Cleaning
Most who repair PCs have run into several dust-caked computers over the years. Once the PC is already packed with dust because of a largely ignorant end user, the advice on the last page is of little help. So, we will now look at ways to clean the dust out:
Compressed Air
This method seems to be the most popular and, in our experience, it is very effective. Using an air compressor charged to about 100PSI with an air blower attachment is by far my preferred way to clean dust. While this is an easy method to use, there are some precautions to be followed.
First of all, don’t directly blast fans with high pressure air. Doing so will cause them to windmill extremely fast – much faster than the fan’s maximum rated speed. This can damage the bearings, and even cause blades to fly off – turning them into flying projectiles. If you need to use compressed air to clean fans, always hold the impeller still while doing so to prevent it from windmilling.
Another problem with air compressors is that they can occasionally squirt small droplets of water. The easiest way around this is to use a moisture trap on the compressor’s outlet. Most compressors also have a valve at the bottom of the tank which allows water to be drained out. Make sure that this valve is briefly opened to drain out any moisture in the tank before using it on a computer.
For those who don’t have access to an air compressor, cans of compressed inert gas can also be used. However, I find that they are often overpriced, and are sometimes not powerful enough to clean out moist dust which tends to stick to things. I have also used leaf blowers to clean computers in the past. Like canned inert gas, they usually work OK for dry, loose dust. If the dust is moist and caked on, however, they simply aren’t powerful enough.
Vacuum cleaners
While vacuum cleaners may seem like a good idea, they should be used with caution. Sucking large amounts of air through a plastic hose can generate a lot of static electricity – something that can damage electronic components. Therefore, vacuum cleaners shouldn’t be used on a PC’s motherboard or other components. They can be used to clean the exterior of the case, and can also be used on the CPU heat sink, but only if it has been removed from the computer.
Brushing/Wiping
Sometimes, dust can be caked on hard and will hang on to heat sinks and grilles even after a good blast with an air compressor. This is often the case when the computer has been smoked near, and has ingested large amounts of cigarette smoke, as well as when the computer is used in a moist environment. If that is the case, then brushing or wiping the dust off can be your only option. I have found that a damp cloth often works well for getting dust off the bottom of the case, while toothbrushes and artists paint brushes often work well for getting dust off fan blades and heat sink fins.
Water/Detergent/Other liquid chemicals
While this method is probably the most effective of all, it should be used with caution for obvious reasons. When using this method to clean a motherboard, it’s important to first remove the CMOS battery. Then, spray the components with your chosen cleaner (Simple green and isopropyl alcohol are recommended for use with electronics), and brush the board down with a fine brush, such as a toothbrush. Once the board is clean, rinse it off with tap water. Ideally, an air compressor should then be used to blow any water out from under small components and sockets once you are done, and the board should then be left to dry for at least 12 hours, preferably out in the sun or in front of a heater. If you don’t have an air compressor available, then allow an additional 12 hours drying time. The components have to be absolutely 100% dried out before re-inserting the CMOS battery or applying power, otherwise, they will be damaged. This method is only recommended as a last resort, or to clean off sticky nicotine stains from computers which have been smoked near.
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