Dust and dirt are PC's worst enemies. When dust builds up and sticks to fans and components, it's harder for the PC to "breathe" and it's more likely to overheat. This will burden the hardware so that its life can be shorter. Cleaning your PC regularly can significantly increase the life of your computer, and if you do it regularly, it should only take you a few minutes to clean it. See Step 1 below to get started.
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Part 1 of 4: Cleaning the Computer Case
Step 1. Determine where to blow dust off the computer
You will use compressed air and a vacuum cleaner to remove most of the dust from the inside of the computer. So find a place to blow out the dust without worrying about getting dirty. You can use the garage or workbench, or just do it outdoors if it's not raining.
Set up your desk so you can open your computer easily without bending over or placing it on the ground
Step 2. Gather the required equipment
You'll need a plus screwdriver, compressed air (both in the can and through the compressor), a small vacuum cleaner that can get into tight crevices, a toothbrush and 99% isopropyl alcohol.
- Do not use an old vacuum cleaner with a metal tip, as these vacuum cleaners are usually poorly grounded and can damage components. The best suckers are the newer handheld models with extendable plastic hoses.
- The toothbrush used must have soft bristles, and must be new.
Step 3. Shut down the computer and unplug all peripherals
Turn off the computer and disconnect all cables at the back. Make sure the monitor, any USB cables, ethernet cables, speaker cables, or any cables are unplugged. Turn off the switch on the power supply and then disconnect the power cord.
Step 4. Lay the computer on its side
Place the computer on its side on the workbench. Make sure the connector on the back of the case is positioned closest to the surface. These connectors attach to the motherboard (motherboard), and can help ensure that you are removing the correct side panel.
Step 5. Remove the side panel
Remove the screws that secure the side panel. These screws can be found along the back of the computer. Most modern casings have screws that can be removed without tools, but you'll need to use a screwdriver to unscrew older models or unscrew screws that are too tight.
Set the screws aside so they don't get lost
Step 6. Perform initial vacuuming
Depending on how long your computer hasn't been cleaned, the appearance of your computer's contents may be quite gruesome. Dust tends to accumulate and stick to some components, and the entire interior can be covered by a fine, gray layer. Use the vacuum cleaner to explore the inside of the computer and suck a lot of dust from components and crevices.
Be careful not to let the suction tip hit any of the components as you explore the inside. Many of the components inside are very fragile, and your hardware could be damaged if the pins or connectors are bent
Step 7. Use compressed air to blow dust from the cracks
Take a can of compressed air or an air compressor and blow hard to reach the opening. Use a vacuum to help reduce the amount of dust that is spread by blowing.
- Avoid long, long puffs, as this will make the can of compressed air unbearable because it is too cold.
- Do not clean the fan with compressed air. Blowing on the fan can make it spin faster than it should and potentially damage the fan.
Step 8. Clean the fan with suction and alcohol
Use a vacuum to remove a lot of dust on the fan blades. Dip a toothbrush in rubbing alcohol, and gently scrub away any dust that sticks to the blade.
- The fan will be easier to clean if you remove it first. You will need to remove the screws that secure the fan to the chassis, then remove the cable connecting the fan to the motherboard. Make sure you note where the fan is installed, so you can easily reinstall it after the fan is finished cleaning.
- Make sure you reinstall the fan in the same direction as before removing it. The fan blows in one direction, and reversing the direction of airflow can significantly affect engine cooling. Most fans print an arrow on the top of the cover indicating the direction the fan is blowing.
Step 9. Remove components for deep cleaning
While sucking and removing dust is sufficient for a basic cleaning, you will need to remove each component to thoroughly clean it. Make sure you are properly grounded before touching any internal components. Place the removed part on an antistatic surface such as wood or rubber.
- You can remove the graphics card by removing the screws that secure it to the case, releasing the tabs underneath, and then gently pulling it straight in. You will need to disconnect the power cord to completely remove it. Place the graphics card on a workbench, and use a brush and rubbing alcohol to remove stubborn dust.
- By removing the hard drive and all optical drives, you will find it easier to clean as these components are often stored in hard-to-reach bay areas. To remove the drive, open both sides of the casing so that you can reach the screws securing the drive side. Most optical drives are pulled out from the front of the case after the screws are removed.
- By removing the CPU cooler, you can clean crevices in the heat sink as well as brush dust off the fans. Each type of heat sink may have a different installation method, so make sure you check the documentation before removing it. Some heat sinks require you to remove the bracket from the back of the motherboard. The CPU cooler that has been removed will need to be applied with new thermal paste in order to re-attach.
