How To Clean Stuff » How to Clean Dust From Computers

How to Clean Dust From Computers

10 Comments
  1. Jim Smith has posted a tip on October 1, 2007, 10:38 pm

    Power off the PC. Disconnect all cables. Take it out into the backyard/driveway etc. Open up the case(usually just 4 screws or clips). Get out your trusty leaf blower and let it have it ! DO NOT TOUCH the insides of the case with any part of the leafblower, but direct the air inside the case and into every exterior opening, including the fan(s)-Reassemble the unit and enjoy.

  2. James Kirchman has posted a tip on October 3, 2007, 10:52 pm

    If you have an air compressor, you can use a blower attachment to blow compressed air into the PC and clean it that way.

  3. Greg has posted a tip on October 6, 2007, 5:43 pm

    2 methods are best to clean the dust from your computer. Use canned air to blow the dust out. Use of a compressor will put moisture and possible rust from the compressor into your computer. The other method is to use either a data vacuum or a shop vac with a crevice tool, again, being careful not to touch anything inside. Leave it plugged in while you do this so it is grounded and can dissipate any static electricity built up by the particles blowing through your computer.

  4. Sylvia Gallus has posted a tip on October 8, 2007, 2:58 pm

    1. NEVER use an air compressor (as Greg mentioned above). In addition to moisture and possible rust, air lines can have air tool oil in them. Also, the psi of a typical blower is strong enough to damage components in your computer. I use a home vacuum cleaner which provides blowing air that’s also filtered.

    2. If possible (ie; you’ve done it before), remove the power supply from the computer. Open the power supply case (note - may void the warranty) so you can blow it separately. The power supply usually collects a lot of dust.

    3. You’ll want to take the computer’s case off and go outdoors to blow the computer clean (usually there’s substantial dust inside). If it’s hot and humid outside, and you’re in an air conditioned room, wait for a dry day. Taking a cold computer outside on a humid day could result in water condensation that can damage it, especially when you blow the water droplets all over.

    4. Greg’s comment about leaving the power cable plugged in to dissipate static is a good idea, but make sure you turn off the power switch on the power supply; not your computer’s front power switch, the one on the back where the cord plugs in. There should be no LEDs lit on the inside the computer, anywhere. If you don’t have a power supply on/off switch, and there is still a lit LED, you will have to unplug the power cord because your motherboard is still live.

    5. If you are not removing your case fan, CPU, and/or power supply fans, use a plastic twist tie and/or a plastic fork tied into the fan to secure them. If you have no access to a fan, be careful not to drive it up to a high speed when blowing the area. Fans are not meant to blast around at extra high speeds.

  5. Pat has posted a tip on October 10, 2007, 1:44 am

    Open the case and blow out dust using canned air available at most computer supply stores. Be sure not to touch any of the components inside with your hands, unless you have a static discharge mat that you are touching also.

  6. Vivian Miller has posted a tip on October 13, 2007, 6:24 am

    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!!

  7. Robert Cowger has posted a tip on October 16, 2007, 12:01 pm

    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.

  8. Randall Lipham has posted a tip on September 20, 2008, 6:17 pm

    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 adjustsble to a steady puff of air.

    I have a water-oil seperator in line.

  9. Rene has posted a tip on October 1, 2008, 2:29 pm

    never use a vacuum cleaner cuz the magnetic static off the vacuum cleaner can really damage your hardware.

  10. Nick has posted a tip on November 9, 2008, 11:30 pm

    Randall Lipham - 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!

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