How To Clean A Playstation Dual Shock Controller

If you've got a dirty Playstation 3 Dual Shock controller, this is for you. I'll show you how to safely take it apart and clean it, and more importantly, how to put that little sucker back together so you can get back to playing.

[@laserlock6491]

Just bought two used controllers. This video will definitely come in handy...

[@TigerTailsTV]

10 years on this video is as useful as it was the day of release. Just completed a successful clean on my PS3 controller thanks to this video. And as it's my PS3 is a PAL 60gig one, I can enjoy PS1 and PS2 games on it again without stuck/missed inputs. Many thanks!

[@ibegream5854]

Nice bro

[@Los_da_gamer]

To be honest, once I get down to all the pieces of plastic being officially separated, i just clean the plastic pieces with water and dishwashing soap. Afterwards, i blow out the excess water with an air canister, wipe it off to the best of my ability with a paper towel, and just let the remaining bits of plastic dry off for like 30 or 40 mins before reassembling everything back together. I did this twice with my ps3 controllers already and they work fine and feel like they're brand new.

[@Melospliquen]

Thanks!. I couldn't figure how to put back in place R2 and L2. The spring was getting me crazy.

[@leeannfox532]

When I took my controller apart I was like... crap the R2 and L2 came out... that was before you said be careful not to pull them out.. and I was freaking out ... then you showed how to put them back... PHEW! This completely helped me get the dried up sticky soda out of my controller... and maybe now it will actually charge - I've had to use it plugged in! Thanks a lot for posting this!

[@ravick]

Thank you for this video. Helped me alot! I had random button inputs, eventhough the buttons didn't seem to actually stick or anything. It was unplayable for 60% of the time. With your video I managed to completely fix this issue. Wouldn't have dared to mess around with it like I did without your video, so thanks alot. You probabaly saved me alot of money buying a new controller.

[@TechSpank]

Richard Sebregts that’s awesome! Well done.

[@ThomasBahamas]

Yeah re-setting those triggers after they are released from the spring are a pain in the butt to get back together. It could take up to 30 minutes for just one.

[@edwardgiver]

WOW thanks so much for posting this video!!! I used to think either my controller was possessed or someone hacked into my system. I used to get all kinds of phantom button presses while playing Call of Duty - switching weapons, reloading, firing whenever... stuff like that. Now I have a controller as good as new and saved $30.

[@powerpc127]

I was mostly trying to figure out what kind of proprietary screwdriver I'd need to get it open. Hopefully this "small Phillips head screwdriver" will be easy to find.

[@TechSpank]

Sorry I didn't know the measurements. Any simple electronics repair screwdriver kit should be more than enough.

[@beavis7184]

8:36 You make it look so easy! When I put even the slightest pressure on the L2 and R2 they popped right out lol. I eventually got it, though. Thanks so much!

[@evadiaz7350]

Thank you!! Your video was such great quality! Although it's scary thinking about taking apart your controller, it's totally fine as long as you're patient.

[@darkside015]

Great video, my controller has metal holders with screws for the vibrator motors instead of the plastic clips shown here, otherwise is the same. I consulted this video just to change the battery but ended up cleaning the whole thing. Easy to disassemble, the tricky part is to put it back like it was, just a little patience required. Thank you! 👍

[@MrVolreg]

Hey mate, a huge thank you from me :) i decided to play my ps3 after 2+ years of no usage and the pad acted like almost all buttons were pressed,i found your video and followed your instructions and i fixed it without any explosion :P thank you mate.

[@TechSpank]

Fantastic! :) well done

[@kumarshradheshnayak2662]

This is the easiest to follow tutorial for someone who has never opened a any circuit device

[@TechSpank]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@couldntthinkofagoodnamesoi8357]

I was ready to throw this thing away. It looks and feels brand new, now. Thank you.

