Controllers take more abuse than almost any other device we own. Sweaty hands, snack crumbs and hours of gripping leave them grimy and sometimes sticky. But not every cleaner is safe to use on them. Here's what works, what to avoid, and how to give your controller a proper clean.
What to Use
- A microfiber cloth. It's soft, lint-free and lifts oils and grime without scratching.
- A cleaner made for electronics. Ideal for everyday cleaning. Spray it onto the cloth, never onto the controller.
- Cotton swabs. The best way to reach around buttons, triggers and thumbstick bases.
- A soft, dry brush or handheld air pump. For dust in seams, ports and speaker grilles.
- alcohol-free ammonia-free, antimicrobial disinfecting formula. Safe on coatings, spray on a cloth, and gently wipe coated or textured surfaces.
What to Avoid
- Soaking or rinsing it under a tap. Controllers aren't waterproof.
- Bleach, ammonia and household sprays. They can discolor plastic and damage coatings.
- Scrubbing hard. Some controllers, like the Xbox Elite Series 2, have soft coatings that can wear off.
- Paper towels. They leave lint in every gap.
- Opening the controller unless you're comfortable with repairs, since it can void your warranty.
How to Clean Any Controller in 5 Minutes
- Power off and unplug. Remove batteries if it uses them.
- Wipe the shell. Lightly mist your microfiber cloth and wipe the grips, face and back.
- Detail the buttons. Dampen a cotton swab or brush and run it around each button, the D-pad and the triggers.
- Clean the thumbsticks. Wipe the tops, then rotate each stick and clean around the base with a swab. Be gentle with the rubber grips.
- Clear the seams and ports. Use a dry brush or short bursts of handheld air pump.
- Let it dry completely before you plug it in or play.
How to Fix Sticky Buttons
Sticky buttons are usually caused by spilled drinks or residue that has worked its way around the button edges. Power off the controller, dampen a cotton swab or brush with cleaner, and work it around the edge of the sticky button while pressing it repeatedly. Repeat until it moves freely, then let it dry. If the button still sticks, the problem may be inside the controller, and it's worth contacting the manufacturer.
What About Stick Drift?
Cleaning around the thumbstick base can help if dirt is the problem, but drift is often caused by wear inside the stick. If cleaning doesn't help, check your warranty before trying a repair.
How Often Should You Clean It?
Give it a quick wipe after long sessions, and a full clean once a week if you play daily. Clean shared controllers more often.
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