Your gaming controller is dirtier than you think. Here's the best way to clean controllers, consoles

Terry Baddoo
·3 min read

When it comes to gaming, most of us operate with filth at our fingertips. Want to see what's currently sharing your digital workspace? Turn your keyboard over and shake it, and it won't take a CSI to root out a few incriminating crumbs of evidence.

And what about game controllers or gaming consoles? Well, just like with your computer keyboard, there are hidden enemies waging guerilla warfare on your health.

The fact is, your gaming gadgetry is a playground for mold, yeast, and bacteria, courtesy of every ounce of blood, sweat, tears, and bad pizza you put into ruling the virtual world.

How dirty are your gaming consoles?

The online sports betting platform, Betway, which should know a thing or two about gaming, examined several popular gaming tools and came up with a league table of grime.

  • PlayStation topped the list among the gaming consoles and controllers tested with more than double the number of bacteria units commonly found on a toilet seat.

  • Xbox came in cleaner, but also failed the toilet seat test, with half as many bacteria.

  • Nintendo Switch was the cleanest among those tested but was still far from pristine.

  • Lastly, desktop gamers look away now, as PC's were the dirtiest gaming tool of all.

How to reduce bacterial build-up on gaming controllers, devices

To cut down on the seen and unseen gunk that builds up on your gaming devices, you can start by washing your hands before you pick up a controller to play. Playing clean won't cure the problem, but it will help limit the transfer of daily dirt.

You can also stop eating while you play, as that greasy snack food and saliva cocktail on your fingertips is a breeding ground for all things nasty. Finally, wipe down your devices after use. You can use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with a little bit of mild soap and water, or better still, premoistened alcohol wipes. Do NOT use bleach and never spray any liquid directly onto your controller or console. Also, make sure you don’t get any moisture inside the battery compartment.

Fully clean your gaming set-up every three to six months, depending on usage, and you're good to go. Let the games begin.

10 Reviewed-approved tech recommendations:

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Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of tech experts test everything from video games and laptops to speakers and TVs so you can shop for the best of the best.

  1. The best game console: Nintendo Switch OLED

  2. Top Nintendo Switch charger: Anker PowerCore Essential 20000

  3. Our favorite wireless keyboard: Logitech Master Series MX Keys

  4. Best Xbox gaming controller: Microsoft Bluetooth Elite Series 2 Controller

  5. Editors’ Choice laptop: Apple 2023 MacBook Pro 14 M2 Pro

  6. Most powerful VR headset: Meta Quest 2

  7. The best OLED TV: Sony 4K Ultra HD TV A95K Series

  8. Top streaming device: Roku Ultra 2022

  9. Best gaming headset: SteelSeries Arctis Pro High Fidelity Gaming Headset

  10. Top-rated gaming monitor: Acer Predator XB253Q Monitor

More problems, solved

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to clean controllers, consoles and gaming devices

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