Computer cleaning

16 years ago

My computer is very dusty inside. I have cleaned it before inside being very carefull so I thought, I use the canned air and gently blow the dust of the fans vents ect. But evey time I have cleaned the inside of my Computer about 5 hours after turing it back on and using it something blows. One time it was the power supply. next time it was the video card. It needs cleaning and I'm afraid I will again ruin something. Any tips would greatly appreciated as to what I am doing wrong.

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Comments (9)

Jonesy
16 years ago
I opened my last computer and followed the instructions to a T and the hard drive went out about a month later. Probably didn't have a thing to do with it, but can't be sure. LOL
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
16 years ago
The one thing you absolutely must do is ground yourself so that no static electric charge can happen, that can definitely cause things to go awry. At any computer type store or electronics store you can pick up an anti-static wrist band, they cost like $2, you velcro it to your wrist then attach the clip to the metal part of the computer, this keeps a good ground so there is no chance of a shock. I only work on my pc with a wrist band on.
Using the canned air is good but you have to be careful not to get too close to the motherboard and use the air gently.
I have a little bitty vacuum made just for cleaning a computer that has a long skinny extension that gets in the nooks and crannies, but I would not use a regular vac they could be much too powerful and suck something loose.
Also make sure all connections are nice and tight when you are done, messing around in there can loosen things.
Most little fixit computer places will clean one for pretty cheap.
You can buy some of the mini computer vacs at most electronics stores for $20 or so which do both vac and blow.
Better than spending the money on canned air.
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mikie_gw
16 years ago
Blowind dust into a loose connection ?

Over time just being moved around, or with hot and cool cycles, or when you fiddle with them. Many things just plug into the main board and they do come loose sometimes.

I had the graphics card fall loose in a tower one day as I was hooking up a monitor. It had been loose a long time and working fine until I moved it.
genes
16 years ago
The other thing about canned air, is you have to be careful when using it, that the can is upright all the time or it will blow moisture out. Moisture and electronics dont mix
iowagirl2006
16 years ago
Don't let your fan blades twirl. I use a small paint brush to hold them so they don't spin.

Are you cleaning the motherboard fan? That one can get really bad - it is located on the motherboard (it is small). Clean it and the heat sink - carefully!

I am assuming you have the computer unplugged while you are doing this (don't laugh - I have seen some that don't!) After I unplug the machine - I press the power button once to discharge any residual power.

Make sure you are grounded.

Hold the air can straight up to avoid moisture.

The little vaccums mentioned above are nice - make sure they are the battery powered type.
gardenandcats
Original Author
16 years ago
How do I make sure I am grounded?
mikie_gw
16 years ago
Take your shoes and socks off.
Can you feel the ground ?

That's usually what I do when I'm inside a computer case then lean on the case with an arm or hand or put my toes up against it,,, sometimes my forehead. You want your body and bare metal of the case at the same electrical potential. So your aura and the case's match.
johnkr
16 years ago
Cleaning the inside of a computer is an important part of a maintenance program. Dusty fans on processors, power supplies and graphics accelerators usually cause them to burn out prematurely. If the inside of your computer is dusty, it needs to be cleaned.

I have used a small vacuum on the blow setting for years and never had a problem. It helps to have a diagram of the motherboard so you can reconnect anything that disconnects. Its a good idea to make sure all the connectors are secure before you clean the computer.

Computers get dirty because fans pull in dust with the air required for cooling. If there is less dust in the environment, there will be less dust inside the computer. If your computer is getting really dusty in a short period of time, you need to do a little maintenance outside of the case. If your computer is on the floor, you may want to move it to the desktop. Dust falls to the floor so a computer on the floor is closer to the dust. Frequent vacuuming of the floor will also reduce dust.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
16 years ago
To be sure you stay grounded just get an anti-static wrist strap! They are dirt cheap and will keep you grounded with out having to contort your body to make sure you are touching the right part.

Here is a picture of one in the link.
you can get them at any electronics store, this one is from newegg and is $3.99
BE safe not sorry.

Putting your pc up off the floor on a box or pedestal or some stacked boards will definitely help keep it cleaner, just make sure it is stable.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1468042}}