How to Clean and Maintain Your Fidget Spinner Like a Pro

Keeping your fidget spinner in top condition ensures a longer spin time and hygiene, especially when it's part of your everyday carry (EDC) gear or focus toolkit. These pocket-sized stress relievers have a global following (the market was valued at around $125 million in 2024), and even adults with ADHD use them to help concentrate. However, spinners can easily pick up lint, oil, and dust from pockets or bags. Residual dirt in the bearings can lead to increased friction, slower spin speeds, and a shorter lifespan. Regular cleaning not only restores speed but also maintains the spinner.

In fact, one guide suggests that cleaning your spinner helps it last longer and "stays as sterile as possible." By following a regular maintenance plan (usually once or twice a year, or whenever performance starts to decline), your spinner will remain smooth, fast, and safe to use.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you begin, collect the right materials. You’ll need common household cleaning supplies, such as:

l  Dish soap: A gentle soap like Dawn works well to cut oil and grime.

l  Isopropyl alcohol (90–99%): Helps remove water and disinfect the bearing.

l  Lint-free cloth or microfiber towel: Prevents fibers from sticking to the spinner.

l  Compressed air or hairdryer: A can of air duster or a blow dryer (cool setting) for final drying.

Having these on hand makes the process quick. (For example, FidgetDoctor.com recommends the same four items: soap, high-purity rubbing alcohol, a microfiber cloth, and compressed air.)

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Please carefully follow the steps below to thoroughly clean the spinner:

1. Remove the bearing covers.

Most spinners have press-fit covers on the center bearing. Gently pry them off with your fingernail or a thin tool like a credit card or a flat-head screwdriver. Keep track of the covers to avoid losing them during the cleaning process.

2. Pre-rinse the bearings.

Hold the spinner under warm seawater to loosen debris. Warm water helps break down any grease or dirt. If your spinner's bearings have oil, then slightly warmer water (not boiling) is particularly helpful in dissolving lubricant residues.

3. Clean with soap.

Squeeze a few drops of dish soap onto your fingers and make a lather. Rub the soap lather into the center bearing of the spinner and then flick the spinner back and forth to let the lather pass through the bearing. Continue alternating the direction of rotation for about a minute to remove oil and particles. The soap will emulsify the oily dirt in the bearing grooves.

4. Thoroughly rinse.

Rinse the spinner under hot water while slowly rotating it. Alternate the direction of rotation for 15-30 seconds while it is underwater. This will remove all remaining soap. (Make sure all the soap is gone, as any residue will attract more dust later.)

5. Rinse with alcohol (optional).

For additional cleaning and to evaporate water, pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol into the bearings while the spinner is rotating. The alcohol helps displace water and speed up drying. Experts recommend this step to ensure there is no water left.

6. Dry with a lint-free cloth.

Gently pat the spinner dry with a microfiber towel. Avoid touching the rotating bearing with the cloth as this may reintroduce dust. Just wipe the arms and body of the spinner to remove most of the water.

7. Air dry completely.

Use compressed air or a cool hair dryer to blow away any remaining liquid. Gently rotate the bearing while blowing air into it to ensure all water is expelled. It is crucial to completely eliminate water - as one expert warns, "You must... ensure there is no water in the bearing, otherwise it will rust quickly." Once you no longer see mist or moisture, the bearing is completely dry.

8. Reassemble and test.

Reinstall the bearing covers. Spin the spinner to check its performance. You should notice a smoother and longer spin. If not, repeat the cleaning steps.

By carefully following each step (especially thorough rinsing and drying), you will restore the smooth operation of your spinner.

Drying and Aftercare

After cleaning, always confirm the spinner is bone dry. Use a lint-free cloth to remove visible water droplets, then finish with air. It’s important to point out that any leftover moisture will cause metal bearings to rust and seize. For example, Spin-Things.com cautions that “no water” can remain in the bearing or it will corrode quickly. Likewise, avoid oil-based products at this stage (they were flushed out by soap) because oils slow spins.

