Can I clean unresponsive buttons without opening the 3DS?

[u/teiera-ribollente]

Hi everyone,

The A and B buttons on my 3DS have stopped responding properly. I’d like to try cleaning them without opening the console (I'm scared of damaging it).

Would it be safe/effective to use isopropyl alcohol with a Q-tip around the buttons or using a isopropyl alcohol spray like this one?

I’m worried about getting too much liquid inside the console.

[u/JardimHandmade]

No. The buttons oxidize within the membrane, it needs to be peeled off, cleaned and put back on.

[u/Human-Evening564]

Nope. You might have to buy and replace the membrane that goes over the buttons on main board. Any cleaning won't do anything until you peel off the membrane