Joysticks are a magnet for dirt and grime. So regardless of where and how you use them, you will eventually have to clean your joysticks. But how do you go about cleaning micro 2 axis joysticks without damaging the hardware? In this page, we will be looking at the steps you have to take.
Before you start cleaning your micro 2 axis joysticks, you must inspect the following problem area. Here are the areas where grime builds up:
- Grip zone. This is where your hands hold the joystick.
- Small gaps around the controller. Dirt usually lodges in the seams around the joystick.
- The area around the analog stick
- The charging, expansion and headset ports
To be able to clean your micro 2 axis joystick thoroughly, you will need the following:
- Distilled water
- Soft, lint-free cloth
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Toothbrush or Q-tips
- A wooden toothpick
- Spray bottle
When cleaning your joysticks, it is recommended to only use water or rubbing alcohol. Using harsh cleaners will most likely bleach or ruin the glossy finish of your joystick. You should also not use compressed air as the high-pressure air can damage components in the desktop controller.
Cleaning lightly soiled joysticks
If your micro joystick is only soiled lightly, you can clean it with a damp, lint-free cloth. Wipe the joystick to remove grime or grease. Never use abrasive cleaners. If you need soapy water, use dish soap. As you wipe down the joystick, pay attention to the nooks and crannies. You also need to look at the well where the analog stick protrudes.
As you clean the analog stick, keep in mind that it is coated with soft rubber which is prone to wearing out. Be gentle when wiping this area. You can hold the stick in one direction and rotate it while wiping around it.
Dealing with stubborn grime
If your industrial joystick has stubborn dirt, you will need the isopropyl alcohol for this. This is a fairly safe cleaning agent. It will break down grime so that they are easy to dislodge. The best thing is this alcohol evaporates when you are done.
When using isopropyl alcohol, dilute it at a ratio of 1:1 in water. You then need to pour the mixture into a spray bottle and mist the controller lightly. You can then use a lint-free piece of cloth to wipe the controller. The alcohol solution will remove stubborn dirt and kill bacteria. For any stuck debris, you can remove it using a wooden toothpick. Alternatively, you can soak a toothbrush in the alcohol solution and then gently brush the stubborn dirt.
Micro 2 Axis Joysticks