Comments on: How to Clean Dust From Computers http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/ Wed, 23 May 2012 19:57:18 +0000 hourly 1 By: Dave http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-41240 Dave Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:35:28 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-41240 Keep in mind that fans are electric motors, which when power is applied, spins the fan. It also works the other way, if they are spun, they create electricity, just like a generator. Block the fan from spinning before blowing so the blades don't spin. Same goes for CPU and power unit fans. Keep in mind that fans are electric motors, which when power is applied, spins the fan. It also works the other way, if they are spun, they create electricity, just like a generator. Block the fan from spinning before blowing so the blades don’t spin. Same goes for CPU and power unit fans.

]]> By: Mark http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-29208 Mark Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:34:29 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-29208 As an industrial controls engineer that works in manufacturing, I've seen a lot of boards come and go. I concur with all of Steve's precautions for cleaning electronics, but I do one more thing. because moving air is notorious for creating static electricity in copious amounts, (the hose may be rubber, but the lining is most likely a woven poly, like polyester carpet is woven from) I use a metal nozzle, and hard wire a ground to it. I don't rely on my personal ground for this application, it could create a "static" ground loop. As an industrial controls engineer that works in manufacturing, I’ve seen a lot of boards come and go. I concur with all of Steve’s precautions for cleaning electronics, but I do one more thing. because moving air is notorious for creating static electricity in copious amounts, (the hose may be rubber, but the lining is most likely a woven poly, like polyester carpet is woven from) I use a metal nozzle, and hard wire a ground to it. I don’t rely on my personal ground for this application, it could create a “static” ground loop.

]]> By: Chris http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-26346 Chris Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:34:30 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-26346 Many company's including the one I work for use air compressor's, It has been the most efficient and detailed way to Clean Our servers/Computers, I also use one to Clean My custom gaming Pc which I have invested well over $7,000 in. When using an Air compressor here are a few things to remember: 1. Make sure it is a Oil-less compressor. 2. 60-70 Psi is sufficient, for caked on dust you can set it to 80. 3. Try to get a compressor that has a filter(I have a 2 stage filter, one takes moisture out of the air and dust particles to .02 microns) if yours does not have one you can get it from sears and attach it for $19.99. If your compressor is indoors like mine you don't really need a filter that takes the moisture out if you make sure you empty your compressor every day and each time you start it blow some air out initially before blowing your pc out, if there is any water in it from condensation in the air it will come out with the first blow. 3.Use a pencil or small wood stick (I use a small stick I got from a craft store which is about half the diameter of a pencil, then wrap it with electrical tape) you will use this when cleaning out fans with a compressor if you don't the fan will spin much faster then it was intended. place the stick inside so the fan will not spin. Ground yourself of course and also if you really want to get fancy they make 4-6" extension air blowers that are very fine for blowing and getting every little detail (kind of like the plastic tube a can of compressed air has.) Many company’s including the one I work for use air compressor’s, It has been the most efficient and detailed way to Clean Our servers/Computers, I also use one to Clean My custom gaming Pc which I have invested well over $7,000 in.

When using an Air compressor here are a few things to remember:

1. Make sure it is a Oil-less compressor.

2. 60-70 Psi is sufficient, for caked on dust you can set it to 80.

3. Try to get a compressor that has a filter(I have a 2 stage filter, one takes moisture out of the air and dust particles to .02 microns) if yours does not have one you can get it from sears and attach it for $19.99.

If your compressor is indoors like mine you don’t really need a filter that takes the moisture out if you make sure you empty your compressor every day and each time you start it blow some air out initially before blowing your pc out, if there is any water in it from condensation in the air it will come out with the first blow.

3.Use a pencil or small wood stick (I use a small stick I got from a craft store which is about half the diameter of a pencil, then wrap it with electrical tape) you will use this when cleaning out fans with a compressor if you don’t the fan will spin much faster then it was intended. place the stick inside so the fan will not spin.

