Desktop computers can get dirty over time. Does it hum, rattle or buzz? And do you also notice that it seems to be getting slower? Time for a thorough, but safe cleaning.
Attention: this is a series of tips for desktop computers, so with monitor and computer case. It is better to have Apple computers cleaned inside an Apple Store, and laptops are too fragile to open yourself. In addition, they do not get dusty as quickly.
Take the following resources in hand.
- Screwdriver
- Aerosol compressed air
- Cotton swabs
- Microfibre cloth
Find a clean, well-lit work surface.
1. Watch out for shocks
Of course, the PC must first be turned off, but it must also be protected from static electricity. Little bits of electricity can jump to sensitive components of the computer, which can damage them. This can also come from your own hands. So make sure to discharge yourself. You can grab a good piece of unpainted metal just as tightly. There are also special anti-static wristbands for sale.
2. Disconnect the power
Desktop computers get their power from the power supply, a large block-shaped component, usually on the back, with a fan out. First turn off the switch, which is usually on the outside. Also remove as many cables as possible from the back, but don’t forget which goes where! Depending on what kind of computer you have – and what peripherals, such as printers, scanners or speaker set – there can be many or few cables.
Note: Older DVI video cables may be secured with two screw buttons; DisplayPort and Ethernet sometimes have stiff push buttons on the connector.
3. Open your computer case
How the case opens differs per computer. You can often see from the screws what it can open. Common is a side panel that you can slide away. Both side panels can often be slid open to the rear by means of two screws on the back, one at the bottom, one at the top. These screws can often be opened by hand, but not always. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep the screwdriver handy, just in case.
4. Get started!
What can you clean? Large clouds of dust are easily removed with the compressed air and the deeper hidden layers of dust with a cotton swab. Be careful, especially with the fans and small and fragile parts. Spray the compressed air in such a way that no moisture particles come along: first shake the can and hold it upright. You can also use a vacuum cleaner, but the risk of static electricity is lurking. So this is not the best option. If you also want to clean the fans, temporarily secure them with tape (don’t forget to remove!). Otherwise, they may make “unnatural” movements that could damage the computer.
Any dust that still sticks to the cabinet can be gently wiped off with a microfibre cloth, assisted by the optional cotton swab for finer work. Apart from some extra caution, dusting in a computer is no different than it would be on the bookcase.
Hidden dirt
The most annoying dirt is poorly visible and is usually around the cooling elements, both the fans and adjacent cooling blocks. The fans on the case itself can easily be unscrewed to clean difficult spots, but compressed air or some handy work with cotton swabs usually suffice. The latter applies all the more to the (fixed) fans of, for example, the processor or video card.
5. Repeat with some regularity
Try not to do too much, to be too thorough. You don’t have to clean where the dust can’t reach. The fewer pins, gates, hooks and eyes you have to touch, the less chance of damage. It is enough to dust off the computer once a quarter.
