How to fully clean PS4 at your home

21-Jul 2025

Cleaning your PS4 and changing its thermal paste can significantly improve performance and reduce fan noise and overheating. However, doing this voids your warranty (if still valid), and should be done carefully with the right tools.

Here’s a complete step-by-step guide for doing it yourself at home, whether it's a PS4 Standard, Slim, or Pro.

🧰 Things You’ll Need

Precision screwdriver set (Philips #0, #1)
T9 or T8 Torx Security screwdriver
Soft brush or compressed air
Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
Thermal paste (Arctic MX-4, Noctua NT-H1, or similar)
Cotton swabs or lint-free cloth
Thermal pads (optional, if old pads are worn)
Plastic pry tool (optional)
Tweezers (optional)

🧼 Part 1: External Cleaning (Optional but Recommended)

Unplug your PS4 and place it on a clean, static-free surface.
Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust from vents and ports.
Wipe down the outer casing with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.

🔧 Part 2: Disassemble Your PS4

⚠️ WARNING: Proceed at your own risk. Backup your data if possible.

🧩 1. Remove the Warranty Seal and Screws

Flip the PS4 over and remove the warranty sticker (if it's still there).
Unscrew the Torx T9 security screws from the back panel (3 to 4 depending on model).

🧩 2. Remove the Top and Bottom Panels

Slide or pry the top cover (glossy or matte part) off.
Do the same for the bottom panel, revealing the metal casing and fan.

🧩 3. Remove Power Supply & Disconnect Cables

Unscrew the power supply (carefully – has 4-5 screws).
Gently disconnect ribbon cables and antenna wires.

🧩 4. Access the Motherboard

Unscrew the metal shielding to access the motherboard and heatsink.
Carefully remove the heatsink/fan assembly from the board.

🧊 Part 3: Change the Thermal Paste

Clean the old paste
- Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs/lint-free cloth to clean old paste from:
  - The CPU die (on motherboard)
  - The heatsink base
Apply new thermal paste
- Use a pea-sized drop in the center of the CPU (do not spread it).
- Optionally, use the “X” or “line” method for even coverage.

🧽 Part 4: Internal Cleaning

Clean dust from:
- The fan blades
- Heatsink fins
- Air vents
Use compressed air or a soft brush. Don’t use water or vacuum.

🔩 Part 5: Reassemble the PS4

Reattach the heatsink to the motherboard.
Reconnect all cables and screws (double-check antenna and ribbon cables).
Reinstall the power supply, metal shields, and plastic panels.
Replace all screws and close the console back up.

✅ Final Checks

Plug it in and power it on.
Ensure:
- System boots properly.
- Fan noise is reduced.
- System doesn’t overheat.

📝 Pro Tips

Don’t overtighten screws, especially around the motherboard.
Don’t touch CPU or heatsink base with fingers – oils can reduce conductivity.
Clean your PS4 every 6–12 months if used heavily.

We highly recommend you to do it with the help of any professional technician.