Dust and debris are your PC's worst enemy. When the dust builds up, settling in your fans and components, your PC is more and more difficult to "breathe" and not overheat. This puts a strain on your hardware and results in a shorter lifespan of the entire device. Regular cleaning can significantly increase the life span of your computer, and if you stick to this habit, cleaning will only take a few minutes each time. You can start reading how to do it!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Cleaning the Case
Step 1. Prepare an area where the dust can be blown away
You plan to use compressed air and a vacuum cleaner to remove most of the dust inside your computer, so you need to set up an area where you can blow the dust without worrying about getting other things dirty. A garage or workbench is a good choice or you can go outside if it's a dry day.
Try to set up a table so that you can easily access the computer without having to bend over or put it on the floor
Step 2. Collect your tools
You need a Phillips screwdriver, compressed air (either in a can or via a compressor), a small vacuum cleaner that can fit into the tightest crevices, a toothbrush and 99% isopropyl alcohol.
- Do not use an old vacuum cleaner with a metal tip, as these are usually insufficient in grounding and can damage components. The best option is a newer handheld vacuum cleaner with an extendable plastic hose.
- The toothbrush should have soft bristles and should be new.
Step 3. Turn off your computer and unplug all peripherals and cables on the back
Make sure the monitor is unplugged, as well as any USB, Ethernet, speaker cables, or others. Close the power supply switch and then remove the power cord.
Step 4. Put the computer on its side
Place the computer on the side of your table or workbench. Make sure the connectors on the back are placed closer to the surface. These connectors are attached to the motherboard and can be a confirmation that you are removing the correct side panel.
Step 5. Remove the side panel by removing the screws holding it in place
These screws can be found along the back of the computer. Most modern cases have thumb screws that can be removed without tools, although you may need to use the older case screwdriver or thumb screws that are too tight.
Set the screws aside so you don't lose them
Step 6. Vacuum roughly
Depending on how much time has passed since the last cleaning and the environment your PC is in, you may be greeted by a rather gruesome view. Dust has a tendency to collect and deposit on components and the whole interior can be covered with a thin gray layer. Use the vacuum cleaner to give it a pass inside, sucking the dust grains from the cracks and components.
Be careful not to hit the components with the tip of the vacuum cleaner as you move inside. Many internal components are extremely fragile, and bent connectors and pins can render the hardware unusable
Step 7. Use compressed air to blow dust out of the cracks
Take the can of compressed air or the air compressor and blow away the most noticeable dirt to reach the crevices. Use a vacuum cleaner to help reduce the amount of dust that collects.
- Avoid long and sustained bursts, as this could make the can of compressed air too cold to hold.
- Do not blow compressed air on the fan because by spinning it faster than it is designed to do, you could potentially damage it.
Step 8. Clean the fans with a vacuum cleaner and alcohol
Use the vacuum cleaner to remove the large amounts of dust on the fan blades. Dip the toothbrush in alcohol and gently rub away the dust that remains on the blades.
- You will be able to access the fans more easily if you remove them first. You need to remove the screws that secure the fan to the chassis and then disconnect the cable that connects the fan to the motherboard. Be sure to write down where the fan was plugged in so that you can easily plug it back in after you finish cleaning it.
- Make sure you reconnect the fan in the same direction it was originally installed. Fans blow in one direction and reversing the direction of the airflow can have a significant impact on the cooling of your machine. Most fans have an arrow printed on the top of the housing to indicate which way it is blowing.
Step 9. Remove components for thorough cleaning
Although a pass with the vacuum cleaner and a dusting are usually sufficient for a basic cleaning, we recommend that you remove the individual components to make them really shine again. Be sure to properly discharge yourself to the ground before touching internal components. When removing components, place them 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, detaching the card underneath, and then gently pulling it straight. You may need to unplug the power cords in order to remove it completely. Place the graphics card on the cleaning surface and use the brush and alcohol to remove stubborn dust.
- Removing the hard drive and any optical drives on it can make it easier for you to clean them, as they are often hidden in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Removing these units generally requires opening both sides of the case so that the fixing screws on each part of the unit can be reached. Most optical drives pop out of the front of the case after removing the screws.
- By removing the CPU cooler, you can clean up cracks in the heat sink, as well as dust off the fans. The heatsinks are attached in many different ways, so you will need to consult the documentation before attempting to remove it. With some it is necessary to remove a bracket from the back side of the motherboard. If you remove the CPU cooler, you will need to apply a new layer of thermal paste to the CPU before reconnecting it.
