Cleaning computer parts

[westy87]

Ok well, my parts are starting to get a little dusty, cpu heatsink fans are getting some dust building up, the usual things. I was wondering what the best way to go about cleaning all these parts is? I have nothing against taking everything out of case, except I dont have any thermal paste so taking heatsinks off isn't viable right now. Also includes getting dust and stuff out of the keyboard. For some reason this house I moved into is extremely dusty, no matter how much i vacuum the carpet.

[sushrukh]

I've earlier posted a little bit about the cleaning of computer parts here (http://www.bjorn3d.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12605).It may help in some cases Westy.

[westy87]

K thanks. Guess I should have figured there would be something about it on here already. *Note to self, try search button first*

However after reading the article, I find it gives only generalised information. What I would like is some specifics from people that do it often and know the little tricks. As I've got hollidays coming up I've got time to finally play around a bit and clean my computer up

[sushrukh]

Hopefully u'll get an answer from other members abut this.

[Bio-Hazard]

Compressed air works wonders for cleaning a computer....................;)

That's all I ever use, I clean mine out about every week or so. I have a little hobby air compressor that I carry into my computer room and blow all the computers out, no need to remove anything or take anything apart, I bet I have the cleanest system on the forums.............:)

[raidersforever01]

Compressed air works wonders for cleaning a computer....................;)

That's all I ever use, I clean mine out about every week or so. I have a little hobby air compressor that I carry into my computer room and blow all the computers out, no need to remove anything or take anything apart, I bet I have the cleanest system on the forums.............:)

I also use compressed air, works wonders for cleaning out heatsinks but if you have allergies like me it sucks to hell. I also have one of those handy lil vacs to get what i can from the air. I am probably just doing that in vain because it does nothing for me but i like to think it does. Then i give a nice wipe with a cloth to any surfaces i can. I have to do this once a week because the dust gets thick quick around my area.

[Bio-Hazard]

Dust is extremely bad in my area as well, I live way out in the country with all dirt roads. On top of that, we have 3 dogs in the house, all with long hair, this is why I clean out the systems every week.
As for using a vac, be very careful, they cause a lot of static electric charge in and around the system and that can be discharged into the system and damage the computer components. Just make sure that you don't touch anything when using a vac.........;)

[westy87]

Thanks guys. Looks like i'll be heading down to nearest tech shop tomorrow after my last uni exam :)

[Schwarz]

I also use compressed air.
Not much to say here it takes out the dust easily.
As far as my computer monitor and my case.
I use a special cloth not to scratch the monitor or the case.
Right now I have a "Monster" cloth it came free with my Pana 52inch.
And it came with some little liquid bottle that I use.
I spray it on the cloth not dirrectly on the monitor or the case then clean it up.
You can also use a sunglass spray and cloth not to scratch anything.
Thats what I used back then.
It usualy comes with good glasses like Oakleys.

[westy87]

Yeh my monitor came with a cloth to use, all you gotta do is spray tiny bit of water onto the cloth just to make it a bit damp so that it picks up the extra dust off screen it says. I wonder if theres an easy way to take my keys out of keyboard

[darkorb]

compressed air will take care of anything!

[Gray]

Right now I have a "Monster" cloth it came free with my Pana 52inch.
And it came with some little liquid bottle that I use.

O hell ya Monster Screen clean takes care of everything!
Thats what I will use too. The micro fiber cloth that comes with it is great too.

I have Never had a problem as a result of vacuming a computer, I won't say it can't happen but it is a lot cheaper then compressed Air.

[dizzyball]

Keyboard cleaning is pretty easy usually. I'm using the microtouch by LabTec. *ALL* the keys are jammed together and I can't get a q-tip in to clean. Shaking it upside down doesn't work too well either and the keys are difficult to get out. I'll probably go back to the nine dollar keyboards..

[the_dope_chaud]

I use my compressor that I have for pneumatic tools, takes care of ALL the dust, and oakley cloth for screen

[Blue Moon Dragon]

Like Darkorb said, compressed air is pretty good, but make sure not to break anything. sometimes, if you are using aerosol cans, some of the liquid can come out, and thats disastrous.

['Amp!']

When using compressed air make SURE you use some sort of mask to cover your face. Do not inhale any of the dust. I do not have the article handy but I recall reading about how dust in a computer is much more toxic than dust around the house.

protect yourself and you'll be fine.
For areas that need a bit more elbow grease you can used rubbing alcohol as it dissolves quickly and won't harm the electronics.

Use rubber gloves so you don't leave any oils from your hands on the components.


Good luck and have a vacuum cleaner handy

[raidersforever01]

I recall reading about how dust in a computer is much more toxic than dust around the house.

Pretty much breathing in a lot of any dust is harmful but yes computer dust is more harmful. I've inhaled and even eaten things more harmful and i am still kicking I wouldn't be to worried but do as the Gonz says not as i do its probably going to come back and bite me later in life. Ive seen people go down for little things and ive also seen painters spray paint a closed area with no mask (nasty black boogers).