How to clean oxidized USB plug?

[NVZN]

How to clean it? I tried to use alcohol 70%, no avail. Only cleans a bit.

Using vinegar? Or?

 

[dave9]

How did it happen? Prevention seems important.

A mildly abrasive metal polish should do the trick, for example brasso (but I would try toothpaste first if you have no metal polish), but that is just a ground (and not strictly needed for USB function since there is another pin 4 ground on the contacts), so if it won't work you probably have a different problem.

 

[bertus]

Hello,

If you want a bit more harsh method, you could have a look at a glassfiber pencil:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fibreglass-Abrasive-Cleaning-Pencil-Refills/dp/B003YSWJDG

Bertus

 

[NVZN]

How did it happen? Prevention seems important.

I left this sitting on a shelf for 6 months. And they got oxidized like that..

but I would try toothpaste first

Toothpaste? Just apply it to oxidized area? Leave it or brush it with toothbrush?

 

[Harald Kapp]

Brush.
Toothpaste contains micro abrasive particles to clean teeth, works equally well with many other surfaces.

 

[antrowe07]

I've found a medium stiffness BRASS wire brush with the toothpaste works best for me. If it's too narrow for a wire brush maybe a ladies emory board,like they use to file their nails.

 

[WHONOES]

I have used a Fibreglass bristle cleaning pen in the past to clean contacts. It works really well. Was surprised to see that they are still available. Amazon have some as do RS Components and Hobbycraft.

 

[dave9]

Keep in mind that the contacts themselves are normally gold plated and that plating will be damaged by most abrasive cleaning options, and being gold, shouldn't have oxidized itself so should be more of a fluid suspension cleaning process.