How to Clean FPV Motors (Step-by-Step Guide for Dirt, Dust, and Debris)

If your FPV motors have been exposed to dirt, dust, grass, or fine metallic debris, cleaning them out properly can bring them back to life—and extend their lifespan significantly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to safely disassemble, clean, and reassemble your FPV motors so they run smooth and quiet again.

This process works for most common FPV motors and doesn’t require anything fancy—just a few basic tools and a little patience.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following:

  • Cotton swabs (Q-tips)

  • Rubbing alcohol (use sparingly)

  • An old toothbrush

  • 1.5mm hex driver (high quality recommended)

Ethix Prop Tool - 1.5mm

Step 1: Disassembling the Motor

Start by removing the bell screw on the bottom of the motor using a 1.5mm hex driver.

Once the screw is out, you should be able to separate the bell from the stator—but don’t be surprised if it feels stubborn. The magnets inside the bell are strong and really want to stay attached.

Pro Tip for Separation

If the bell is hard to pull off:

  1. Partially remove the bell screw.

  2. Thread it back in just a bit.

  3. Use the screw as a handle to give yourself extra leverage.

This makes separating the bell much easier without stressing the bearings.

Step 2: Inspecting the Motor Interior

Once open, take a look inside the bell. You’ll often see brown or black dust clinging to the magnets—this is usually a mix of fine metal particles and dirt attracted by the magnetic field.

Not everything inside needs to be removed:

  • Loose debris: Yes, clean it out.

  • Dark putty near magnets: Leave it alone.

That dark putty is factory balancing compound. Removing it can throw the motor out of balance and cause vibrations.

Step 3: Cleaning the Bell with Blue Tack

Blue tack is your best friend here.

  1. Take a small piece and gently mash it into the inside of the bell.

  2. Work it around the magnets and spokes.

  3. Pull it out and repeat until it comes out mostly clean.

This method grabs magnetic dust without spreading it around—and it’s safe for adhesives and coatings.

Make sure you:

  • Clean between magnets

  • Clean the top of each spoke

  • Avoid disturbing the balancing putty

Step 4: Fine Cleaning with Q-Tips and Alcohol (Optional)

Sometimes blue tack won’t grab everything. For stubborn grime:

  • Lightly dampen a Q-tip with rubbing alcohol

  • Gently wipe the inside of the bell

  • Immediately follow with a dry Q-tip

⚠️ Important:
Use alcohol sparingly. It can dissolve adhesives, and while it rarely causes issues, it’s best not to soak anything.

Step 5: Using a Toothbrush for Detail Work

An old toothbrush is perfect for:

  • Cleaning between magnets

  • Removing fine debris blue tack can’t reach

If you use alcohol here, apply it lightly and dry the area quickly with a clean Q-tip. The faster the alcohol evaporates, the safer it is for the motor.

Step 6: Cleaning the Shaft and Bearings (Carefully)

  • Wipe the motor shaft clean

  • Brush the top of the bearing gently

Avoid using alcohol on bearings. Most FPV motor bearings are not fully sealed and contain factory grease—you don’t want to wash that out.

A dry brush is usually enough.

Step 7: Reassembling the Motor

When putting the motor back together:

  • Gently slide the bell back onto the stator

  • Do not snap it together—the magnets can slam into the bearings and damage them

  • Reinstall the bell screw

Most motor screws already have blue Loctite applied from the factory. Tighten the screw finger-tight, not overly snug.

Over-tightening doesn’t help and can cause issues later.

Final Check

Before calling it done:

  • Make sure the motor spins freely

  • Listen for grinding or scraping

  • Confirm there’s no debris left inside

If everything feels smooth, you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your FPV motors is one of the easiest ways to:

  • Restore smooth performance

  • Reduce noise and vibration

  • Extend motor life after dirty crashes