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Cleaning the Computer

18 years ago

Can someone tell me how to clean the computer of dust and etc. Thanks in advance.

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Comments (10)

socks
18 years ago
What part of the computer, inside?

Of course, the outside can be wiped with a soft dush cloth.

Last time my son had my computer opened up, I wanted to vacuum the dusty insides, but he said not to do it, so we left it dusty.

The keyboard can be turned upside down to shake out dust and crumbs. Also can be wiped with an alcohol pad which can be run between the keys also. That's what I do.

If you have a regular mouse, it's good to take it apart and clean the little wheels with a q-tip dipped in alcohol. Watch for hair, especially if you have a kitty.
bestlawn
18 years ago
Sock, I don't understand that. The inside should be cleaned out or the dust can clog things, especially your power supply fan, processor fan, and video card fan (if yours has one). I was going to vacuum mine a couple weeks ago, but my very techie cousin told me not to. He hasn't done it yet but said he would blow it out. That's done by using the blower end of the hose (not the suctioning) on the vacuum cleaner. He takes everything out to blow the individual cards and fans. Very messy, but he says it's the best way. If vacuuming (suctioning) is all you can do, then get it done rather than leave it so dusty inside. You especially want to vacuum the vented area in the back of the case. That you can see well and it always gets clogged with dust.
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patches_02
18 years ago
I use compressed air that's made just for this purpose.
Be sure and turn computer off and unplug. I would think if your going to use a vacuum you would want to point it in another direction before blowing because sometimes it blows out dirt.
Mickey15
18 years ago
Do as bestlawn says. We own a computer business. We take the computers outside and blow all the dust out of them. Leaving them dusty inside can burn up components in your computer. As a mattter of fact, last week a laptop was in here that kept shutting down, and it turned out the processor was coated with dust.
socks
18 years ago
I was just reporting what my son said, not that we are experts by any means. Blowing sounds like a good way, and I'll remember that the next time we take the computer apart.
bestlawn
18 years ago
Socks, I didn't mean for that to sound surly.
Sorry if it did.
caroline1947
18 years ago
A friend of mine cleans mine once or twice a year with a special vacuum and you must ground it or you can blow up your motherboard.I dont know about the blowing it out business but would be interested to hear more about that and if its safe.
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
18 years ago
Also, when the Dell Man was here installing my new (free under warranty) motherboard, he blew mine out with a small compressor. He explained that it is very beneficial to get it up off of the floor so it will draw in less dust. He suggested getting it up just a bit if possible, like on a small stool or something. Maybe tomorrow......

Sue
joyfulguy
18 years ago
Sure glad that my bed doesn't go on strike if there are some duct (sorry - "dust") bunnies around!

o j
iowagirl2006
18 years ago
I recommend backing up your data before doing a clean out - just in case.

I clean mine out twice a year. I use the compressed air - but make sure you hold the can straight up or it can let moisture out.

Unplug everything first, then press the power button to discharge any residual power left in the machine.

I use a thin paintbrush to hold the fans still when I blow on them.

Make sure you clean the motherboard fan good. I take the fan off and clean the heat sink - I have had trouble with it. Make sure you remember how to put it back together though! :)

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