HOW TO CLEAN THE PLAYSTATION DUALSHOCK CONTROLLER

Description Intro

The Playstation DualShock controller is an extremely durable peripheral device, as it is required to undergo a certain amount of mechanical stress over a long period of time during the gaming experience. The controller has a very robust housing (consisting of two interlocking shells) and numerous buttons for various game functions, including two analogue sticks with soft covers. Holding the controller in the user’s hands for long periods of time can lead to problems with dirt/dust/hair getting into the periphery of the buttons and along the joint of the two shells. In the long run, these deposits will also penetrate the controller. In addition, the caps of the two analogue sticks, which are operated very frequently, can show signs of hardening or distortion. In view of these considerations, it is necessary to understand exactly how to clean the Dualshock and therefore to be motivated to carry out some simple maintenance operations, which can feature different degrees of complexity. Let’s start with the simplest operations, referring to the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller, stressing that the user should always contact the manufacturer for maintenance advice and clarification on the terms of its warranty.

Things you will need

    contact cleaner
    • WD-40® Contact Cleaner
    • Soft bristle brush
    • Microfibre cloth
    • WD-40® Silicone Lubricant
    • Repair tool set including precision Phillips screwdriver & plastic lever with screwdriver tip
    • Compressed air
    • Cotton bud

Step 1

CLEANING THE OUTSIDE OF THE CONTROLLER

At most, the controller only needs a thorough cleaning of the outside of the housing and the buttons. To clean the Dualshock externally, you can use a very soft bristle brush to remove any deposits around the buttons and a microfibre cloth dampened with a little degreasing detergent to wipe over the entire housing, drying immediately afterwards. Finally, the external surfaces of the controller can be finished with WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant to protect the plastic and rubber parts. Application is always carried out with a microfibre cloth.

Step 2

OPENING THE CONTROLLER

In case you think that dirt has penetrated inside (hardened buttons, insufficient or imprecise response to operations), in order to clean the Dualshock effectively, you should open the housing and access the inside of the controller. Opening is by accessing the lower part of the housing and unscrewing, using a suitable Phillips screwdriver, the four screws that hold the two shells together. Then you have to work along the edge of these, along the joint line. For this job, it is a good idea to have a plastic lever with a screwdriver tip that can be inserted into the edge, pulling the two shells apart without damaging the plastic. When detaching the two shells, take care not to damage the snap-action teeth. Finally, to free the two parts, disconnect the flat cable which runs from the control system to the lower shell.

Step 3

REMOVING THE PARTS TO BE CLEANED

Inside the controller you will find the battery, the motherboard, as well as the inside of the buttons and sticks, and other circuit components. The battery is removed after disconnecting the battery cable from the connector. Underneath the battery is a plastic holder which can be removed by moving two small side teeth. The motherboard can be removed by unscrewing the central screw that locks it to the housing, but only after disconnecting the cable that runs to the central touchpad. Lifting the board also exposes the back of the keys with their flexible covers. Removing the battery is essential for cleaning the Dualshock.

Step 4

CLEANING THE INTERNAL PARTS

Initial cleaning can be carried out by blowing with compressed air (at low flow rate) on the parts showing deposits, (such as the periphery of the key openings). This can be done with a soft brush and a cotton bud (which does not release cotton). Now we can use WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner, which we apply to all electrical parts (connectors, circuit board, connections, solder, etc.). We apply the product to open parts, not in cavities so that the evaporation of the solvent occurs quickly and allows the dirt/oil/residue to leave the surface rather than remain in place on the surface when the contact cleaner evaporates.

Contact cleaner can also be used to clean USB and other connection ports by spraying the USB/other plug and inserting and removing a few times, then wiping with a lint-free cloth. This method minimises the amount of product applied in the closed cavity (connection port) and facilitates effective evaporation. At this stage it is also possible to replace the rubber caps of the analogue sticks by simply removing them from the sticks (they are press-fitted) and replacing them with new ones.

 

Step 5

DUALSHOCK 4 RE-ASSEMBLY

When you feel that the inside is sufficiently clean, you can reassemble it by proceeding in reverse sequence. When cleaning the Dualshock, pay attention to any clips that may have come off and to the reset cap, which must be repositioned. The assembly is completed by closing the two shells of the housing and securing everything with the four sealing screws. Once the job has been completed, it is advisable to treat the external surface of the controller with a microfibre cloth dampened with WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant (as already indicated in step 1 for final cleaning and protection of the assembly).

Level Up Your Game!

In conclusion, mastering the art of cleaning your PlayStation DualShock controller is essential for maintaining its longevity and optimal performance.  Remember to pay attention to every detail during reassembly, securing the controller's integrity for an enhanced gaming experience. Elevate your gameplay by incorporating these cleaning techniques into your routine, keeping your DualShock controller in top-notch condition for countless immersive gaming sessions.

Disclaimer

The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.