[@TechSpank]

Awesome :) You're welcome - I love that people still are using this video to help clean up their controllers! (I also find it funny how many people get pissed when they break them.... LOL)

[@JayJayYUP]

Heck yeah man! Thanks, some of us still like the layout of this controller and still use our PS3's

[@humberto_avila]

This was so easy to understand, and so very helpful. Thanks a lot, man.

[@Doodlebugdude]

What a great video. Thanks for spending the time to slowly and carefully explain everything. Sometimes people who are doing help videos are not clear or talk to fast. Great thing about this is I can pause and watch it so that I don't make any mistakes. There are three reasons why I want to open up my controller. I've heard a rattle inside one side of the controller and ignored it for some time, but really want to see if anything is broken and whether or not it's a simple job to fix. Another reason is my buttons are now sticking which is probably a year's worth of gunk. I've also noticed that the buttons and directional pad keep moving to the left and sometimes when I'm not playing the controller will flick options across the screen without me touching the controller so it's stuck. If I can't fix it then I'm buying a new controller on Tuesday. Thanks once again. I've had my PS3 since Oct 2013.

[@Doodlebugdude]

Unfortunately the fifth and final screw didn't have any thread and I eventually pulled the casing apart and losing the last screw. Think it snapped inside. I didn't pull the whole unit apart as I was scared I'd bust the whole controller, but following these instructions I managed to put it together again. Gonna make one final attempt to undo it all and if all else fails get a new controller on Ebay. :(

[@RicksGamePlay]

Doodlebugdude I hope it works for me.... I only had mine for about a year :(

[@Doodlebugdude]

I was going to attempt to do this again, but now the darn thing won't unscrew. Looks like I'm gonna have to get a new controller from Ebay.

[@RicksGamePlay]

Doodlebugdude I just tried but i don't have a screwdriver that fits :( Imma borrow one from my friend and go back to the store

[@spartacusindian]

Great video, got a suggestion though.if you are not planing to replace the battery, there is no need to take the battery out. since the board comes off, leaving the battery attached to it. Its a pain disconnecting those little cables attached to the battery..

[@QueenBrownShuga1973]

Why didn't you clean the joysticks? cuz mine stucks

[@mikaelrivacov5705]

Dude, that part of the back trigger's tiny piece of metal saved the day. My controller is now charging up and ready for play😎

[@Maratletoso]

Confirmed 2023.... great tutorial, My controller ended up working perfect!

[@kikyouwuv]

Thanks! My white DS3 was randomly inputting buttons. Opened it and cleaned it. That seems to have fixed the problem. For now at least.

[@vicie100]

Worked just fine with my Dualshock 3 Sixaxis, thank you!

[@Joshadamwyo]

Thank you so much for the walkthrough, we rehabilitated our old controllers thanks to you 👍

[@cheycorner4955]

Thank you so much!!! My controller is now clean and the buttons don't stick. But I thought I broke it when I put it back together because the buttons went insane on me when I tried it out. Then I saw a video (which I won't link out of respect), that showed taping electric tape to the styrofoam piece underneath the plastic (underneath the motherboard and near the charging port), and it makes a better connection (due to less space) so things don't go bananas. So anyone with spazzing buttons after putting the controller together, look up the video for what to do. Tweezers and a steady hand may be required. Hope it works for anyone who had the same issue after reassembly! Another tip: He is right, please make sure the pads are flat to the buttons, don't even put pressure on the buttons when putting it back together, lest they will push on the pad over them. Hold by the middle-top and bottom or the handles (is that the word?) as you assemble. Happy gaming 🎮

[@scozzy5356]

Brought a pre-owned PS3 and the buttons were sticking abit watched this and now its like brand new thanks

[@brandonzornes1868]

Thank You! I was just about to drop $50 into a new controller! I ended up popping both of my L2 and R2 buttons out though. LOL! But like you said, they're quite simple to replace. 5 year old controller is back in service! Great Video!

[@TechSpank]

Love it! Glad it helped!

