How to Clean PS4 Controller

Your PS4 controller doesn’t have to be sticky or covered in dust for it to be dirty. You’d be so surprised with how disgusting a PS4 controller can get. Our hands are hotbeds of nastiness. They’re dirty to begin with, even if you wash your hands often. If your palms sweat, you’re just coating your controller in grime. If you let kids play with your controllers, they’re guaranteed to be even more disgusting than you can imagine.

Ugh, I want to clean all of my controllers just thinking about how gross they probably are.

Fortunately, giving your controller a deep clean is easier than you might think. There’s no need to take it apart and risk breaking it. All you need are simple household items that you most likely already own, and then follow the steps below.

If your buttons or analog sticks are sticky, trying cleaning the controller first before assuming it’s broken and ready for a dirt nap. Your wallet will thank you.

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How to Clean PS4 Controller

How to Clean a PS4 Controller

Hopefully yours isn't this bad.
What You Need
You really don't need anything fancy to clean up your PS4 controller. Don't be fooled by the spiffy kits that pop up on Amazon or Target. All you really need are:
- a lint-free cloth
- cotton balls
- cotton swabs a.k.a Q-tips
- toothpicks or a business card
- rubbing alcohol
Clean the PS4 Buttons
Have buttons that stick? They're probably filthy instead of broken. The buttons can trap the most dirt and grime, and as such, should be cleaned first.
1. With the toothpick or business card, clean in between all the crevices surrounding the buttons. You'll be both shocked and disgusted with how much gunk can be caught in these grooves. Be careful when jamming in that toothpick that you don't inadvertently break something.
2. Dab rubbing alcohol on your cotton swab and gently clean around the buttons.
Clean the PS4 Analog Sticks
Now that your buttons are nice and squeaky clean, it's time to give your analog sticks the same treatment. The steps are pretty much the same as cleaning the buttons, so let's get to it. Second verse, same as the first!
1. Curl your business card (maybe use the opposite end or a different card after cleaning the buttons) to get up underneath the lip of the controller where it meets the sticks. If you aren't using a business card, then use another toothpick to clean out any grime trapped in the surrounding crevices.
2. Dab rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and run it around the base of the stick and underneath the controller lip. Clean the stalks as well.
Clean the PS4 Controller Itself
And the third verse is the same as the first as well, but this time with the controller body! Well, it's almost exactly the same. There's a third step to clean the body of the controller itself.
1. Use the business card or toothpick (surely you're using different cards or toothpicks by now) to clean out gunk trapped in all the creases of the controller.
2. Take a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and clean the same crevices.
3. Dab a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and clean your entire controller.
In Between Cleanings

In between these deep cleanings, take a lint-free cloth and wipe down your entire controller. If you do this after every game session, you may never need a deep cleaning at all!