How to Stop Your Controller From Getting Greasy: A Comprehensive Guide

Let’s face it – a greasy controller is a gamer’s nemesis. It’s not only unpleasant to hold, but it can also impact your grip and overall gaming performance. The good news is that preventing that dreaded greasy feeling is entirely achievable with a bit of knowledge and some proactive steps. So, how do you stop your controller from getting greasy? The primary answer lies in consistent cleaning, mindful hand hygiene, and understanding the materials at play. You need a combination of preventing the grease from happening in the first place, and maintaining your controller’s cleanliness after the fact. By combining these approaches, you’ll significantly reduce grease build-up and enjoy a much more enjoyable gaming experience.

The Core Principles: Prevention is Key

Before we delve into specific cleaning methods, it’s essential to understand the fundamental principles of preventing controller grease:

• Hand Hygiene: The primary source of controller grease is your own hands. Regular handwashing with soap and water, especially before gaming sessions, is crucial. The simple act of cleaning your hands will dramatically decrease the transfer of oils to your controller.
• Avoid Eating While Gaming: Food crumbs and greasy residues from snacks can easily make their way onto your controller. If you absolutely must eat, do so with clean hands and ideally away from your gaming setup.
• Proper Storage: When not in use, store your controller in a clean, dry place. Avoid leaving it exposed to dust and other contaminants, which can mix with natural oils and create a grimy surface. A dedicated storage case or even a drawer will work wonders.
• Regular, Gentle Cleaning: Don’t wait for the grease to build up. Incorporate regular, light cleaning into your routine to prevent grease from setting in.
• Know your controller’s material: Some materials are more prone to absorbing body oils, which can be secreted out later. Knowing what material your controller is made of will help you manage its maintenance.

Cleaning Techniques: Removing Existing Grease

Even with the best preventative measures, your controller may still accumulate some grease. Here’s how to effectively clean it without causing damage:

Routine Cleaning

• Alcohol Wipes: Alcohol wipes are the most effective and safest option for regular cleaning. They not only remove grease and grime but also disinfect, killing bacteria that can accumulate on your controller. Use the wipes thoroughly, making sure to reach every nook and cranny. Remember to avoid any moisture entering the battery compartment on wireless controllers.
• Damp Cloth and Mild Soap: For a more gentle approach, you can use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened (not wet) with a mixture of mild soap and water. Avoid excessive moisture and never spray liquid directly onto the controller. After cleaning, dry it thoroughly with another clean, dry cloth.

Deep Cleaning

For more persistent grease buildup or sticky buttons, you may need to perform a more in-depth cleaning:

• Rubbing Alcohol and Cotton Swabs: Apply isopropyl alcohol to cotton swabs to access the crevices and around buttons and thumbsticks. This will not only remove the grease and grime but will also help to dissolve sticky residues that can cause buttons to malfunction. Gently rub the affected areas and then press the buttons and move the sticks to work the alcohol in. Let it fully dry.
• Compressed Air: Use compressed air to blow out any loose debris and dust that may have accumulated in the crevices of the controller. This method is crucial for getting into hard-to-reach areas.
• Toothpicks: A toothpick is an excellent tool for gently scraping away grime from tiny corners and seams. Be careful not to apply too much pressure and scratch the plastic.

Important Note: Never use harsh chemicals such as bleach, or abrasive cleaners as they can damage your controller. Avoid spraying liquids directly onto your controller as this can cause permanent damage.

Maintaining Your Controller: Long-Term Care

Following these routines and techniques for prevention and cleaning, will extend the lifespan of your controller and help maintain a non-greasy surface. By incorporating these measures into your regular gaming routine, you can prevent the dreaded sticky, greasy controller issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about keeping controllers grease-free:

1. Why does my controller get so greasy?

The primary culprit is your natural hand oils. Our skin produces sebum, a mixture of fats and lipids, which transfers to the controller when we handle it. These oils, over time, can accumulate and create a greasy feel. The materials used in the controller can also influence how much oil it absorbs and subsequently secretes.

2. Can I use hand sanitizer to clean my controller?

While tempting, it’s best to avoid hand sanitizer. Many hand sanitizers contain harsh chemicals and other ingredients that can potentially damage the plastic, remove labels, or cause fogging on screen components. Stick to alcohol wipes or mild soapy water.

3. Is it OK to clean my controller with alcohol?

Yes, alcohol wipes are generally safe and highly effective for cleaning controllers. They remove grease, disinfect, and evaporate quickly. However, avoid getting alcohol inside the battery compartment of a wireless controller.

4. What is the best way to clean sticky buttons on my controller?

Use a cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Rub the swab around the sticky button and into the crevices. Press the button repeatedly to work the alcohol in and loosen debris. Allow it to dry completely before using.

5. How do I stop the thumbsticks from getting sticky?

Use a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean around and under the thumbstick. Rotate the stick as you clean to ensure all surfaces are cleaned.

6. Can I use vinegar to clean my controller?

While white vinegar is effective at dissolving grease, it is primarily designed for non-porous materials such as glass and metal, and may be too acidic for a gaming controller. Sticking to alcohol or mild soapy water is much safer.

7. Why do old PlayStation controllers get sticky?

It is often a combination of accumulated dirt, body oils, and the breakdown of the materials used to manufacture the controller over time. Regular cleaning and proper storage are key to preventing this.

8. Can I use WD40 on my controller?

Never use WD40 on your controller. It is a lubricant and can seep into the internal components, potentially causing corrosion and permanent damage to the circuit board.

9. How often should I clean my controller?

Aim to give your controller a quick wipe down with an alcohol wipe after every gaming session or at the end of each day. A deeper clean with cotton swabs and compressed air should be done every few weeks or months, depending on usage.

10. What if I accidentally spill liquid on my controller?

Immediately turn off the controller and remove the battery if applicable. Do not attempt to turn it back on. Dry it with a clean lint-free cloth and leave it in a warm, dry place for a few days. Consider using a bag of rice or a dehumidifier to absorb moisture. If the issue persists seek professional repair.

11. What is the best cleaner for controllers?

Alcohol wipes are considered the best option due to their cleaning ability and quick evaporation rate. They disinfect and remove grease without leaving residue.

12. Why is my brand new controller sticky?

This often happens if the controller has been in storage for a long time. It’s likely that the material has been exposed to temperature and humidity changes and/or has absorbed the oils from the manufacturing process. Follow standard cleaning methods.

13. How do I get dirt out of my controller?

Use a combination of compressed air, toothpicks, and cotton swabs dampened with alcohol to remove dirt and debris from all the nooks and crannies.

14. How do I fix a sticky controller button?

Carefully clean around the button with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab, pressing the button repeatedly to work the alcohol in. If the issue persists, you may need to consult a repair service.

15. Can I use Clorox wipes on my controller?

While Clorox wipes can be used, it is best to stick to using alcohol wipes. Some Clorox wipes may have additional harsh chemicals in their formulas that can be damaging to the controller over time. If you decide to use Clorox, ensure it’s a disinfecting wipe, and test it in an inconspicuous area first.