At Save and Reload Games, we see all kinds of gaming gear come through our doors — from lightly used treasures to… well… the “special cases.”
Not every item needs a deep cleaning, but sometimes a controller shows up so well-loved (grimy, sticky, and slightly terrifying) that it demands our full attention. Recently, we got three Xbox 360 wireless controllers that fit this description perfectly. Let’s just say they looked like they’d been through a snack-fueled boss fight and lost.
Step 1: The Tear-Down
First things first — you can’t just rinse a controller under the tap and call it a day. We start by carefully taking them apart using the right tools. In the case of a wireless Xbox 360 controller, there are 7 TORX 8 screws holding it together. Once the shells and buttons are separated from the circuit board, the real work begins.
Step 2: The Soak
Everything except the board goes into a tub of hot, soapy water to soak for about 5–10 minutes. This helps loosen dirt, dust, and anything else that’s been lurking in the nooks and crannies.
Step 3: The Scrub
After soaking, each piece gets cleaned by hand using brushes, sponges, and a bit of elbow grease. This part can be surprisingly satisfying — watching years of grime disappear and colors come back to life. Once everything’s sparkling, we let the pieces air dry for about 24–36 hours to make sure there’s no lingering moisture.
Step 4: The Board Cleanup & Thumbstick Swap
The circuit board never touches water — that would be a one-way ticket to the recycling bin. Instead, we clean it carefully with 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove dust and residue. While we’re in there, we replace worn thumbsticks with our stash of spare parts. They snap right into place, giving the controller a like-new feel.
Step 5: Reassembly & Testing
Once everything is dry and clean, we reassemble the controller, test all the buttons and sticks, and make sure it’s ready for action. The result? A controller that looks almost new and plays like a dream.
Step 6: Dispose of the Evidence
The water from the initial soak? Let’s just say it’s best not to look too closely. It goes straight down the drain, never to be spoken of again.
Before and After
Here’s where the magic really shows — check out the transformation of these three Xbox 360 controllers:
At Save and Reload Games, we believe in giving gaming gear a second life. Whether it’s a light dust-off or a full spa treatment like this, we take pride in making sure the items we sell are clean, functional, and ready for their next adventure.
Because every great game deserves a great controller. 🎮
