If you’ve had a PlayStation 4 for a while, chances are it’s running a lot louder than when you bought it. Like most devices, dust builds up inside the system over time.

To keep your PS4 performing at its best, it is recommended that you clean your system periodically. To calm it down and remove all that nasty dust, follow our PS4 cleaning guide.

Warning. While this is a relatively simple process, be careful while doing it. We cannot be held responsible for any damage you may cause to your system. You may want to make sure that you back up your saved data. before proceeding just in case.

Now let’s see how to clean PS4.

Step 0: What You Need

Cleaning a PS4 is a relatively simple job, but it does require a few materials:

• TR9 Torx screwdriver . PS4 uses T9 screws, but T8 screwdriver also must work. Make sure you get one with a security bit . I used this one, but if you have a Torx set it probably has the required tool.
• Standard Phillips screwdriver . There are several screws inside the PS4 that need to be removed with this screwdriver. A smaller screwdriver will work better here.
• Knife or other sharp object . You want this to take off the stickers covering the back screws of the PS4.
• compressed air can . You will need this to throw out the dust. You can purchase them online or at stores like Walmart.
• (Optional) Cotton swabs and/or cotton balls . If you like, you can use them to help you remove some of the dust. The cotton swab also helps you keep the fan from spinning. If you want to go further and further, try making a cleaning putty and use instead of this.
• (Optional) Flashlight . It can be hard to see where the dust is hiding; a flashlight makes it easier to spot.
• (Optional) Paper towel or piece of tape to secure the screws . You don’t want tiny screws to go missing, so it’s a good idea to store them somewhere. When removing screws, you can place them in the same order that you removed them, so you know where and where to go.

Please note that if you have an original PS4 model, opening the console and cleaning it will void your warranty (which is valid for one year after purchase). However, you can remove the cover from the Slim and Pro models without voiding the warranty. Chances are if you’ve had your PS4 long enough to accumulate dust, your warranty has probably expired.

We’ll show the steps for the original PS4 for this guide (since it’s the one I have, and the hardest one), and mention the differences for other models at the end.

Step 1: Turn off and unplug everything

Before you start cleaning your PS4, you must make sure that the console is turned off. If you see an orange light, then it is in rest mode (low power state) and you need to turn it off properly.

Turn on the console, then press and hold playstation button, to open the Quick Menu. Pass in Power > Turn off PS4 . Wait until all the lights on your PS4 turn off, then disconnect the power cable, HDMI cable, and anything connected to it, such as USB devices.

Bring your PS4 to a place where you have a place to work. Since you will be removing the screws, you should have a safe place to install them.

Just like when building a PC, you must take care not to create static electricity. Do not work on a shaggy carpet and try to only touch the plastic parts when cleaning.

Step 2: Remove the back stickers and screws

Now that your PS4 is ready to go, flip it over so the back is facing you and then flip it upside down. You will see three stickers along the «top» (which is actually the bottom of the system, corresponding to the power connector) which you must remove. Please note that if you are using a slightly updated model of the original PS4, you will only see one sticker and a screw here in the middle.