Since the Nintendo Switch is a portable console, it can get a bit dirty over time. Its portable nature opens the door for you to take it with you while you go to play some weed. And even though we know we shouldn’t, everyone partakes in a little mid-game snack from time to time. Even if you treat your console with the utmost care, our hands are covered in oils that build up in your system over time.
However, your Nintendo Switch has taken on its dirt, now it’s there. And you are probably wondering how to safely remove it.
What do I use to safely clean my Nintendo Switch?
There is a wrong way to clean your Nintendo Switch. These systems are strong, but if you use the wrong methods or products, you can cause serious and irreparable damage to them. However, safely cleaning your Nintendo Switch is extremely easy. You just need to know the right techniques.
The only products you should use to clean your Nintendo Switch are isopropyl alcohol, a terry cloth or microfiber cloth, and a Q-tip. It is extremely important that you do not bring soap or water near the console. Soap and water are great for cleaning a lot of things, but electronics aren’t one of them.
Once you’ve assembled your products, you’re ready to go.
How to clean the Joy-Con of your Nintendo Switch
The Joy-Cons are most likely the dirtiest part of your Nintendo Switch as they are in constant contact with your hands. Therefore, they are a great place to start. Remove the Joy-Cons from your system and set your Switch aside.
Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to your cloth. It is important to apply the alcohol to the cloth and not directly to the Joy-Con. Spraying or pouring liquid directly onto the Joy-Cons is impossible to control and can easily seep between the buttons and the controller.
It’s also important not to saturate your cloth with alcohol for the same reason. If there’s too much on the cloth, it can drip between the buttons and get into the controller to do serious damage. The goal is to moisten the fabric but not wet it.
Rub your damp cloth over the surface of your Joy-Cons to remove any oil and dirt that may be present. Once you get to the joystick, push the cloth under and around it to make sure the area is clean. You can also use a cotton swab for more precision when cleaning around the joystick.
Dirt around your joystick can cause it to drift, so when looking for ways to fix drift on your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, cleaning this area should be your first point of call.
How to clean your Nintendo Switch console
Now that your Joy-Cons are clean, you can move on to the Switch. Start by making sure it is turned off or in sleep mode. Apply more alcohol to the cloth if necessary to moisten it. Rub your cloth on the surface of the system.
If you do not have a screen protector, be very careful when cleaning the screen so as not to scratch its surface.
There are two areas of your Nintendo Switch console that you’ll want to make sure you cover. Those areas are the inlet and outlet of the fan. Dust can be sucked into the console and collect on the fan. This can cause it to lose its efficiency and the console to start to overheat.
Clogged fans are one of the main reasons why the PS5 overheats too. So cleaning them is one of the first things you should do when you’re trying to prevent your PS5 from overheating. The same applies here.
The fan inlet is located on the back of your Switch, near the bottom. You will notice two grates there. If there is dust on those grates, wipe it off with your cloth.
The fan outlet is a grill located on top of your system next to the bay where you insert your games. Make sure it is free of dust or dirt as well.
Give your Nintendo Switch a long and happy life
Your Nintendo Switch should now be as good as new and ready for another gaming session!
Regularly following these steps to ensure your console is always clean and tidy will greatly improve the longevity of your Switch, so you can keep gaming for years to come.