[@hadzap3230]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, although it took me nearly 2 hours i learnt a lot, and managed to fix the R1 and R2 button, plus clean it.

[@DrOgen65]

my r1 didn't worked. but after i did the same thing than you in the video it is working fine. thank you very much

[@ILLucchesi]

Thank you, it was very useful! I finally got my old PS3 controller to work again without getting an analog controller stuck :))

[@baron8463]

Thanks your video is great. I just started to play some classic games on my PS3 that are only on the ps3 like Poker Night At The Inventory 2 or Gran Truismo 5 and those game do not work with the ps4 or ps5 controllers I can use with other stuff on the ps3. I was able to use your video to fix my controller which was randomly pressing buttons and doing stuff without any input. Two things I had an extra part in my controller that was not in your video not sure where it goes but seems to be working fine without it, also there was a weird ribbon connection that looked like if it was not in the right place would screw stuff up but now the controller is like almost slightly used. Really great video thanks for sharing!

[@brendon_england]

Nice work man, I had some sticky button issues and this would be one of the best explained you tube vids. Controller feels like new again 👌👍

[@thetrashman5258]

Thanks to this, I managed to make my old controller to like a brand new one

[@TechSpank]

NICE!

[@DeadKraken]

Hallelujah! My 5 years old controller thanks you! xD

[@elyandouzi4971]

Now its a 10 year old controller

[@DeadKraken]

@@elyandouzi4971Its is! I ended up buying a new controller after 2 years, but I still have that old one 😂

[@Kim5iko]

@@DeadKraken Wiah

[@tripkardashian5873]

@@DeadKraken YOU DARE BUY A NEW CONTROLLER

[@DeadKraken]

@@tripkardashian5873 I had to! Old Controller-kun wasn't as snappy anymore, I'm so sorry 😭

[@MrMassDeffect]

A tip for ppl doing this: Instead of windex, use rubbing alcohol. It is THE best thing to use to get pretty much any dirt off. It dries almost instantly, and it's safe on your controller. Just don't drink it.. ;)

[@beetvalley]

@everyone Dont forget the very subtle step at 1:49 I went blind with rage ripping my controller in half

[@blazzingfury9380]

Thanks it helped a lot it was way better than buying a brand new controller keep up the great vids

[@DeejaymasterR]

It was hard but i've made it. Now all functions are working on controller. thanx for guide

[@DocNsanE]

Just cleaned both mine - Worked like a charm. Thanks for the guide! Also fixed a stuck analog stick while I was there with some silicone spray.

[@LoungeCat91]

What do you mean by stuck analog stick?

[@DocNsanE]

The analog stick would get stuck in some positions. Instead of snapping back to neutral of itself, you'd have to touch it to snap it back.

[@homegametube407]

Using your video to clean my ps3 controller in 2018. Thanks a ton.

[@hayyanshah7106]

my favourite part of the whole In tire video was the manover to put the back casing on

[@robbifidelino4654]

Thank you kind sir! Fixed 1/3 of my controllers thanks to this tutorial 🙏🏼

[@mistahbtheoryz]

My controller kept moving left all on its own .. Tried reset button and it fixed it once but it still kept happening. So took your advice and took mine all apart just you explained and hey presto! Sorted! Thanks man you're a life saver!! ;0)

[@nmesomachima6863]

Thanks so much man U really helped so much with your explanation I was ready to get rid of my pad as I’ve already wasted one already Thanks so much!!!

[@yolover111]

After 9 years, this still so clutch to save a gem in time, only reason I stopped playing, damn controllers made of cheapness.

[@GrayHood44]

thanks so much for this bud! i am not the most mechanically inclined man but this video was perfect. its like my controller is brand new! !thanks again!🤙🏻

[@TechSpank]

Todd B awesome! I love it.

[@JohnGeePlaysGuitar]

Thanks for this, Made cleaning my controller a breeze :) 2024!

