Even if you're not a neat freak, your Playstation 4 likely attracts dust, which can lead to overheating and potential damage. You can prevent this by cleaning the outside of the console with compressed air and a dry cloth when necessary. From time to time, you can also clean the internal fan with compressed air if you notice that it gets too noisy. Use the same tools to keep the controllers clean, too, by wetting the cloth in case of stubborn dirt.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Exterior
Step 1. Disconnect all cables
First, unplug the power cord from the console so there is no electricity while you clean it. At that point, unplug the controllers and do the same for any other accessories inserted into the system ports.
Step 2. Place the console on a clean surface
If you need to dust the console, the same is probably true for the shelf you placed it on. Move it from where it is and put it somewhere free of dust. Simplify this by working on a surface that won't soil your PlayStation again as you clean it.
Step 3. Use compressed air properly
Before you start blowing air on your expensive electronic device, remember that the cylinder contains moisture. Always keep it straight, so you reduce the risk of expelling moisture. Also, keep the nozzle at least 13-15 cm from the spot to be cleaned, as holding the can closer, you will not clean effectively.
Read the directions for the specific type of compressed air you are using, looking for further advice and warnings
Step 4. Blow the dust away
Start with short puffs of air along the notch that runs through the center of the console. Then move on to the front and rear doors. Finally, blow away as much dust as possible from other surfaces and all fans.
Step 5. Dust the console with a dry microfiber cloth
Make sure the cloth is clean and free of moisture, as a wet cloth can damage the PlayStation, then use it to remove any remaining dust. Dust off all exterior surfaces to finish the job. Rub each side with continuous movements in one direction, away from the light sensor, which will stay clean. Also avoid sending dust in doors and ruining your work.
Step 6. Clean the console seat and put it back
Keep it aside while you clean the surface you usually keep it on. Depending on the accumulated dust and how much of it is released into the air, wait a while for it to settle and repeat. When you are sure you have cleaned well, put the PlayStation back in its place.
Part 2 of 3: Clean the Console Fan
Step 1. Consider the warranty
Since the fan is inside the console, you'll need to open the system to clean it. You must be aware that this will invalidate the warranty. Usually, the warranty lasts for one year, but in any case, invalidating it reduces the value of the used one if one day you decide to resell your console.
With this in mind, sooner or later you will have to clean the fan. You should do this when you notice that it gets a lot louder than it was in the beginning. In theory, it shouldn't happen for a year after purchase. If this happens before, you should clean the fan even voiding the warranty, to prevent the console from overheating
Step 2. Remove the cables, screws, and bottom half of the console
Disconnect the power cord, as well as any other cables, so they are out of the way. Next, find the four screws on the back of the system. At least two of them will be covered by the warranty stickers, so remove them. Then, unscrew them all with a T8 or T9 screwdriver and remove the bottom half of the console very carefully.
Step 3. Clean the fan and other components with compressed air
Now that the internal parts are accessible, use the compressed air very carefully to avoid spraying moisture. Keep the can straight at least 13-15cm from the fan. The fan is probably the part that needs cleaning the most, so start with that. If necessary:
Spray the compressed air in all other places where you see dust, except the disc player, as you could damage it
Step 4. Let the interior air dry
Don't risk damaging components by wiping them with a cloth as you would the outside. At the same time, take precautions as if moisture has come out of the can. Leave the system in the air for half an hour (or longer if necessary) to allow it to dry.
Step 5. Reassemble the console
Don't worry if you haven't removed all the specks of dust; after removing most of them you can reassemble the system. If you wait for it to dry, it shouldn't be a problem to plug it back in and use it right away.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning the Controllers
Step 1. Remove all cables from the controllers
Like you did for the console, you need to have access to the device loading ports in order to clean them better. Unplug the power cord and do the same with the headphones if necessary.
Step 2. Blow compressed air onto the controller
Again, as you did for the console, start by removing as much dust as possible with the can. Focus on the gaps between the controller and buttons, the directional pad and analog sticks, as well as other openings where dust can enter the device. Make sure to blow air on the cable ports as well.
Step 3. Dust it with a dry microfiber cloth
Unlike the console, the controller is always held in the hand and therefore may not only be dirty with dust. Either way, start by wiping it with a dry microfiber cloth. See if you can clean it well before switching to a damp cloth.
Step 4. Switch to a damp cloth if necessary
If a dry cloth isn't enough to remove stubborn dirt, use a damp wipe or wet the corner of a clean cloth. First, squeeze it out, so as to remove as much moisture as possible and not drip all over the place. At that point, while cleaning the controller, be sure not to pass the cloth near the cable ports, so that moisture cannot get inside. Finally, let the controller dry completely before plugging it back in.
