Because the Nintendo Switch is a handheld console, it can tend to get a little dirty over time. Its portable nature opens the door for you to take it outside with you while you go touch some grass. And although we know we shouldn’t, everyone partakes in a little mid-game snack now and then. Even if you treat your console with the utmost care, our hands are covered in oils that build up on your system over time.

However your Nintendo Switch has acquired its dirt, it's there now. And you are probably wondering how to safely get it off.

What Do I Use to Safely Clean My Nintendo Switch?

There is a wrong way to clean your Nintendo Switch. These systems are hardy, but if you use the wrong methods or products, you can cause some serious and irreparable damage to them. Cleaning your Nintendo Switch safely is extremely easy, however. You just need to know the correct techniques.

The only products you should be using to clean your Nintendo Switch are rubbing alcohol, a terrycloth or microfiber cloth, and a Q-tip. It is extremely important that you don’t bring any soap or water anywhere near your console. Soap and water are brilliant for cleaning many things, but electronics are not one of them.

Once you have assembled your products, you are ready to get started.

How to Clean Your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons

The Joy-Cons are most likely going to be the dirtiest part of your Nintendo Switch since they are in constant contact with your hands. So, they are a great place to start. Remove the Joy-Cons from your system and place your Switch to the side.

Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to your cloth. It is important to apply the alcohol to the cloth and not directly on the Joy-Con. Spraying or pouring liquid straight onto your Joy-Cons is impossible to control and can easily seep its way between the buttons and into your controller.

It is also important not to saturate your cloth with alcohol for the same reason. If there is too much on the cloth, it can drip between your buttons and make its way inside your controller to do some serious damage. Making your cloth damp but not wet is the goal.

Rub your damp cloth over the surface of your Joy-Cons to remove any oils and dirt that may be present. Once you get to the joystick, push the cloth underneath and around it to make sure that area is clean. You can also use a Q-tip 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 itself. Begin by making sure it is turned off or in sleep mode. Apply more alcohol to your cloth if necessary to make it damp. Rub your cloth on the surface of the system.

If you do not have a screen protector, take extra care when cleaning the screen, so you don’t scratch its surface.

There are two areas of your Nintendo Switch console that you will want to make sure you cover. Those areas are the intake and output for the fan. Dust can get sucked into your console and collect in the fan. This can cause it to lose its efficiency, and your console may begin to overheat.

Clogged fans are one of the biggest reasons why the PS5 overheats as well. So cleaning them is one of the first things to do when you're trying to stop your PS5 from overheating. The same applies here.

The fan intake is located on the back of your Switch near the bottom. You will notice two grates there. If there is any dust on those grates, clean it off with your cloth.

The fan output is a grate located along the top of your system beside the compartment where you insert your games. Make sure this is clear of any dust or dirt as well.

Give Your Nintendo Switch a Long and Happy Life

Now your Nintendo Switch should be good as new and ready for another gaming session!

Following these steps regularly to make sure your console is always clean and tidy will greatly improve the longevity of your Switch, so you can keep gaming for years to come.