How to Clean a Pinball Machine
Pinball machines are highly mechanical, and have a lot of moving parts. Lots of moving parts means lots of dirt and dust build up over time. Dirty lights don't shine as bright and get hotter than clean bulbs. Dirty playfields slow the ball down, reducing the action of the game. Luckily pinball machines are built for easy access to clean up, and basic cleaning in the home is a breeze.
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdrivers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Clean cloths
- Glass cleaner
- Canned compressed air or an air compressor
- Vacuum
Instructions
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Open the coin door and remove the playfield glass retainer. Carefully remove the playfield glass, and place it out of the way standing on end leaning against a wall. (Covering it with a blanket is a good idea.) Lift the playfield by placing your fingers where the balls go when they get between the flippers. Pull it toward you until it stops, then set it on the rails attached to the bottom.
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2
Remove any ramps or paths that obstruct cleaning other areas where the ball can travel on the playfield. Spray them down with glass cleaner and wipe until they are clean and shiny again, then set them aside with their nuts and bolts. Use the vacuum to clean any accumulated dust from the nooks and crannies of the playfield, then spray a rag down with glass cleaner and wipe down the playfield until the rag comes away clean. Remove the plastic covers from the slingshots and other areas where light bulbs are covered. Run the light test mode so you can replace burned-out bulbs at the same time as cleaning them. Any problem bulbs can be removed easier with the open end of a pinball plunger tip.
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3
Remove all the balls and lift the playfield all the way up and toward the back-glass. Clean and replace the remainder of the bulbs and flashers and wipe out the clear areas of the playfield. Vacuum out the inside of the body. Lower the playfield back into place. Clean both sides of the playfield glass, then using the palms of your hands or using clean rags to grip with, place the glass carefully back into the machine and secure it with the retainer.
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