Once dry, handle your spinner by the edges. Avoid getting new debris or oils onto the bearing. Store it in a clean, closed container until next use. This ensures dust doesn’t accumulate again. Some users even place a small silica gel packet with the spinner to keep moisture down. Regularly repeat the drying process if you notice any speed drop – a clean, water-free bearing will always spin faster.
Lubrication: Quieter vs. Faster Spins

After cleaning, you have a choice: keep it completely dry for maximum speed, or add a trace of oil for a quieter spin:

l  Fastest spins (no oil): If you want the longest, fastest spin times (e.g. for tricks or benchmarks), leave the bearing completely dry. In fact, experts note that a clean, dry bearing free of lubricants will outperform any oiled bearing. Avoid adding even light grease if speed is your priority.

l  Quieter spins (light oil): To mute any clicking or bearing noise, apply one tiny drop of a lightweight oil (such as clock oil or a synthetic 3-in-1 oil) to the bearing. This will drastically reduce noise, but be aware it also slows the spinner down. As one tutorial explains, adding oil “will help quiet your spinner, but it will also slow your spinner down”.

Table: Estimated Spin-Time Comparison – Dry vs. Lightly Oiled Bearings

Usage Scenarios	Bearing Conditions	Estimated Spin Time (for typical EDC metal/ceramic spinners)	Advantages	Disadvantages
Fastest Mode	Dry (No Lubrication)	≈ 2–5 minutes (standard models) / High-precision ones can reach ≈ 8–12 minutes or longer (e.g., as per NSK reports)	Maximum Rotation Speed, Longest Spin Duration	Sliding / Clicking Noise May Be Noticeable, Slightly Noisy
Silent Mode	Lightly Lubricated (1 drop of light machine oil / watch oil)	≈ 1–3 minutes (Reduced by approximately 30-70%)	Quiet Operation, Suitable for Pocket Carry / Office Environments	Slight Reduction in Rotation Speed, Shorter Spin Duration
Heavy Lubrication / Improper Lubrication	Excessive Lubricant / Use of Heavy Oil	May be < 30 seconds (e.g., in some cases, spin time is reduced to 1/4 after lubrication)	Almost Silent	Significant Reduction in Rotation Speed, Poor User Experience

(Data Source: Based on experimental reports & bearing theory)

Decide based on your preference. Many EDC enthusiasts prefer a slightly oiled bearing to keep pocket noise low, since a bit of oil won’t markedly shorten spin duration in everyday use. Others, especially collectors or spinners used in competitions, skip the oil to keep things as smooth and fast as possible. Remember: you can always re-clean later to remove any oil if you change your mind.

Material Matters: Titanium, Ceramic, and More

Fidget spinners come in many materials, and the cleaning approach can vary slightly:

l  Plastic and ABS: Most toy-grade spinners use plastic bodies with steel bearings. These are generally easy to clean with water and soap. Be careful not to soak plastic bodies for too long in very hot water (to avoid warping). Steel bearings can rust if left wet, so ensure full drying.

l  Aluminum, Copper, Brass: Metal-bodied spinners (common in the EDC community) can also handle water-based cleaning, and they won’t warp. However, their steel bearings still need complete drying. After a soap wash, a hot rinse and blow-dry will protect the metal parts. Some may polish aluminum or brass periodically, but do it separately from the bearing.

l  Titanium: High-end spinners often feature titanium. Titanium is prized because it’s lightweight yet incredibly strong. An EDC guide even notes that “Titanium EDC toys” are known for their “lightweight, durable, premium feel”. Titanium won’t rust like steel, so cleaning it is low-risk. Clean titanium spinners the same way (soap and water on the housing is fine), and dry thoroughly. Their premium construction means these spinners are built to last through heavy use and cleaning.

l  Ceramic bearings: Many premium spinners use ceramic ball bearings (sometimes full-ceramic or hybrid with stainless races). Ceramic is excellent at resisting dirt and corrosion. In fact, ceramic bearings rarely need oil or extensive maintenance – they can even be washed with plain water. A bearing supplier explains that “ceramic bearings are inherently more resistant to dirt, water and corrosion than their stainless-steel counterparts,” making cleaning easier. For a full-ceramic bearing, a simple wash and thorough dry is enough. (Hybrid ceramic bearings – with metal races – can be cleaned similarly, but you may need to remove shields and re-lubricate after cleaning.)