[@harshakumar9571]

Thank you so much for the detailed and step by step video. My PS3 controller is very responsive now.

[@ultace]

I'm going to try this today, my bottoms don't seem too bad bt my right stick has a mind of its own and I assume the process is to cleaning is the same way

[@johnmudri7866]

thxs for the video, it helps when your poor and have to take an alternative root. it help alot

[@DP-rr9kp]

Thank you. I did it and it worked. Now I can go back to fight zombies in call of duty black ops

[@lotionsource]

After replacing the screen on my tablet, this looks easy.

[@EcksGamer]

Thanks this was helpful as for my PS3 controller right now doesn't feel as good as it used to have been and using it for my computer with the 8bitdo dongle.

[@fishfinder3583]

very good my top button R2 got knocked off during disassembly and you even cover that thx again...

[@mihaitelceanu7656]

Nice video, my 12 years controlers looks like new, thx

[@kenanzalihic9918]

Guys it works.It takes a bit if R2 and L2 fall out but its ok.

[@ultimacj]

What about the analog sticks? The prob I have is the left one starts to stick in any direction

[@w0lf4llo84]

It’s 2021 and I found my old controller in my attic. It was very hard to clean. When I was putting it back together there was an extra thing that I had to put between the R2 and R1 buttons, along with the other side and I had to slide the back into place which took me 2 hours to do. That was the hardest controller I’ve done so far

[@balddimitri8037]

That's the best tutorial on how to clean a ps3 controller Thank You

[@MasterCrowther]

thanks! I was a little afraid to do it myself this video helped alot :)

[@MelRW25]

Thank You!! yous saved me so much money!!, my 5 year old son keeps playing on the playstation, but his hands are never clean, right after he eats he runs to the playstation, I get mad at him and tell him to wash his hands!! but he keeps forgetting.

[@hoffington]

Thanks, but I'm never gonna do that again took me ages to put the back on still not on perfectly.. There was so much dirt inside it, feels much better now

[@ronaldhenson9170]

I totally agree if you play ps3 games with a dirty controller with sticky buttons prepare to lose the only way to win is clean your controller and show those ps3 games who are boss

[@paulallenMacca]

Thanks for sharing,my son has the Modern Warfare Controller with Camouflage on it the whole top and bottom of it is very sticky to touch what can I use to remove the Stickiness.

[@AkiraZack15]

TechSpank hey man my left analog stick when i'm moving it sometimes it stucks in a corner or a direction untill i get it to it's direction well if i clean my controller and the analog sticks my left analog stick and any other button will be working perfect ?

[@laserlock6491]

You may have to push a bit for the joystick to fit on the board correctly after taking it apart.

[@szymonkoralewski5539]

I am very grateful for this movie. Thank you very much!

[@dailygrindbarber1177]

Brotber , i cant thank you enough !!! you saved my 60 euros ,, you are a HERO !!!!

[@Tyler_Flynn28]

What a pain in the ass to get the case back on can’t get the back cover on :/

[@MrWashu12]

The best way I see of a taking care of a ps3 controller is don't hit it drop it throw it clean it with a wet rag or sit on it use it for as long as your able to then buy a new one even if if I could take apart the controller and put it back together just the thought of taking it apart concern's me same with a 360 or ps3 system are you shure this works and is a great idea?

[@RodrigoEscalona]

There a spongy thing he doesnt talk about in this video that helped me, solved my problems (the controller ones)

[@jrasalinggam]

This video was uploaded in February 2012; for Heaven’s sake, you can afford to give him a break and appreciate the effort, thanks!

[@TechSpank]

RIGHT!? Give the guy a break. Plus he's so handsome, he deserves a pass. ;)

[@jakesnake1793]

Great video, thanks! Helped a lot!

[@yoyo1981boom]

What kind of alternate solution can I use to clean the buttons because I just want to be careful and not use something which will mess the remote completely

[@TechSpank]

SOMEONE pays attention... ;) Thanks!