Step 10. Clean off the heat
Depending on your shroud, there may be traces of heat on the fan or on the airflow. Use compressed air to blow it out of the casing, then remove any traces of heat on the outside with a duster.
Part 2 of 4: Cleaning the Keyboard
Step 1. Unplug the keyboard
You even have to unplug the keyboard first before sucking the dirt off the top of the keyboard. This will help reduce the chance of electrostatic damage.
Step 2. Use a vacuum cleaner
Run the tip of the vacuum cleaner all over the keys on the board. Press each button while cleaning so you can reach the gaps.
Step 3. Turn the keyboard over and shake it
Hold the keyboard upside down on a work surface that's easy to clean (or doesn't need cleaning, like outdoors). Run your hands over the keys while shaking the keyboard held upside down. You will see a lot of dirt being pushed out.
Step 4. Disassemble the button
To thoroughly clean the keyboard, disassemble each key for easy cleaning and access to the inside of the board. Disassembling all the buttons is a bit of a tedious job, but you can avoid having to replace a dirty keyboard with a new one.
- To disassemble the button, press the button on the front of the button you want to remove. Insert a flat object such as a car key or a flat-head screwdriver under the button you want to remove. Gently pry the button until it pops out and releases. Repeat this process until all buttons are released.
- The spacebar is a little tricky to disassemble, so leave the spacebar attached.
- Snap a photo of the keyboard before you remove all the buttons for easy reattachment.
Step 5. Disassemble the keyboard
Once all the buttons are released, you can separate the keypad cover. Turn the keyboard over and remove all the retaining screws. Keep all these small components separate to make sure you know where each one is located.
Each type of keyboard has a different way of disassembling, and some keyboards cannot be disassembled
Step 6. Wash all components
After disassembling the keyboard, wash most of the components. Plastic parts can be washed in the dishwasher or hand washed. Each button is hand washable, or you can put them all in a covered dishwasher basket.
- Most keyboards have a rubber contact pad that provides a spring to the keys. This component is not electronic and can be washed in the dishwasher or cleaned with hot water and soap.
- Do not wash anything that has logic or circuit boards, and do not wash any wiring. You can clean it using rubbing alcohol and a brush.
Step 7. Rearrange the keyboard
Once everything is washed and dry, you can put it all back together. Make sure all components are reassembled the same as before the board was disassembled. See the photo of the keypad for your reference when installing the buttons.
- You can reattach all the buttons by simply pressing them straight into place.
- Make sure all buttons to be installed are completely dry and cool before installing. Moisture can damage the keyboard when you plug it back in.
Part 3 of 4: Cleaning the Mouse
Step 1. Unplug the mouse
Before cleaning the mouse, make sure you have unplugged it from the computer. this will help the mouse get damaged during the cleaning process.
Step 2. Clean the button
Use a cloth or brush dipped in alcohol and rub the buttons gently. Use a toothpick to clean the gaps between the buttons and remove any dirt inside. Wipe surfaces that can be touched or rubbed during use.
Step 3. Clean the lens
Turn the mouse over and look at the lens underneath. Blow out any dirt with compressed air, then use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe the lens to remove any trapped dust.
Step 4. Clean the rubber pad
Most mice have a small rubber pad along the bottom. This pad helps the mouse move on the touch pad (mousepad). Use a cloth dipped in alcohol to remove any dust and dirt that has stuck to the rubber pad. Wipe the entire bottom cleaned.
Step 5. Clean the mouse touch pad
These bearings may have accumulated a layer of dust and dirt on their surface. Most mouse pads are dishwasher safe, but you can wash them by hand.
Part 4 of 4: Cleaning the Monitor
Step 1. Turn off the monitor
Make sure the monitor is unplugged from the computer. This will help prevent static buildup.
Step 2. Wipe with a dry cloth
Use a microfiber cloth or soft cloth to scrub the screen. Do not pick or pick dirt. Simply run the cloth back and forth across the screen to remove dust.
Do not use paper towels, toilet paper, or facial tissue, which are usually rough and can damage the screen
Step 3. Make a cleaning solution
You can buy a special cleaning solution, but you can also make your own at home by mixing 50:50 distilled water and white vinegar. Dab or spray onto the cloth, then gently rub the cloth across the screen.
- Do not spray the cleaning solution directly on the screen, as the solution may seep into it and damage the components.
- Avoid cleaning solutions that contain ammonia, such as Windex or ethyl alcohol.
