30

As computers become faster and generate more heat it gets more important to have good ventilation, but that also increases the amount of dust sticking to the components of the computer. It's of course better to make sure the computer never gets dusty by vacuum cleaning around it (not in it) frequently. But what to do if it's already to late?

I've heard that vacuum cleaning the computer itself is very bad, since it can cause static electricity that hurts the computer. So,

Does anyone have any tips for how to remove dust from your computer?

wonea
  • 1,877
Jonas
  • 1,101

13 Answers13

20

I personally used canned air (aka difluroethane).

Just make sure you don't let the blades of the fan spin while you are spraying the canned air as it may damage something.

Mark Johnson
  • 2,701
Alexis Hirst
  • 1,181
8

Here's a nifty little tool that allows to you "blow air" (similar to canned air) but through use of manual labor. Unlimited source of air, and gets you a little bit of exercise as well ;)

rubber blower

James Mertz
  • 26,529
fretje
  • 10,732
4

alt text

An Air Blower like this. Cheap and works very well.

Gareth
  • 19,080
Imran
  • 401
4

Although it might not be the safest option, I just open the computer up and get the vacuum cleaner and suck all the dust up. I have never had any problems with that.

Josh Hunt
  • 21,369
4

There are a few solutions to the problem of a dusty computer:

  • Canned/compressed air. This is the most popular solution.
  • Handheld vacuum cleaner. Little chance of this working if you don't open up your computer's case.
  • Manual, handheld air pump. Obviously, a bit more tedious than the other two. However, it doesn't ever run out of air, and it doesn't need a battery or a cord.

Keep in mind, fan blades inside of the computer shouldn't be allowed to spin while you're cleaning. This could cause damage.

Also, you'll get your computer the cleanest if you open the case and get really close to the dusty parts. A few years of dust can encase the boards, cards, and other hardware in there!

If you use a blower (like canned air), rather than a sucker (like a vacuum), be sure to use it in a well ventilated place. You may want to consider even doing it outdoors. Otherwise, you'll just blow the dust into the computer's own environment, and it will become dusty again more quickly.

stalepretzel
  • 1,176
3

If its somehow impossible to use compressed air of any sort, never try to simulate using your lungs. You don't want to get spit all over your components, and saves your nose from bouts of sneezing too.

I personally like to use a tiny duster, those used for makeup (for the girls to put their powder) , combined with cotton buds and tissue for hard to reach places. Just make sure the girl you got it from never uses it again.

asuna
  • 31
3

Combination of a vacuum cleaner, a can of compressed air, and ambidexterity worthy of a ninja.

Daniel Huckstep
  • 1,020
2

I use a 1 kg Makita leaf blower which I use on PCs, printers, and even the keyboard. It's fast and anti-static and can be a high-velocity vacuum as well. It's not worth much, but it's handy.

Mateen Ulhaq
  • 3,728
aapman
  • 21
2

Compressed air is definitely a must for all the computer components, but it does have the problem of sending dust all over you case. So, for cleaning all the excess dust from the case, which I never forget when doing yearly cleanings, I just use a lightly damp paper towel to do a quick clean on your case only. You can also do this on your fans, just make sure you remove the grills first and make sure that they are dry before putting them back in to your case.

Chuck
  • 491
2

I recommend using a hose. But do it in the yard so you don't flood the room.

Assaf Lavie
  • 2,012
2

Air compressor is great as long as you're holding fan blades while cleaning around them - else it can get pretty expensive.

mwore
  • 121
0

I use a 100 psi air compressor that pushes 5.3 gpm (gallons per minute at 90psi) of air. Once a year or so I go full force for 30 seconds or so (do the math) on my HP 8510W for nothing less but to reduce the fan speed. Which by the way has worked.

I have never had an issue and if the can of air is an issue, it may be from that white hazy stuff that is caused from the can itself.

Air should not cause the issue, particulates may.

Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007
  • 113,841
joe.feser
  • 101
0

You can also use an anti-static brush. They sell cheap at Amazon.

Karolinger
  • 1,001