Ground yourself of course and also if you really want to get fancy they make 4-6″ extension air blowers that are very fine for blowing and getting every little detail (kind of like the plastic tube a can of compressed air has.)

]]> By: Oldfart http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-24429 Oldfart Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:31:22 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-24429 I always have used a vacuum cleaner (reversed, of course) to blow out my computers which I do every few months. I have never had a static charge problem with them or trouble with magnetic fields. I have tried compressed air and think that's a bad idea. Compressed air can freeze components and break circuit lines on circuit boards not to mention dumping condensation all over your computer. When I blow out my computers depends on how hot they are getting. I just built a new one recently and have had to blow it out already. With the proper monitor which usually comes with the motherboard, you can monitor the CPU temperature and see when it is going up. I always have used a vacuum cleaner (reversed, of course) to blow out my computers which I do every few months. I have never had a static charge problem with them or trouble with magnetic fields. I have tried compressed air and think that’s a bad idea. Compressed air can freeze components and break circuit lines on circuit boards not to mention dumping condensation all over your computer.

When I blow out my computers depends on how hot they are getting. I just built a new one recently and have had to blow it out already. With the proper monitor which usually comes with the motherboard, you can monitor the CPU temperature and see when it is going up.

]]> By: William http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-14329 William Mon, 18 May 2009 18:36:20 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-14329 A gas duster (not a can of air) usually just works fine for me, usually a store brand or Dust-Off. A gas duster (not a can of air) usually just works fine for me, usually a store brand or Dust-Off.

]]> By: Nick http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-6504 Nick Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:30:33 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-6504 Randall - Grateful if you could let me know the name and specs of your compressor. Also details of the water-oil separator and the exact name of the needle valve so that I ask for it at the hardware stores. Thanks! Randall – Grateful if you could let me know the name and specs of your compressor. Also details of the water-oil separator and the exact name of the needle valve so that I ask for it at the hardware stores. Thanks!

]]> By: Rene http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-4956 Rene Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:29:35 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-4956 Never use a vacuum cleaner because the magnetic static off the vacuum cleaner can really damage your hardware. Never use a vacuum cleaner because the magnetic static off the vacuum cleaner can really damage your hardware.

]]> By: Randall http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-4314 Randall Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:17:30 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-4314 I use an air compressor. I attach an adjustable needle valve to the end of the hose. The needle valve is available from Harbor Freight Tools for about a dollar. The needle valve is adjustable to a steady puff of air. I also have a water-oil separator in line. I use an air compressor. I attach an adjustable needle valve to the end of the hose. The needle valve is available from Harbor Freight Tools for about a dollar. The needle valve is adjustable to a steady puff of air.

I also have a water-oil separator in line.

]]> By: Robert http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-327 Robert Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:01:34 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-327 You should rarely have to clean a computer. I have seen computers that work in a totally dusty shop, covered with metal laden dust to the point where the keyboard has to be pulled up and shaken before it can work. The computer lasted for 11 years in this room where jewelry is polished. I have seen computers filled with roach carcasses and even a mouse. The very best way to get your computer clean is to put in a bigger and better hard drive. Let the installer clean up your mess. You should rarely have to clean a computer. I have seen computers that work in a totally dusty shop, covered with metal laden dust to the point where the keyboard has to be pulled up and shaken before it can work.

The computer lasted for 11 years in this room where jewelry is polished.

I have seen computers filled with roach carcasses and even a mouse.

The very best way to get your computer clean is to put in a bigger and better hard drive. Let the installer clean up your mess.

]]> By: Vivian http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-299 Vivian Sat, 13 Oct 2007 10:24:30 +0000 http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-dust-from-computers/#comment-299 Try using a hair dryer on cool not hot or warm! You don't need to use anything with too much power when blowing the dust out of the PC! The more powerful the blower the danger to your PC!! Try using a hair dryer on cool not hot or warm!

You don’t need to use anything with too much power

when blowing the dust out of the PC!
The more powerful the blower the danger to your PC!!

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