How to Clean Xbox One
The Xbox One is a great game console popular with millions of people who enjoy games. In many homes, it’s frequently played for hours, leading to excessive dust and debris accumulating inside and around the device. It’s not uncommon for dust build-up to go unnoticed, though it can interfere with your Xbox One’s performance, which may lead to the system breaking down or overheating, resulting in damage.
What You’ll Need to Clean Your Xbox One and Items to Avoid
When you prepare to clean your Xbox One, you’ll need a few supplies and materials, including:
- One or two microfiber cloths or a dust cloth
- A small vacuum or a standard-size machine with a hose attachment
- A can of compressed air
- Brush with soft bristles, such as a paintbrush, a dusting brush, or a smaller item such as a toothbrush.
- Mild soap mixed with water or rubbing alcohol
It’s important to avoid using certain materials, as these items may damage or scratch your Xbox One. To prevent causing damage to your console, don’t use disinfectant wipes, wire-bristle brushes, and harsh solvents or cleaners such as bleach. It’s crucial to keep moisture out of the Xbox One’s ventilation system, as this can seriously harm the unit’s function and permanently damage it beyond repair.
Step-By-Step Process to Clean Your Xbox One
Once you have all the supplies you’ll need to clean your Xbox One, the process is straightforward, as the procedure doesn’t require disassembling the console to clean the interior of the machine.
Before starting, ensure that the console is completely shut down and unplugged from all power supply sources. If the unit is heated due to frequent use, wait until it’s cooled down before you begin cleaning.
- Moisten a microfiber cloth with soap and warm water or a bit of rubbing alcohol, then wipe the exterior surface of the Xbox One. Gently rub with the cloth in circular motions to remove any trace of fingerprints, grime and dirt.
- To loosen and remove dust from inside the console, you’ll need a can of compressed air and a soft-bristled brush. Using compressed air, spray in short bursts into the vents, ports and small openings in the Xbox One to remove dust. As dirt and debris loosen, use the bristle brush to remove the dirt as it moves to the surface of the machine.
- Continue using the compressed air and soft bristle brush to loosen and remove dirt and dust until you remove all of it or as much as possible. This process takes just a few minutes.
- Using your vacuum’s small, handheld hose attachment, remove dust and dirt residue from the ports and vents of the console.
- Once all the dust is removed with the vacuum, use the microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior of the Xbox One to clear any dust settled from the unit’s interior.
Cleaning Your Xbox One Controllers
If you play your Xbox One often, you’ll quickly notice an accumulation of fingerprints, grime, and dirt. When you clean your controllers, you’ll need a microfiber cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol. You’ll find that the rubbing alcohol dries fast, and you’ll notice a difference within a couple of minutes. While disinfectant wipes should be avoided when cleaning your console, you can use them to wipe down the controllers.
Before cleaning each Xbox controller, ensure they are disconnected from all power supply sources and the console is turned off. Wipe down the controllers, then set them aside and allow them to dry completely before plugging them into the console and using them again. You can also use rubbing alcohol and microfiber cloth or disinfectant wipes to clean accessories attached to the Xbox controller, analog sticks and similar items.
Cleaning Your Xbox One Disc Drive and Discs
The Xbox One disc drive collects dust and debris frequently, making it essential to wipe often. A small soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth is ideal for removing loose dirt and dust from this area. If you notice a build-up of particles, you can use the compressed air to clear the disc drive thoroughly. In addition to the drive, your discs will pick up a lot of dust over time, making them difficult to read.
A quick wipe with the microfiber cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol will clear any sticky grime or fingerprints on the surface. Before inserting them back into your Xbox One, it’s essential to allow each disc to dry completely to prevent damaging the discs, drive, and console.
Bottom Line
Regular care and maintenance of your Xbox One console are essential to keeping your console functioning at its best, without the risk of damage from heavy grime, dust and dirt build-up, which doesn’t take long to accumulate. With just a few minutes of cleaning, once a week, you’ll enjoy your Xbox One without unnecessary repairs and outstanding performance for years.
