How To Clean USB-C Port Safely

Nowadays, most mobile phones and laptops come with USB-C ports. All types of ports, including this one will get clogged with dust or gunk over time.

In such cases, USB-C cables will often come loose from the port and may fall out at times. You may also not be able to fast charge your mobile phones due to the loose connection. You need to clean the port whenever you encounter such issues. 

However, since the port is very narrow with a small opening, usual methods to clean other ports may not be applicable here. So here’s a comprehensive guide on the cleaning process.

Note: If the device with the USB-C port still has a valid warranty, I recommend going to the customer support center to clean the port. If you damage the port or the device while trying to clean it yourself, it will void the warranty.

Step 1: Get Everything Ready

You will need some specific equipment to clean the port depending on how grimy or dirty it is. I have also included a list of things you need to avoid during the cleaning process.

Equipment You Need

Don’ts of Cleaning USB-C Port

Step 2: Shutdown the Device

Before you begin with the cleaning, I recommend turning off the mobile device or the computer. USB-C ports carry some current and cleaning with solvents can damage the ports due to short circuit issues. If the device has a removable battery, it’s better to remove those as well.

Also, if you are cleaning the USB-C port on a computer, power drain the computer by pressing the power button for a few seconds and remove any external connections as well.

Step 3: Clean the Port

Now is the time for the actual cleaning process. Using compressed air is the best way to clean the USB Type-C port. And if it doesn’t help clean everything, you can use a plastic pick or even a volatile solvent.

Spray Compressed Air

The first thing you need to do is spray compressed air into the USB Type-C port regardless of the amount of clogged dust or grime.

• Make sure to spray the air in short bursts using different angles to get as much dust out as possible. 
• If you are using an air can, don’t shake it before cleaning and don’t invert it while cleaning as you’ll spray the liquid instead.
• Also, use a flashlight to look inside the port to check if it becomes clean.

Remove Lint With Plastic Pick

If there is lint or gunk stuck inside the port, you will need a plastic pick or a similar object to remove them carefully. 

• Gently scrape away the gunk or pull out the lint in smaller chunks without damaging the pins. 
• Keep looking inside the port with the help of a flashlight during the process to keep track of the remaining lint/gunk.
• After that, spray with compressed air again to clean the residual dirt that remains after scraping everything else.

Use Some Solvents

You can try using a contact cleaner like DeoxIT or WD-40 electronics cleaner if and only if there is some gunk you can’t scrape away. 

• Don’t use the solvent liquid or spray on the port directly. Some glue will be holding together the USB port in place and the solvent can corrode those.
• Instead, spray it on the narrow plastic pick or dip the pick into it and use it to clean the gunk.
• Let it dry off before powering up the device.

Step 4: Test the Port

After cleaning the port, try checking if it works. You can power up your device and then connect a charger, data cable or any device into the port to test it out.

If it still shows some issues, It’s best to take the device to a support center for servicing or repairs.

Step 5: Keep Port Covered (Optional)

If you work or stay in a place where the USB-C port on your devices is likely to get dirty frequently, keeping the port covered is a good idea. You can buy USB-C plugs and use them or you can just stick a tape around the port.

I recommend the plug though as removing the tape may take more time and even leave behind its glue on the device.