How to Use the PS3 Self-Cleaning Fan

How to Use the PS3 Self-Cleaning Fan
Written By
Tim Raud
Tim Raud
Published: May 4, 2011
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
2 minute read

Cleaning is an important part of keeping your electronics in acceptable working condition. Your PlayStation 3 is no different. No matter how clean you keep the exterior of your PS3, the interior will always collect dust and dirt. The fans bring in outside air to help keep the internal processor cool, but this also brings in dust that can cause overheating. However, there is good news. Sony installed a method to reverse the flow of air and push the dust out of the PS3.

Self Cleaning Fan

Kenneth Gadow/Demand Media

Make sure your PlayStation 3 is plugged in to provide power for the self cleaning fan.

Kenneth Gadow/Demand Media

Turn the power switch on the back of the PS3 off. The front console needs to be completely shut down and not just in standby mode.

Kenneth Gadow/Demand Media

Hold down the "Eject" button on the front panel of the PS3 and at the same time turn on the power switch. You should hear the system powering on and all the fans running.

Kenneth Gadow/Demand Media

Allow the self cleaning fans to run their full preset length of time, exhausting the dust and dirt out from the PS3. This will last for about 10 seconds, and the machine then will go into standby mode.

Kenneth Gadow/Demand Media

Repeat this process as many times as you feel you need to.

Kenneth Gadow/Demand Media

Use a vacuum cleaner nozzle to remove up the dust blown out by the fans and any dust still in the vents on the back of the PS3.

Tim Raud

Tim Raud began writing professionally in 2010, focusing on electronics and travel. He graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Sponsored
Our Pastimes Logo

A destination for the avid collector and weekend hobbyist alike, Our Pastimes features articles and tips about your favorite cards and games, hobbies and more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.