How to Clean NS Silicon Thumbpads Without Damaging Them

By Satisfye, Premium Gaming Accessories: Grips, Pads, Cases | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: Tips & Care

A gentle, step-by-step routine to clean NS Silicon Thumbpads without stretching the silicone, plus the one mistake that ruins grip and feel.

Quick answer

Clean NS Silicon Thumbpads by removing them from the Joy-Con, washing them gently in lukewarm water with a drop of mild dish soap, rinsing thoroughly, and air-drying completely before reinstalling. Never use alcohol, acetone, or hot water, and never pull on the silicone while it is wet. This keeps the 2nd-generation pads tacky, full-range, and comfortable for long sessions.

Why silicone thumbpads need a different cleaning approach

Silicone is soft and slightly porous, so it holds skin oils, dust, and hand lotion in a way hard plastic does not. That buildup is what makes a thumbpad feel slick or sticky in the wrong way. Because the NS Silicon Thumbpads are designed to sit snugly on Joy-Con sticks and provide full-range motion, the material also stretches. Any cleaning method that adds heat or harsh chemicals accelerates stretching and can leave the pad loose or torn.

The good news is that silicone tolerates plain lukewarm water and mild soap very well. You do not need specialty cleaners, and you should avoid the instinct to scrub hard. The goal is to lift oils and grit off the surface, not to sanitize the pad.

What you need and what to avoid

Gather a small bowl of lukewarm water, one drop of mild dish soap, a soft microfiber cloth, and a clean towel. That is the entire kit. If you want to clean the Joy-Con underneath at the same time, use a separate barely damp cloth and keep liquid away from the rail and buttons.

Keep these away from the thumbpads: rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, acetone, bleach, glass cleaner, hot water, and the dishwasher. These can dry out, harden, or distort silicone. Also skip abrasive sponges and stiff brushes, which scratch the tactile surface that gives you grip.

Step-by-step cleaning routine

1. Remove the thumbpads from the Joy-Con: Peel each NS Silicon Thumbpad off by lifting the outer edge evenly with your fingers. Do not use a screwdriver, knife, or fingernail to pry at the center. Work slowly around the rim so the silicone does not tear. Checkpoint: the pad should come off in one piece with no stretched lip. If it resists, warm it slightly with your hand, not with heat.
2. Pre-rinse in lukewarm water: Hold each pad under lukewarm running water for a few seconds to flush away loose dust and oils. Keep the water temperature comfortable to your hand. Hot water is the most common mistake here because it softens and distorts silicone. Checkpoint: if the water feels hot to you, it is too hot for the pad.
3. Wash with one drop of mild soap: Add a single drop of mild dish soap to a bowl of lukewarm water. Gently rub the pad between your fingertips and thumb, focusing on the textured top surface. Do not wring, twist, or stretch the silicone while washing. Checkpoint: you want light suds, not a thick lather. More soap does not clean better and leaves residue.
4. Rinse until the water runs clear: Rinse each pad under lukewarm water until no slippery feeling remains. Soap residue is the hidden cause of a thumbpad that feels greasy after cleaning. Pay attention to the inner rim where the pad grips the stick. Checkpoint: rub the surface with a clean finger. If it squeaks slightly, the soap is gone.
5. Pat dry and air-dry completely: Press the pads between a clean towel to remove surface water, then let them sit on a dry cloth at room temperature until fully dry. Do not use a hair dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight. Silicone can look dry on the outside while moisture remains in the inner rim. Checkpoint: wait at least an hour, or until the pad feels uniformly dry and no cooler spots remain.
6. Reinstall evenly and test the fit: Stretch the pad over the Joy-Con stick by working around the edge, not by pulling one side hard. Once seated, rotate the stick through its full range to confirm the pad stays put and does not rub the console shell. Checkpoint: if the pad spins freely or feels loose, it may have stretched. Replace it rather than adding adhesive.

Product facts

NS Silicon Thumbpads - White: The NS Silicon Thumbpads - White set includes two 2nd Generation Pro Thumbpads designed for Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, with full-range motion and a tactile feel that reduces strain during longer gaming sessions. Because the set includes two pads, you can clean one pair while the other is drying, or rotate a spare set if you play daily. The strain-reducing tactile surface is exactly what you want to preserve, so gentle cleaning protects both comfort and control.