Nowadays, gaming is a haven for those who love to spend time at home and with themselves. Modern gaming consoles and controllers are designed for hardcore and longer periods of gaming. However, that doesn’t mean your controllers won’t ever experience wear and tear as time goes by. 

Here are five simple maintenance tips to prolong the life of your gaming controllers.

Unplug when Not in Use

Leaving your controller plugged in your consoles while it is turned off may seem safe and not a cause for worry. While it may seem that way, it is best to unplug the controllers to keep your cords from tangling from each other. It also reduces the risk of any object hooking through the loops and pulling your controllers and console out of their place. After playing, unplug your controllers and neatly keep them with their cables on the side. You may build wall shelves similar to those in some of the Pag Ibig houses and lots for sale to keep your controllers, cables, and games organized. Doing so prevents your cables from tangling and looking unsightly. You’ll also save your cables from straining and getting damaged in the long run.

Clean and Sanitize

Your game controllers are a hotbed of bacteria and unwanted gunk. If you play often, you might want to clean and sanitize your controllers at least once a week to keep them free from microbes and dirt build-up. Rub a piece of cloth with alcohol to disinfect your controller. Gently wipe the surface and buttons to eliminate grime and germs growing in the nooks and crannies. Regular cleaning of your controllers may help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses such as the novel coronavirus.

Deep-Clean when Needed

Over time, your controllers will accumulate gunk on its surface and interiors. Cleaning with alcohol and cloth might not be enough to remove all the unwanted grime. You might need to pop open your controller shell to clean every nook and cranny if necessary. Gently unscrew your controller and check which parts need deep cleaning. Brush away dust build-up from smaller and sensitive parts. You may use a vacuum cleaner or canned air spray to blow away dust from hard-to-reach areas.

Take It Easy on the Analog Stick and Buttons 

Sometimes, playing may induce excitement and an “adrenaline rush” where you might press on the analog sticks and buttons too hard. While most gaming controllers nowadays are designed to endure heavy gaming, it is still inevitable to break the buttons and analog when pressed too hard. Take note of how hard you press or click on the buttons. If you notice that your game doesn’t respond well to your controls, chances are either your buttons, D-pad, or analog sticks are broken. You either have to replace the broken parts or buy a new controller. Because gaming equipment can be quite expensive, you might want to go easy on how hard you press to prolong the life of your controllers.

Safely Store Them

Lastly, like most gaming equipment, storing your controllers in a dry, cool, and safe place is a foolproof way to take care of them. Keep them away from extreme temperatures, such as behind a heat source or directly under an air conditioning unit. Heat may attract small roaches to nest inside your console and controller. The last thing you’d want is a faulty controller because a horde of pests nestled inside it.

Keep your console away from humidity. Moisture may damage the inside of your controller, making them less functional or permanently destroyed. It is also wise to avoid eating while playing because the oils and crumbs may gather in the tiny gaps of your device, making your controller a sticky and nasty haven for pests.

As a whole, gaming is a fun hobby that requires tender loving care to prolong the life of your console and controllers. By cleaning and safely storing your game controllers, you’ll enjoy more gaming adventures and have fewer problems dealing with faulty devices and additional expenses.