August 12, 2023, 3:09 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Is your gaming console not running as usual? Is the controller acting strangely? Perhaps the devices just need a good cleaning. TECHBOOK explains what to focus on.
Whether it’s Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch: If the gaming console is running slower and getting louder, it’s often due to dust and dirt. To keep a console performing well and usable for as long as possible, regular cleaning is important. The same goes for controllers, which often have many moving parts that need to respond quickly. But how do you clean a gaming console properly?
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Overview
Unplug the gaming console before cleaning
As with all electronic devices, moisture and electricity don’t mix. Therefore, you should unplug gaming consoles–as much as possible–before cleaning them. Important: Do not use water for cleaning, as it can damage the electronics in the console and controllers if liquid enters the casing. To remove stubborn dirt, use a slightly damp cloth at most.
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Avoid cleaning agents as well. They could leave unsightly marks on surfaces, which are often sensitive. To avoid marks from overly rough cloths, users should use a microfiber cloth to clean their gaming console. This is considered the most important accessory for cleaning. The fine fibers of the cloth can remove dust and other dirt from surfaces. The cloth attracts dust particles and holds them, preventing them from being thrown back into the air and settling on the console again.
To clean hard-to-reach areas in the gaming console, such as the ventilation slots, experts recommend using a can of compressed air. Alternatives like vacuum cleaners should be avoided. Modern devices are very powerful and could cause the console’s fans to spin, potentially damaging the gaming console. If you must use a vacuum, only use it on the lowest setting. Users should also be careful not to suck up small components. A cloth over the nozzle can help with this.
Regular cleaning extends the lifespan of the gaming console
It is recommended to clean the surfaces of the gaming console at least once a week and to perform a more thorough cleaning every six months. One reason: Dirt can block the fans, which are supposed to dissipate heat and cool the console. The fans then have to spin faster to achieve the same cooling effect, leading to loud operating noise.
And not only that: If the ventilation still fails to expel heat from the casing, it can significantly reduce the lifespan of the gaming console over time.
With material from dpa