[@bigg6513]

Wat

[@garrettblaylock8325]

Hey I really liked your intro bro. Would this really help as well if I'm trying to start my PS3. Long story short I "restored" my PS3 to try to prevent it from always overheating? But after I restored it I had to plug in the controller, but for some reason the controller is not registering with the system. Do you think it is the controller's problem or the USB ports specifically in the system??? I've been trying for the past couple of days to fix this problem!!! PLEASE HELP if you can!

[@Matchew024Henn]

Thanks guys! However you will need to make note of a 3 prong T piece that was not noted in this video. If you don't know it goes inbetween the D pad and the plastic part. This video more or less prepared me for the harder original controller! I did notice the newer one was much easier to clean! $50 saved on a new controller!

[@Dhirallin]

Man it's such a pain when the assembly under the trigger buttons comes loose from the clear flexible circuit sheet. Almost impossible to get that sheet back into the assembly again.

[@DollieEtholt]

thanks for this video! I was looking for guide like this :D

[@aarontarleton244]

Hi & thanks for video. I have a controller I cherish for it's functionality and don't won't to mess it up by doing it wrong. Mainly I need to know beforehand that my controller won't feel any different by loosing the screws and putting all back? (Worried about hearing cracking sounds too) Thanks

[@antiznrgy8486]

Thanks bro ! It feels like a new controller ! Now to do it with 3 more.... :D

[@ignika11]

I was doing it exactly like your video show it, but now my controller doesn´t connect to the console. What´s wrong did I do?

[@radamisamijailovic8719]

Thank you, greetings from Serbia. :)

[@SpoopySoup]

i got mine fixed because of you, thanks :D

[@vimse12]

I got a problem with my controller. After I had cleaned it the 4 red lights started 2 blink when I plugged it in to load. Tried to push that small reset button at the back but nothing happens 😣

[@Four4Entertainment]

Hey i did the opening up and now its not sticking and anything but my left arrow pad and on the right the triangle circle X and pink buttons are not working properly. the x is shown as stuck when i move to type sg with the pads its just typing the same letter and the others are not working at all pls help!.

[@BickerstaffStories]

This helped me very much thank you!

[@bearabletable7527]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. Straight to point and very easy to follow! Thanks!

[@junior752352]

Thanks very much that was insanely helpful to me

[@InFaMoUsGeMiNi]

One problem...when taking out the directional buttons from inside the controler...something fell from it. it didnt seem to fall out from the video

[@gregoryjohnson9733]

My left stick keeps sticking up and pushes buttons even though I dont push them lol. Hope this helps.

[@piyushpallav91]

Thanku thanku thanku...cleaned and repaired at the same time

[@CecaeliaBelle]

Thank you so much! This saved my favorite controller!

[@sadflip]

i can’t unscrew one of my screws bc it’s rounded where the phillips head goes so i can’t grip the thread😓

[@AintPopular]

my left analog and right analog while playing goes slightly left by themselves. What could be the cause

[@PSPSPSPSPlayStationFTW]

what about using petrol to clean it so when someone you don't like lights up like a christmas tree when they lend your remote ?

[@TacticaIPlayer]

thank u alot i think i was fucked up in the end but u really helped i feel the controller more smoother when i open it's like desert xD

[@alexmillan4]

great video, great explanation!

[@monttero99]

Great video man you explained it perfectly thanx a lot

[@HATECELL]

Is there a way to remove the joysticks? Because those always get really sticky (just asking because I'm curious. I'm at 2.5h and still can't get the r and l buttons back in (I have a different model) and at this point I wouldn't even open it again if it was filled with vomit)

[@keeganjeppesen]

Thank you Mr. TechSpank

[@snowyicicle1335]

I haven't seen this video but that girl better still win at the end

[@TechSpank]

With clean controllers, we all win, buddy. We all win.

[@snowyicicle1335]

I feel like this is an infomercial now