How to Clean a Pinball Machine
One of the questions we get quite often is how to properly clean a pinball machine. The good news is that cleaning your pinball machine isn’t complicated. A thorough cleaning every couple of months will help extend the life, appearance, and performance of your machine.
If you’ve purchased a brand-new pinball machine, cleaning is very straightforward. In most cases, a small shop vacuum with a soft bristle brush attachment is sufficient. Be sure to clean all corners and remove any dust buildup. A crevice tool can also be very helpful for tight areas.
Once the loose dust has been removed, it’s time to clean the surfaces. If the machine is not heavily soiled, a glass cleaner such as Windex will work well. Always spray the cleaner onto a cloth—never directly onto the machine—and gently wipe down all accessible surfaces.
Performing this basic maintenance every one to two months will keep your pinball machine looking great with minimal effort.
How to Maintain a Pinball Machine
While new pinball machines are fantastic, many collectors enjoy restoring and maintaining older machines. Some enjoy the nostalgia, while others appreciate the lower entry cost. Older pinball machines may show signs of wear, but with proper care, they can be restored beautifully.
As with any machine, the first step is a thorough cleaning. Apply a cleaner to a soft cloth and wipe down the entire machine. For heavily soiled machines, we recommend removing all plastics and rubber components for deeper cleaning. If your playfield shows signs of planking, avoid water-based cleaners, as moisture can cause the wood to swell and crack.
For dirty plastics, a product like ZEP Heavy-Duty Degreaser works very well. Clean the plastics with the degreaser, then rinse with plain water. For plastics or playfields that cannot be removed, Novus is an excellent product for polishing and restoring clarity.
CAUTION: ZEP is a strong solvent and should never be used on silk-screened or printed surfaces, as it can remove paint and artwork. Always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.
Cleaning Your Playfield with the Right Products
For most pinball playfields, Novus 2 is the product we recommend. It gently polishes the clear coat, removes ball marks, and eliminates light scuffs without damaging the surface.
Novus 2 is the safest option for most owners who want effective results without risking damage. Other methods exist for deeper scratches or cracks, but these techniques are advanced and can permanently damage the playfield if done incorrectly. For that reason, we do not recommend them for general maintenance.
When cleaning the playfield, apply Novus 2 to a clean cloth—not directly to the playfield. Work in small sections, starting near the ball trough and moving upward. This approach allows you to focus on high-traffic areas such as ball lanes.
Continue polishing until your cloth no longer picks up dirt. Once clean, you’re ready to reassemble the machine.
Reassemble Your Pinball Machine
Reinstall the plastics and secure all components carefully. This is also the ideal time to replace all rubber rings. Since everything is already disassembled, replacing worn rubbers now will improve gameplay and save time later.
Check all bulbs while the playfield is open. This is the easiest moment to replace any non-functioning lights. If your machine does not already use LED bulbs, this is a great opportunity to upgrade the lighting.
When tightening screws and bolts, be gentle. Over-tightening can strip threads or crack plastics. Treat your pinball machine with care, and it will continue to perform well for many years.
Contact Pinball Machine and Arcade Canada
If you have any questions about cleaning or maintaining your pinball machine, feel free to contact Pinball Machine and Arcade Canada. Our team is always happy to assist with expert advice, parts, and service to keep your machine in top condition.