How To Clean Your Gaming Controller - SteelSeries

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GearCategory —— 03.12.2020How to Clean Your Gaming Controller

Your console or PC gaming controller has probably seen better days.

By SteelSeries2 minute read

This guide is an approved controller cleaning method from our product team to keep your gear free of dirt and grime.

Picturing sweaty, warm hands going ham on a controller isn't pleasant, but chances are, your gaming controller could use a touch up. As we enter another year, this is an awesome opportunity to examine the state of your peripheral.

Cleaning your equipment is super important. When done correctly, it can extend the life of your controller (and your health) down the line.

Here's how to clean your controller:

You will need:

Alcohol wipes
Canned air
Paper towel
Toothpick

Steps:

Unplug your controller – let’s not break anything today. If it’s wireless, remove any batteries inside the controller.
Place paper towels on your desk to catch any dirt.
Use a toothpick to carefully get into the all the tiny nooks and crannies to scrape out any gunk buildup.
Use the canned air to blow out any remaining debris that you may have loosened with the toothpick. Make sure to use the can right-side up so it blows air and not liquid!
Use alcohol wipes to thoroughly wipe down the controller, removing any grease or dirt. For wireless controllers, avoid using alcohol wipes (or any moisture) inside the battery compartment. Alcohol wipes are preferable to soapy water because not only is alcohol a disinfectant, the wipes don’t risk of dripping moisture or soap residue into your controller. (If you do not have alcohol wipes, you can soak a lint-free cloth in a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Be sure to wring out the cloth as much as possible before getting it near your controller.)
Make sure everything is dry before plugging it back in. Repeat every few weeks, or as necessary.

Done! Enjoy your clean controller, and repeat as necessary.

Note: While we don't recommend them, if you do choose to use sprays or any other cleaning and disinfecting products on your equipment, please carefully read all labels to ensure safe and correct use for both your belongings and your own health.

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TAGS:guidemobile controllerandroid gaming controllerios gaming controllerhow togaming peripheralsstratus duo controllercovid-19cleaningcontrollerscleaning your gaming gear

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