners on plastics
• Aggressive degreasers
• Excessive water
• Cleaning sprays applied directly to the game

When in doubt, contact Pedretti Technical Support before applying an unfamiliar product.

A Clean Game Plays Better

Regular cleaning is not only cosmetic.

Keeping the playfield, pinballs, rubbers and moving areas clean helps reduce wear, keeps ball movement consistent and makes it easier to identify components that may require maintenance.

During cleaning, take a moment to check for loose parts, damaged plastics, worn rubbers and anything that appears unusual.

A few minutes of regular maintenance can help keep your pinball machine performing at its best for many years.

Andrea DM
Customer Service Guru