PS3 $20 Reward for fixing my super frustrating problem, read the description inside.

[YsonyY]

I remember had to tear down my controller and wash everything inside except the circuit board with liquid soap. After a time they do tend to build up dirt and grease inside.

 

[stinger1011]

For the record, plastic trim pieces such as casings, covers, buttons, etc yes I'd say warm water soft brush and dawn or other like soap ensure all soap residue is gone and allow to completely dry before attempting to reassemble(you'll find out why I say that if anyone were to rush it lol). However for electronic circuit boards and other electronic dodads you find in the field 90% or better iso alcohol, personally I use a dedicated cheap tooth brush, ensure your device is discharged before scrubbing away, caps can store energy for long period of time, a cap discharging while your scrubbing away would not be pleasant I'd imagine, scrub it down allow to completely dry before reassembly.