Is it safe to put 70% isopropyl alcohol in my controllers joystick

MatthewCoffman1 · Jan 12, 2024

Hey I wanted to know if putting a few drops of 70% isopropyl alcohol inside my controller where the joystick is will damage it, I took the batteries out and I want to fix some stick drift but don't want to take apart the controller and I heard alcohol can fix stick drift if it's the dirtiness that's the problem . And I'll also let it dry out for a while after

:)

Obsessive Power

I won't go into the ins and outs of controller repair, as that's not allowed here. You'll need to go elsewhere for repair help on Xbox hardware.

However, you shouldn't drip or pour isopropyl alcohol inside your controller and certainly not the 70% stuff. If you’re simply cleaning something like adhesive externally off something metal or plastic, 70% would do it, but less pure isopropyl contains water which would contain impurities which could actually damage the circuit board in your your controller. It needs to be 90%, as said before, it should not be dripped in.

PLDN Starseed

Solution:

Get a face cloth

Get isopropyl alcohol used to clean cuts. 70-90%

Dab the alcohol onto the cloth

Wipe down controller with the cloth.

You now have a super grip controller!

XBF Ezra G

Hello Sraccoon1,

Thank you for your post. Using a higher percentage isopropyl alcohol (71% - 99) on your controller will not damage it. Going lower than 70% runs the risk of damaging your controller with a high amount of water.

I hope this helps.

ImAice

Hi! My name is Pam. I'm an Independent Advisor and I'll be glad to help you today.

Good question. For Xbox controllers, they have actually tested the safety of using the following isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution and disinfectant wipes.

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution 70% or less

PDI Sani-Cloth:registered: Plus

Covidien:tm: Alcohol Prep pads

CaviWipes:tm:

Clorox Healthcare:registered: Bleach Germicidal Wipes

Total Solutions:registered: Disinfectant Wipes

As long as you use disinfectant wipes listed above or a soft cloth dampened with an IPA solution 70% or less, that's totally fine. Just make sure that the port will not be wet on the inside.

Obsessive Power

Hi,

Oh dear. If the controller still works with a USB cable then at least it seems no damage has been sustained to the controller PCB. Other than a repair, you could try scrapping off the acid followed up with some Isopropyl alcohol. You can buy Isopropyl alcohol pads that are designed for cleaning PCB's and edge connectors.

If you don't clean it off pronto it will continue to corrode the controller.

Is it safe to put 70% isopropyl alcohol in my controllers joystick