Here’s how to clean your Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers so they don’t break down and embarrass you the next time you’re with friends or family to play.
It’s important to keep your Xbox controller clean. Sure, both consoles have a Kinect sensor that allows them to interpret hand gestures and voice commands, but it’s the controller millions of users get their hands on when they want to play games like these. Madden NFL 25 or the latest Call of Duty the game. Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners with Xbox controllers. Naturally, this will leave some wear and tear. Since we all sweat while playing games or holding anything in our hands, your Xbox controller is likely to look a little rough, especially if it’s an Xbox 360 controller.
Before you get started, you’ll need a few things. Both the Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers have tons of tiny cracks and crevices that would be incredibly hard to get into. You’ll need something flat and playable like a business card to clean up the mess in these areas. In fact, you’ll need five or six of these.
You’ll also want a paper towel to prevent any dust build-up. Damp towels don’t hurt either, but as long as you can get your paper towels wet, you don’t need to make a special trip to buy them if you don’t have them on hand.
Cleaning the Xbox 360 Controller
If you own a white Xbox 360 controller and anyone who bought the console between 2005 and 2010 should, you already know how bad and unattractive Xbox controllers are.
Remove the Xbox 360 controller batteries by pressing the button in the battery compartment. Set it aside.
Take your plain paper or business card and run it through the cracks that separate the different parts of the Xbox 360 controller. You just don’t want the edge of your business card to be inside the controller. Start at one end and work your way around every crack in the Xbox 360 controller you see. Over time, dirt accumulates here. As you run the card around, you will notice dirt falling from the remote. You may need three or four different business cards before you get into each crack.
Now take your finger and move both joysticks to see if there is any dirt next to them.
Move the business card around the D-Pad, trigger, and bumper buttons. Again. Dig deep to get all that dirt out of the cracks.
Take the damp towel or tissue in your hand and wipe the entire surface of the controller. Then let it dry.
Now put the batteries back in your Xbox 360 controller and you’re ready.
Cleaning the Xbox One Controller
Those with an Xbox One controller to clean will do many of the same things, but in a different way.
First, remove the battery pack from your Xbox One controller from the battery cover on the back.
Now remove the batteries or charger from the Xbox One Controller.
Take your business card and start by scraping the sides of the Xbox One controller’s directional pad to remove any dust or dirt.
Now take your business card and clear the left and right joysticks. If you’ve used your Xbox One for a while, a thin layer of dirt may already be building up around the edges.
Take the business card and run it along the crack that separates the front and back of the Xbox One controller. Make sure you run it along every crack you see,
Run the business card along the top edge of the Xbox One controller. Make sure you get inside these cracks and the Xbox One logo and power button if possible.
Now take a damp towel or a damp towel and wipe the entire surface of the Xbox One controller.
Put the batteries you removed from the Xbox One controller back into the Xbox One controller and replace the battery cover.
Now that you’ve cleaned your controller, it’s important to remember that maintenance is key. If you don’t keep your Xbox One or Xbox 360 controller fresh, you may find that you spend another 10 to 20 minutes cleaning up built-up dirt and grime.
Also, keep in mind that presentation isn’t the only reason you want to keep your Xbox controller clean. Dirt and dust can build up around each remote’s buttons, slowing their response to your button presses. If you think your Xbox 360 controller has gone too far to clean, you can always get another one. Today, a standard wireless controller for the Xbox 360 costs $49.99 at retailers like GameStop. The Xbox One controller costs $54.99.
