Home consoles are designed for gamers who want to enjoy video games without much hassle. Getting a PlayStation 5 means taking the console out of the box, connecting a few cables, inserting the disc into the drive—or not even that if you have the digital version—and starting to play on the couch. There's no need to worry about whether your graphics card is powerful enough to run a game, nor will you waste time installing new drivers for your GPU. However, just because using a PS5 for gaming is easier than its PC equivalent doesn't mean that Sony's console doesn't require any maintenance . If you want your PlayStation 5 to always perform like new and avoid problems in the medium or long term, here's everything you need to know about cleaning it.
Clean the dust of your PS5 to avoid a loss of performance
As technology has advanced, video game consoles have become more powerful. This not only means that our computers can now render games at higher resolutions and with better textures, but it also has a significant impact on energy consumption . Believe it or not, this phenomenon is closely linked to cleaning, but let's take it one step at a time and not get ahead of ourselves.
Since when do you have to clean a console? If the PlayStation 5 isn't exactly your first console, you're probably trying to remember. The consoles we had about 20 years ago rarely required the slightest maintenance . Do you remember even wiping down your PlayStation 2? This was because the equipment we had back then wasn't so complex. We rarely heard a PlayStation make a sound. We could even have a laugh if we analyzed the cooling system of the iconic Nintendo GameCube.
As consoles have evolved, their energy consumption has also become a significant factor. Higher power consumption means more heat that needs to be dissipated from the internal components. With each generation, power dissipation systems have become increasingly important in our gaming experience. The PlayStation 3 already caused some problems for certain users. We all know that the PS4's fan can practically burst eardrums when it's running at maximum speed. And the PlayStation 5 is no exception. To keep it running smoothly, you'll need to clean it occasionally . Fortunately, Sony has done a great job with this aspect in this generation, and cleaning the PS5 is very easy. You don't need much technical knowledge, and you can do it in a matter of minutes.
How to clean the PS5 easily
If you've ever cleaned a PS4 or watched a YouTube tutorial, you know you had to disassemble the console to clean the dirt. This generation, Sony has completely revolutionized how you clean its home console. The PS5 features a cleaning system that has surprised us with how little effort is required to keep it looking like new.
Before you continue reading the steps, here's a video explaining this process in a more visual way . This will help you easily follow the points we'll explain in this section:
Now yes, let's start with the steps:
- Completely turn off your PlayStation 5 and let it cool down for a few minutes if you have been playing intensely. Also remove the cables and unplug the console from the electrical current.
- Once cold place your PS5 on a clean table. According to Sony, you should not place it on any type of rug or carpet that may have fibers - it is logical, you will understand the reason a little later. As we say, a table is the perfect place.
- Remove the two plastic covers from the sides of the console. They are not joined by any kind of screw. All you have to do to remove them is apply force downwards until you hear a 'clack'. If you have doubts at this point, take a look at the video that we have left you a little above. You will clearly see the movement that must be made to release the plate.
- Locate the holes that Sony has placed in the PlayStation 5 for air cleaning.
Image: Future
- Once you have them located, there are two ways to clean the console:
- With a can of compressed air: they are not especially cheap, but with a can it will give you for several cleanings. Simply place the stem of the can over the hole and press the button so that the pressurized air can circulate through the circuit.
- with a vacuum cleaner: It is the cheapest way if you already have one of these machines at home. You will have to use the narrowest fitting and vacuum through those ducts. You don't need a particularly powerful vacuum cleaner to be able to do it.
- Also check the fins along the sides of the PS5, and also inspect the front ports for any dust deposits so you can clean them if necessary.
- Once this is done, reattach the two faceplates of the PS5. Also reattach the bracket to the console.
- Reconnect it and place it in its place.
How often should I clean the PS5?
At this point, we must tell you that there is no perfect answer to that question. It depends on many reasons. If you live in dusty environments or have multiple pets at home, your console will collect more dust than your friends'.
Wipe it down occasionally to prevent dust from accumulating on the console and entering the system, and check the console periodically. The noise from the fan indicates that you need to repeat the process . If it's very loud, it means the console is trying to blow more air to compensate for the difficulty it's having dissipating heat.
Prevention is the issue
Now that you know how to clean the console, what you have to be clear about is that you should avoid exposing your PS5 to sources of dirt as much as possible.
- Avoid poorly ventilated places: The less ventilation, the more the fans will have to spin. If the place where we have the console is dusty, the circuits will fill with dirt more quickly.
- watch out for animals: If you have long-haired pets at home, you have to know that the hair will end up inside your console if you do not clean the house correctly.