Step 10. Dust off all grates
Depending on your case, you may have fan grills and airflow grilles. It uses compressed air to blow away the dust from the inside of the case and then runs a brush over the grille from the outside.
Part 2 of 4: Clean the Keyboard
Step 1. Disconnect the keyboard
Even if you're only going to give the keyboard a swipe with the vacuum cleaner, unplugging the keyboard first is probably a good idea. This will help reduce the possibility of damage from electrostatic discharge.
Step 2. Use the vacuum cleaner
You can give the keyboard a quick clean with the tip of the device above the keys. Press the keys so that you can reach all the crevices.
Step 3. Shake the keyboard upside down
Turn the keyboard upside down on a surface that is easy to clean or does not bother you (such as outdoors). Run your hand over the keys while holding the keyboard upside down and shake it as you do so. You should see a lot of debris coming out.
Step 4. Remove the keys
If you want to do a deep cleaning of the keyboard, it is necessary to remove each key so that you can clean them and access the inside of the keyboard. Removing the keys is a bit tedious, but you will avoid having to replace the keyboard due to malfunction.
- To remove a key, press the one in front of it. Insert a flat object, such as a car key or a flat head screwdriver under the key you want to remove. Gently lift it until it pops off. Repeat this process until all keys have been removed.
- The spacebar can be tricky to remove, so we recommend that you leave it attached.
- Take a picture of the keyboard before removing the keys so you can easily reference where they need to be repositioned.
Step 5. Disassemble the keyboard
After removing the keys, you can unpack the external structure. Flip the keyboard over and unscrew all the screws holding it together. Separate the parts, making sure you note where each piece goes.
Each keyboard is shaped differently and some cannot even be taken apart
Step 6. Wash the components
Once the keyboard has been disassembled, most of the components can be washed. Anything that is just plastic can go in the dishwasher or can be hand washed. The keys can be washed individually by hand or can be stored in an internal dishwasher basket.
- Most keyboards have a rubber contact pad which gives the keys their elasticity. This has nothing electronic and can be put in the dishwasher or cleaned with warm soapy water.
- Don't wash anything that has a logic board or circuitry on it, and don't wash any cables either. You can clean up these things with alcohol and a brush.
Step 7. Reassemble the keyboard
Once everything has been carefully washed and dried, you can put each piece back together. Rebuild your keyboard, making sure all components are back in place. Please refer to the photo of the keyboard when re-entering the keys.
- You can reconnect the keys simply by pressing them directly in their place on the keyboard.
- Make sure everything is completely dry and fresh before putting everything back together. Moisture can ruin the keyboard when connected.
Part 3 of 4: Cleaning the Mouse
Step 1. Unplug the mouse
Before you start cleaning your mouse, make sure it has been disconnected from your computer. This will help prevent damage to the mouse during the cleaning process.
Step 2. Clean the buttons
Use a cloth or brush dipped in alcohol and gently scrub the buttons. Use a toothpick to go through the slots between the buttons and knock out the debris inside. Clean any surfaces you touch or scrub during use.
Step 3. Clean the lens
Turn the mouse over and check the lens below. Blow out any excess residue with compressed air and then wipe an alcohol-soaked cotton swab around the lens once to remove any attached dust.
Step 4. Clean the rubber pads
Most mice have small rubber pads along the bottom. These help the mouse slide over the pad. Use an alcohol-soaked cloth to wipe off any dust and debris that has stuck to the rubber. Also give the bottom part a swipe.
Step 5. Clean your mousepad
Depending on the type, you may have accumulated a thin layer of dust and debris on the surface of the mousepad itself. Most mouse pads can be put in the dishwasher, although you can still wash them by hand.
Part 4 of 4: Clean the Monitor
Step 1. Turn off the monitor
Make sure the monitor is unplugged from the computer. This will help you prevent any static build-up.
Step 2. Remove dust with a dry cloth
Use a microfiber or other soft cloth very gently to wipe off any dust on the screen. Don't pick up or try to scrub the debris away. Just swipe the cloth back and forth across the screen to collect the dust.
Do not use paper such as paper towels, toilet paper or facial tissues as these are usually rough and could damage the screen
Step 3. Make a cleaning solution
You can purchase a few specifics, but you can quickly and cheaply make your own at home by mixing distilled water and white vinegar in a 50/50 solution. Dab or spray it on the cloth and then wipe it gently on the screen.
- Never spray the cleaning solution directly on the screen, as it may seep inside and damage components.
- Avoid cleaning with solutions containing ammonia, such as Windex or with ethyl alcohol.