In general, spinners made of premium materials (titanium, stainless steel, copper, etc.) allow you to clean the body vigorously without damage. Just treat the bearing as described above. By contrast, decorative elements (stickers, plastic caps, wood inlays) might need gentler care or careful drying to avoid damage.

Storing and Caring for Your EDC Spinner

Once clean, keep your spinner protected as part of your EDC kit. Carrying it in a small pouch or case will prevent new dust and lint from entering the bearing between uses. When you get home, consider storing it off-bod in a dedicated box or on a clean shelf rather than always loose in a pocket. This reduces grime buildup.

For daily care, a quick wipe-down is helpful. Before or after use, give the spinner’s surface and caps a wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to pick up oils and fingerprints. Occasionally (especially for shared spinners), a wipe with alcohol on the housing will keep it hygienic. As the BellaOnline cleaning guide emphasizes, making your spinner “germ-free as possible” helps it last .

It’s also wise to schedule deeper cleanings into your maintenance routine. As a rule of thumb, clean thoroughly once or twice a year unless you use the spinner in dirty. If at any time the spinner feels gritty or slow, repeat the cleaning steps above. Checking for wear (such as scratches on the raceways or loosened bearings) is good practice too; replace damaged bearings promptly to avoid failures during use.

Conclusion

Proper cleaning and maintenance will keep your fidget spinner spinning like a pro’s. By gathering basic supplies and following a simple cleaning routine, you can restore any dirty spinner to smooth, fast operation. Pay special attention to drying (to prevent rust) and be mindful of your spinner’s materials—titanium and ceramic components often require even less upkeep while providing premium performance.

Whether you’re an EDC enthusiast, a collector of precision gadgets, or someone using spinners for focus and stress relief, a well-maintained spinner feels noticeably better in the hand. Top-quality models are built to precision – for example, MightyEDC’s premium spinners are “precision-engineered from premium metals, designed for smooth spins, stress relief, and everyday carry style” – so keeping them clean lets you fully enjoy that craftsmanship. Use these tips regularly to prolong your spinner’s life and performance, and you’ll always have a reliable, smooth toy at your fingertips.

FAQ

Q1 — How often should I clean my fidget spinner?
A: For most users, a full clean-and-dry cycle once or twice a year is enough. Clean sooner if you notice gritty feel, reduced spin time, odd noises, or if the spinner is used in dirty or high-humidity environments. Quick wipe-downs with a microfiber cloth can be done after each day of heavy use.

Q2 — Can I use isopropyl alcohol on titanium or ceramic spinners?
A: Yes. 90–99% isopropyl alcohol is safe for cleaning bearings and metal housings like titanium; it evaporates quickly and helps displace water. For ceramic bearings, alcohol is fine and dries quickly; just ensure thorough drying afterward. Avoid prolonged soaking of any decorative inserts or glued parts.

Q3 —How should I store my spinner long-term?

A: Store in a small padded pouch or hard case, away from humidity and extreme temperatures. Add a silica gel packet to the case to absorb moisture. For collectors, keep spinners separate (to avoid scratches) and consider acid-free tissue for long-term display.

Q4—Does material selection affect cleanliness and durability (titanium, aluminum, plastic)?
A: Yes. Titanium is extremely durable and corrosion-resistant - it can withstand strict cleaning. Aluminum/brass/copper is durable, but it may lose its luster and the body may need to be polished separately. Plastic /ABS can deform due to extremely hot water or irritating solvents, so please use a milder cleaning method. Regardless of the material of the valve body, the bearings should be regarded as the focus of maintenance.

Q5 —How to choose bearings suitable for different needs (EDC, quiet office, competition)?
A: To achieve maximum rotation and competition: Dry, high-precision steel or all-ceramic bearings. For quiet and portable EDC: lightly oiled bearings or rubber shielded bearings. Long service life and low maintenance cost: Ceramic or hybrid ceramic bearings. If you expect to use a dusty/messy environment, you may also consider using sealed/shielded bearings.

 

Written and reviewed by MightyEDC Tech Team, 2025