How to Clean an Xbox One? (Practical Guide With Images!)

We have a special connection with our consoles. After all, it provides us with countless hours of entertainment and joyful gaming which we want to last forever. Therefore, you’re probably wondering how to clean an Xbox One.

The best ways to clean an Xbox One include using a microfiber cloth and mild rubbing alcohol for the exterior surface. For the inside of the console, it’s best to use a can of compressed air.

Materials Needed to Clean Your Xbox One

When cleaning your Xbox One, you have several options in terms of the equipment you can safely use.

The first of these options is a soft microfiber cloth. These cloths are designed to produce minimal abrasion when being rubbed against any surface, including your Xbox. As a result, you don’t risk damaging your console when cleaning it with such a cloth.

Another option is a brush with soft bristles. This can come in many forms, including paintbrushes, dusting brushes, and toothbrushes.

If you’re trying to get the inside of your Xbox clean without opening it up, then your best bet is a can of compressed air. This is a highly useful tool for clearing out the dust build-up on your console’s internal components.

Your final option is mild cleaning solutions, such as soap and rubbing alcohol. However, these substances are safe only if you plan to use them exclusively for cleaning your Xbox’s exterior.

How to Clean Your Xbox One: Step-By-Step Instructions

When it’s time to clean your Xbox One, here are the steps you’ll need to go through:

Step 1: Disconnect Your Xbox From the Power Supply

The first thing to do is to make sure that your Xbox isn’t getting any power. This is a safety precaution to prevent you from accidentally turning the console on while cleaning it.

Step 2: Wipe Down Your Xbox One’s Exterior

Now it’s time to get to work on the outside surface of your Xbox. Grab a microfiber cloth and slightly dampen it with rubbing alcohol. You can also use mild soap and water for this step.

Use the damp microfiber cloth to wipe the whole exterior surface of your Xbox clean. The best way to go about this is to wipe in a circular direction. Doing so will remove stains, fingerprints, and dust more effectively.

During this step, you should also use a toothbrush to pry away any stubborn dirt lingering around your Xbox’s vents or connectivity ports. Once this gunk is loose, wipe it with your cloth.

Step 3: Clean the Interior of Your Xbox One

When cleaning your Xbox’s interior, a can of compressed air is the safest and most effective option.

Use the can in short bursts to blow away the dust that’s built up over time on your Xbox’s fan and other internal parts.

Naturally, this dust won’t disappear. But rather, it’ll settle on your Xbox’s outside surface where it’s easier to reach. Grab your microfiber cloth once more and wipe the dust off.

How to Clean Your Xbox One Controller

If you’ve decided to clean your Xbox console, you probably want to clean your controller while you’re at it.

Here’s how you can do so:

Step 1: Grab the Necessary Equipment

First things first, you’re going to need a microfiber cloth, rubber gloves, rubbing alcohol, cotton buds, and a toothpick.

Make sure to have all these things at hand before proceeding.

Step 2: Take Out the Batteries

Before you start cleaning your controller, you should remove the batteries. This is to eliminate the risk of accidentally hitting the Xbox button and switching your console on while cleaning. After all, you don’t want to mess around with your games and settings unintentionally.

Step 3: Start Cleaning

Grab the microfiber cloth and douse it in some rubbing alcohol. Make sure to squeeze it to remove any excess alcohol so you don’t damage the controller.

Start wiping your controller thoroughly to do away with all the dirt and gunk that has accumulated on it after hours of playing time.

Step 4: Getting to Tough Spots

An Xbox controller is full of grooves and curves. You’ll need a smaller, more precise tool to get the dirt out of these areas. This phase is where the cotton buds come in.

Dampen them in rubbing alcohol and start cleaning your controller’s buttons and thumbsticks.

Finally, use the toothpick to remove any dirt lingering in the controller’s nooks and crannies.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Your Xbox One

Some other tools and substances may seem like they would be effective solutions to cleaning your Xbox One. While that may be true, these options are highly unsafe for your console and can cause permanent damage to it.

For example, a wire brush will allow you to really get into that dust and gunk to remove it. However, it’ll also scratch the surface of your Xbox One irreparably.

The same goes for disinfectant wipes. These will have your console looking as good as new, but at what cost? They’ll also damage the internal workings of your Xbox One.

Another cleaning agent to steer clear of is bleach. Even if you’re meticulous when using it, it can seep into your Xbox One’s interior and wreak havoc. 

Is a Vacuum Cleaner Safe to Use With an Xbox One?

DON’T do this

Vacuum cleaners are convenient and effective devices to get rid of the dust on various surfaces. In turn, you may wonder if you can use a vacuum on your Xbox One.

The answer is that this isn’t advisable at all.

The way vacuum cleaners work means that they produce large amounts of static electricity. This static charge can permanently damage the circuitry inside your console.

A better option would be to use plastic tools or cotton swabs to access and clean hard-to-reach spots inside your Xbox.

This applies to all other electronic devices in your home as well.

Why Is It Important to Clean Your Xbox One

You may be wondering why you should clean your Xbox One in the first place.

If you want your console to last as long as possible, cleaning it isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a must.

Those who allow dust and debris to fester inside their Xbox One will notice their console’s performance deteriorating significantly over time. The reason is that the dust can block an Xbox One’s vents and obstruct the path of air into the device.

This lack of circulation makes the console more likely to overheat. As a result, the Xbox may become damaged beyond repair.

Therefore, you should clean your Xbox One regularly, especially if you notice that it’s getting loud, is always hot, and is performing sluggishly.

Where to Put Your Xbox One to Prevent It From Getting Dirty

We understand that giving your Xbox One a thorough cleaning can be a hassle. It takes time and effort that you may not have the luxury of giving.

Luckily, there are measures you can take to reduce the frequency with which you need to clean your console.

The most important of these measures is where you place your console. Make sure that the area around your Xbox is always clean to reduce the dust in your console’s vicinity. In addition to this, try to minimize the number of open windows around your console if you live in a dusty area.