How To Clean Xbox Console & Controller [One & Series X/S]

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Abdul Hadi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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An environment with polluted air always ends up with dust covering everything inside your house. Therefore, learning how to clean the Xbox Console & Controller is essential to prevent dust and debris from causing any damage.

Methods Difficulty Rating

Why Should I Clean My Xbox?

Cleaning your gaming console is an essential task you must carry out every 2-3 months. It should be done even more if you live in a dusty environment. You should be cleaning your Xbox often; some are stated below.

• The dust gets in between components like fan bearings and lowers their lifespan.
• The dust does not let components radiate heat. Hence, overheating.
• Dust in the disc drive can scratch your CDs, preventing them from being read.
• Your Xbox setup becomes unpleasant to look at.
• A greasy controller makes it hard to have a firm grip on.
• Dust in between controller buttons prevents them from giving proper commands.

Xbox One 

Ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Xbox One by regularly cleaning it to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris, which can compromise its functionality. Additionally, you need a Torx 8 and 10 screwdrivers, a spudger, a small brush, a microfiber cloth, and a compressed air can. Following are the steps on how to open and clean the console:

1. Open Casing: Power off your Xbox > Unplug any connected cables > Place your Xbox One on a clean and smooth surface > Take a spudger > Pull out the casing with air vents on the side.

   

2. Remove Piece: Slide out the slightly pointy piece on the corner beneath the USB port.

   

3. Cut Sticker: If you have the warranty sticker, you must cut it to remove the casing.

   

4. Remove Clips: Unclip the clips above the Xbox One ports using a spudger.

   

5. Remove Cable: Take off the case > Take out the black cable on the side > Remove the Wi-Fi card by unscrewing the 2 screws on it using Torx 8 screwdriver > Remove the black cable.

   

6. Remove Screws: Once the Wi-Fi card is removed, unscrew the 8 screws using Torx 10 screwdriver.

   

7. Unplug Components: Unplug the black connector > Remove the metal casing > Remove the hard drive connectors.

   

8. Use Compressed Air: Now, you can blow the dust off using a compressed air can.

   

9. Clean Fan And Case: Take a brush > Clean the fan blades > Take a slightly damp microfiber cloth > Clean the Xbox casing.

   

10. Close Xbox One: Once you are done cleaning, reattach all the connector pins, the Wi-Fi card, the cables, and the casing of the Xbox One.

Xbox One S

Consistent cleaning is key to preserving the Xbox One S’s performance and durability. Moreover, regular maintenance helps prevent dust and debris buildup, safeguarding its performance. You’ll need a spudger, a Torx 10 screwdriver, a small brush, a compressed air can, and a Microfiber cloth. Here’s how you can clean your console without damaging it:

1. Remove Casing: Power off your Xbox One S > Unplug cables > Place it on a smooth, clean surface > Start pushing off the casing using a spudger from where there’s a small warranty sticker until you’re able to take it off > Remove casing and clean it with a brush.

   

2. Remove Screws: You’ll see another silver metal casing > Take your Torx 10 screwdrivers > Remove the screws on that casing.

   

3. Remove Casing: Take off the white casing > Remove the metal casing with fan vents beneath it.

   

4. Clean Casing: Clean the metal casing with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.

   

5. Clean Fan: Take a small brush > Clean the fan blades.

   

6. Clean Dust: Take the compressed air can > Blow the dust off the Xbox.

   

7. Close Xbox: Reattach the casings once you are sure it’s clean. 

Xbox Series X

Keep your Xbox Series X running smoothly by regularly cleaning it to prevent dust from damaging its components. Additionally, this is the latest higher-end series of Xbox One. You will need a Torx 8 screwdriver, a small brush, a spudger, pliers, compressed air can, and a microfiber cloth. Here’s how I clean my Series X console:

1. Remove Screws: Power off the Xbox > Unplug all the cables > Place it on a smooth, clean surface > Open the 2 screws on the side where you see the ports of the Xbox. One of the screws will be beneath the sticker.

   

2. Remove Case: After removing the screws, use a spudger to pull out the case.

   

3. Remove Fan: Open the 2 screws on the sides > Detach fan.

   

4. Clean Fan: Use pliers to remove the pin connector > Pull out the fan > Take a brush to clean its blades.

   

5. Remove Disc Drive: Remove the screws from the small plastic covering > Remove the covering > Take out pin connectors > Remove disc drive > Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to clean it.

   

6. Remove Other Components: Pull out the ribbon cable connectors > Take out the remaining components > Pull the ribbon cable itself.

   

7. Remove Plate: Rotate the plate for support beneath the Xbox > Remove it > Unscrew the 3 screws you find beneath the plate.

   

8. Clean Heat Sink: Pull out the remaining components of the Xbox > Use a brush to loosen up the stubborn dust on the heat sink > Use compressed air to blow away the rest of the dust.

   

9. Clean Case: Clean the case of the Xbox with a damp microfiber cloth.
10. Reassemble Xbox Components: You can put all the components back in, reattach all those cables, and tighten the screws once you are done cleaning.

Xbox Series S

Your Xbox Series S will remain in top shape if you regularly clean it. Furthermore, this prevents dust and dirt from causing problems and helps it last longer. You will need tweezers, a spudger, a Torx T8, and T10 screwdriver, a compressed air can, a microfiber cloth, and a small brush. Follow the method below to clean your Xbox Series S:

1.  Remove Stickers: Power off the console > Place it on a clean and smooth surface > Locate two stickers on the bottom at both sides of the ports > Pull off the white stickers using tweezers. 

   

2. Remove Screws: Remove screws that you have just found after removing stickers > Use a Torx T8 screwdriver to remove these screws.

   

3. Remove Casing: Pull off the white case of the Xbox series S console > Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to clean the case > Remove the seven green screws using a Torx T10 screwdriver on the metal casing.

   

4. Remove Screws: Pull off the other side of the metal casing > You will then see the fan vents > Use a Torx T8 to remove the screws on the boards so that the boards can come off.

   

5. Remove Casing: Pull the silver metal casing from the side where you face the fan vent.

   

6. Clean Fan: Use a brush to clean the fan blades > Take a compressed air can and blow the rest of the dust off.

   

7. Reassemble Console: Once you’re done cleaning, reattach all of the parts back in.

Xbox Controller

The controller is a part of your Xbox, regardless of your model. It is essential to clean your Xbox controller as much as it is to clean your Xbox console.  

1. Compressed Air Can: Place your controller on a clean and smooth surface > Blow off the dust and debris inside the openings.
2. Microfiber Cloth: Take a microfiber cloth slightly dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove stubborn stains on your controller > Wipe your controller with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened by water > Leave it to dry before using it again.

Pros & Cons

Final Verdict

Regularly cleaning your Xbox enhances its performance and appearance and helps avoid hardware damage. Moreover, by cleaning your Xbox correctly using some basic materials, you invest in its lifetime and improve the gaming experience.

Also, there is a tweet giving a pro-tip on cleaning Xbox X:

Pro tip:
To clean the dust out of your Xbox Series X console, simple unplug it and lay it on its side, then use a leaf blower from the top of the console to blow the dust out. pic.twitter.com/hhHZHLd8Cf

— Ashtrey Gaming 🗯 (@AshtreyGaming) January 1, 2024

It’s a relatively simple task but very important as we found Xbox Support giving tips.

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Abdul Hadi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com