How to Clean Your Computer and Its Internal Components Safely
Computer dust is very easy to spot. However, computer dust that is concealed will take months before you even think about cleaning.
If you wish to clean your computer, there are certain things that you will need. These include some safety measures before starting the cleaning process.
This computer cleaning guide will focus on the computer casing, screen, keyboard, mouse, and interior components of a desktop.
Why Your Computer Needs Cleaning
Heat is produced when your computer works. The fans inside your computer circulate air that carries away the heat. Dust is drawn into the computer along with the air.
After some time, dust settles and causes air to stop flowing from vents and gaps around cooling components. This means that the computer may have problems cooling itself.
However, dust does not cause all sluggish computers and noisy fans. Programs like games can cause increased activity by the fans.
Dust should be evident before you decide that the problem can be solved by cleaning the computer.
Get Your Cleaning Tools Ready
Keep these items nearby:
Two clean microfiber cloths, including one just for the screen.
A can of electronics air duster.
A screwdriver that fits your case screws.
A small bowl to hold the screws.
A flashlight.
An antistatic wrist strap for work inside the case.
An antistatic wristband is used to prevent static electricity damage to the small parts. Always read the manual that comes with it and your computer's repair manual.
Find out what cleaning liquids are compatible with your computer and screen. Do not use a vacuum cleaner in your house inside the computer case. It will create static electricity. Avoid using hairdryers and other air tools from workshops.
How to Clean a PC Safely Before You Start
Save your work and turn off the computer. Then disconnect the computer from the power supply. Sleep mode does not turn off the computer completely.
Disconnect the mouse, keyboard, screen cable, and other cables. Make sure to take pictures if you might forget how to reconnect them.
Move the computer to a desk in a dry place with ventilation. Do not have any beverages near. Also, do not use a carpeted surface and make sure that you have enough space to place the side panel.
Let the hot components cool down before touching them.
Before opening the case, make sure to read the manual of your computer model. Use the wrist strap as directed, usually with its clip on bare metal of the unplugged case. Do not plug the computer back in while you clean.
How to Clean Desktop Computer Cases and Filters
Begin with the exterior. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off loose dust from the top, front, and sides.
In case there are any stains, dampen the cloth lightly with a cleaner that is recommended by your computer manufacturer. Squeeze out the cleaner onto the cloth, but never apply it directly on the case. The cloth must not be dripping.
Avoid getting any liquid near the buttons, ports, and openings on the case. Clean the area surrounding these components using a dry part of the cloth.
If your case has dust filters, then remove them as per the instructions given in the guide. Remove loose dust using air or a soft brush, not towards the computer.
Clean the filter only if its care guide allows you to do so. Make sure the entire filter is dry before reattaching it.
How to Clean Computer Internal Components
Remove the side panel by following your computer’s guide. Never force a panel that will not move.
If the panel contains glass, support it with both hands and place it on a soft, stable surface.
Look for dust on fans, cooling fins, and the bottom of the case.
When cleaning computer hardware, leave parts in place whenever you can reach the dust safely. You do not need to unplug every wire or remove each part.
Clear Loose Dust With Short Bursts of Air
The way to learn how to clean dust out of a computer is by using air and patience.
Keep the air can upright, and follow the directions on the label. Spray in short bursts, not in one long blast. Keep the nozzle at the distance indicated by the directions, which will probably be four inches from the parts unless otherwise specified.
Begin near the top and work down. Aim dust toward the open side of the case.
Check where the dust goes before you continue. Do not push the nozzle into ports or touch the boards.
Stop Fans From Spinning While You Clean
Take the fan out easily and hold it gently from its center before blowing air across the blades. Don’t bend the blades and don’t apply pressure to the wires surrounding them.
The strong airflow could spin the fan excessively and destroy it.
If dust has settled on the blade, use a soft brush for cleaning electronic devices and use very little force while cleaning.
Avoid touching anything that is near or attached to the fan when it is unreachable. Otherwise, it will turn out to be a repair job itself.
Clean the Gaps Around Cooling Parts
The processor and graphics card often have metal blocks with many thin fins. These parts help move heat into the air. Dust can build up between the fins.
Hold any fan you can safely reach still, then blow gentle air through the gaps. Choose an angle that lets the dust leave the case. Take care not to bend the thin metal.
Keep the processor cooler in place during a normal clean. Removing it disrupts the thin layer of paste that moves heat from the processor to the cooler.
Leave the graphics card in place too, unless you know how to remove and refit it safely.
Be Gentle Around Boards and Storage Drives
The motherboard is the large board that connects many of the computer’s parts. Use gentle airto clear loose dust.
Do not scrub the board, wipe it with a damp cloth, or spray liquid onto it. Avoid rubbing the small metal contacts on memory sticks.
Leave storage drives closed. Opening a hard drive lets dust reach parts that need a clean setting.
If you find sticky marks, rust, or signs of a drink spill, stop. Ask a trained repair worker to check the computer.
Never Open the Power Supply
The power supply is the box that supplies power to the computer components. It may still have an electric charge even when the computer is unplugged.
Clean only the outside air grill and any dust filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Do not insert any brush, screwdriver, or other object through the grill.
If there is too much dust inside, consult a professional technician.
Clean the Screen Without Scratching It
Turn off the screen and unplug it. Use the clean cloth you kept just for the display.
Wipe gently. Do not press hard on a mark or rub it over and over.
If a dry cloth does not remove a fingerprint, check the screen’s care guide. Some screens allow a cloth with a little water. Others need a special method.
Never spray liquid straight onto the screen. Avoid window cleaner, and do not use alcohol unless the screen maker allows it.
Remove Dirt From the Keyboard and Mouse
Pull the plug from the keyboard or remove power from its wireless function. Tilt the keyboard and allow loose particles to spill off.
If the manufacturer permits it, blow short bursts of air between keys. Clean the tops of the keys with a moistened cloth. Avoid getting any liquid into spaces.
Avoid removing keys from the keyboard unless it is designed for it and you understand how to do so properly.
Disconnect the power supply to the mouse. Clean the top, sides, and bottom of the mouse. Dust should be removed from the areas around the wheel. The tiny hole below should be checked, but nothing should be poked into it.
Take More Care With a Laptop
Laptops have tight spaces, thin wires, and an internal battery. Their parts can break if you pull or press in the wrong place.
Read your model’s repair guide before opening it. Follow the steps to disconnect the battery before touching internal parts. Get help if you cannot do this safely.
For outside vents, use only the cleaning method your laptop maker recommends.
Check Everything Before You Switch On
Remove all tools and loose screws. Check that no wire touches a fan blade. Refit the filters and panels, then reconnect the cables.
Turn on the computer and listen. If you hear scraping or rattling sounds, shut it down and unplug it before checking again.
Make Cleaning a Regular Habit
PC basic maintenance requires you to conduct periodic checks of the ventilation areas every month and open your computer to inspect it every three to six months. This can be done more often if your household pets stay at home and your room collects dust fast.
Computer cleaning knowledge will be useful in learning how to maintain clean areas before it’s too late for any cleaning techniques. Use appropriate computer cleaning techniques, keep vents clean of dust, and keep the working area organized.