Cleaning a PS3 is very easy.You don't need to open the case since there is a self-cleaning function built into the machine.Normally, cleaning a PS3 requires wiping the case down and running the auto-cleaning function to clear the inside out.If you haven't cleaned your PS3 in a while, you can open it by removing the screws in the back and bottom and spraying compressed air on it.
Step 1: Plug the system in after the power is turned off.
There is a switch on the back of the unit if you have an older version.Pull the power supply out when you flip the switch.Pull the unit out if it's newer.Take all the cords out of the ports.The power supply and any wired controllers are included.Dust can build up around the machine's external openings if the case is not cleaned.
Step 2: The flat surfaces should be wiped with a Disinfectant wipe.
Take a wipe and rub the console.Along the sides of the machine, run the cloth.Do not wipe the buttons on the front panel.If you really want to rub the panels on the back, don't touch the ports or openings.
Step 3: Cotton swabs can be used to clear the ports and vents.
To clean around the ports in the back, use a cotton swab.The head of the cotton swab should be between the panels in the back.When cotton is dirty, discard it and get new ones.
Step 4: You can clean your controllers with a wipe and toothpick.
Use a toothpick to dig out the gunk between the buttons.To clean the plastic case's seams, flip the controller over and use the toothpick.To lightly rub the buttons and case, use a disinfectant wipe.If you're worried about damaging your case, use a cotton swab instead of a toothpick.
Step 5: You can flip the power switch on the back.
If you want to use the self-clean feature, you need to turn off the power completely.If you have an older model, turn the power switch on in the back.Plug the PS3 in after you put it in standby mode.The power button on the front of the PS3 is not shutting the power down.The system just goes into sleep mode, like a computer does.Before doing this, take any discs out of the PS3.It probably won't hurt them, but there's no harm in playing it safe.
Step 6: You can spray the vent on the back with compressed air.
Attach a can of compressed air to the back of the machine.Pull the button or Trigger if you want to release air from the vent.Hit each part of the vent with short, controlled bursts of air.If you want to avoid damaging the fan, spray at an angle away from the center of the vent.To clean the back of the frame, spray the seams on the side.
Step 7: Hold the button down when you press it.
The power to your system is still off, so you need to locate the button on the front face.The button looks like a triangle on top of a line.Hold it down with your index finger.You don't have to press hard to keep the button down.
Step 8: If you want to turn it on, hold the button and plug it in.
Continue to hold the button down.With your free hand, you can either flip the power switch on your older model or plug it back in.If you find it difficult to plug it in and hold the button at the same time, you can ask a friend to help.
Step 9: When you hear the fan making noise, remove the button.
The PS3 will make a noise if you plug the power cord back in or flip the switch.The fan will start spinning faster.The fan should be allowed to keep running if the fan gets louder than usual.The self-cleaning function for the PS3 is activated by this.The system makes the machine work harder until the dust is removed.There is a lot of dirt and dust in the air.Use a paper towel to wipe it up.This process can take a while.
Step 10: To clean the vent in the back, use a cotton swab.
After the sensors in the system think that the inside is clean, the fan will shut off.There will be a ton of dust on the vents.Run a cotton swab between the panels to remove the dust.You may need a few cotton swabs if your vents are dirty.
Step 11: The power to the PS3 should be turned off.
If you hit the power button after cleaning your machine, your PS3 won't turn on.Pull the plug in the back of the machine or flip the power switch to do this.Wait 10 seconds, flip the switch, or plug it back in.You will be able to use your PS3 after turning it back on.
Step 12: Plug everything in and shut the PS3 down.
You can turn the machine off by flipping the power switch.Then, remove the controller cords.Put a clean towel underneath your PS3 if you want to keep it clean.
Step 13: The back has screws and stickers.
To get the screws underneath, remove the stickers from the back.To remove the 2 screws in the top right and top left, use a TR9 screwdriver.To remove the screws that were underneath the stickers, use the same screwdriver as before.Depending on the model of the machine, there is a total of 3 or 4 screws.The screws are small and should not be lost when you take them out.Your warranty is voided when you remove the stickers.
Step 14: To remove it, pull lightly on the back panel.
If you use a lot of force, you risk damaging the back panel.Attach your fingers to the edges of the case.It should slide out of the way.If it doesn't, try to pry it off with a dull knife.You should be able to pop it off after you get one edge lifted off if it is sticking a little bit.
Step 15: Put a can of compressed air in the back panel and wipe it with a paper towel.
Hold the back panel away from the rest of the machine and spray it with a can of compressed air.The sides of the panel should be wiped with a paper towel.You can use a wipe to scrub the plastic if it is really sticky.It will take at least 30 minutes for it to air dry if you wipe it with a Disinfectant wipe.
Step 16: The PS3 needs to be flipped so the bottom is facing up.
You can find the TR9 screws on the side and the bottom by flipping the console upside-down.To remove the pieces, use your TR9 screwdriver.There are 2 bigger screws in the corners.ThePhillips screws are longer than the TR9 screws.You might have to pry them up with a flat edge.
Step 17: The power supply and internal components can be accessed if the cover is lifted.
The panel should be raised from each side using the tips of your fingers.There is a side where the hinge won't open.The panel should be opened in the direction of the hinge.You can access the inside of your machine by opening it all the way.
Step 18: Use paper towels and compressed air to clear the power supply of dust.
Dust can be wiped away with a dry paper towel.Use a can of compressed air with a thin nozzle attachment to blow out the dust in hard-to-reach areas.To clear out the build up under the lip of the case, run a cloth under it.The can of compressed air has a nozzle attachment.It is a piece of plastic that concentrates the air.Disinfectant wipes, soap, and water should not be used in this area.
Step 19: The machine should be reassembled with the same screws.
After you clean the power supply, flip the panel back to its closed position.If you want to get heavy resistance, start with the Philips screws.Turn the system so that the back panel is facing you after you screw the 3 TR9 screws into the bottom panel.Plug the machine back in with the 3 or 4 TR9 screws.The stickers you removed aren't important.Just toss it out.