Best way to clean an empty case

[Yagher]

Hi,

Hope this is the right place to post a question about cleaning my PC-case.
Here's the thing:

I have a Cosmos II Ultra Tower with a lot of stuff in it.
I am taking it all out, as I am replacing mobo, CPU, GPU, and some of the disks in the current case are going into another computer, and I want to rearrange the remaining ones differently, so they're going out of the case, too - leaving the Cosmos completely empty, bar the PSU
I have ordered four cans of compressed air, but they seem to be stuck in the mail - right now ETA uncertain.

So - as I am somewhat impatient to get started, in part because of work as a freelancer, and I have deadlines, is it safe to vacuum-clean an empty computer case if I use a bracelet/strap to ground it while I am at it? Is there another way that's fast and efficient that's safer?
I'll then clean the old mobo and components when the compressed air arrives, instead.
I've not unpacked the new stuff yet, so that's all squeaky clean and out of static danger.

Thanks in advance!

/y.

 

[SinxarKnights]

If everything is secure in the case you can take it to the car wash if you want. Static doesn't damage metal/plastic.

 

[Yagher]

I think the PSU would object to the sudsy goodness ;-) But thanks!

 

[Danger_Noodle]

If you take the power supply out you can clean it however you want if you don't touch the front IO panel with liquid. Simple Green and a rag works pretty well. Or some electronic duster by Windex if you have it around.

 

[SinxarKnights]

I think the PSU would object to the sudsy goodness ;-) But thanks!

Ah missed that part. Just take it out.

 

[Yagher]

Thanks guys - both helped 🙂
Always used air with components in the case, never an empty case, so I wanted to make sure it was safe,

 

[drtweak]

On my old cases I use to just strip everything and then wash it out with soap and water then use a nice cleaner to get all the water spots off lol just make sure it is all dry before you use it agian

 

[SKIPPY PB]

I use my air compressor and a blow gun. Depends how clean you want it. I'm not one for polishing up a computer case but I like to blow out all the dust every 4-6 months so it doesn't build up and get stuck on the fans. A decent air compressor isn't a bad investment. Most people spend more on the can in the course of 1 year than it would cost to get a small compressor. Someone else on here recommended a hobby compressor sold at model shops or whatever there called for around 40-50 bucks or less idr. I have a bigger guy thats around $200 that I use for air tools, car tires, bicycle tires, whatever. Just food for thought not sure how old you are but its not a bad investment. Mine doesn't shoot much moisture but you can attach filters to take out the water.

 

[SinxarKnights]

Be careful with some compressors, some spit oil as well.

 

[Yagher]

I looked at those, Skippy, but I wasn't sure the small model I looked at was non-static?
I am in Norway, so pardon the funny letters, but this is the model (with English user-manual) I looked at.
The other options were airbrush compressors and stuff, and I wasn't feeling a thing with a tank
http://images.clasohlson.com/medias/sys_master/9290058399774.pdf

 

[SKIPPY PB]

I looked at those, Skippy, but I wasn't sure the small model I looked at was non-static?
I am in Norway, so pardon the funny letters, but this is the model (with English user-manual) I looked at.
The other options were airbrush compressors and stuff, and I wasn't feeling a thing with a tank
http://images.clasohlson.com/medias/sys_master/9290058399774.pdf

What do you mean by static? I don't know anything about model compressors never had one, I understand just throwing it out there cause there are people that spend hundreds on the canned air because a compressor is to expensive but they knickle and dime themselves spending more. And they seem to loose pressure really fast when the can starts to get cold. Just saying if you buy a lot of cans looking into a good compressor might be cost effective. I'm sure there is talk on the forums or google with reviews of a good compressor. I'm sure someone will chime in with one they have that's not too expensive but good quality.

 

[Yagher]

My concern with the model compressors I looked at was that over here compressed air is marketed in static and non-static flavours, not sure why - it doesn't say on the compressors I looked at what the output was, I am assuming it's all safe on a general basis, but I am really careful when it comes to my hardware - I freelance for the CG press and as a 3D illustrator/game-asset modeler, and missed deadlines, no matter what, cost clients. Something I learned the hard way a few years ago (which is why I now build my own workstations and never, ever will go back to buying preconfigured... unless it's a Boxx workstation or something)
The irony here, of course is that the whole air/cleaning conumdrum today started with me buying supercheap air from abroad ;-D!
But I'll look up some compressor threads in here, maybe I'll find one Amazon ship to my corner of the world...

 

[SKIPPY PB]

My concern with the model compressors I looked at was that over here compressed air is marketed in static and non-static flavours, not sure why - it doesn't say on the compressors I looked at what the output was, I am assuming it's all safe on a general basis, but I am really careful when it comes to my hardware - I freelance for the CG press and as a 3D illustrator/game-asset modeler, and missed deadlines, no matter what, cost clients. Something I learned the hard way a few years ago (which is why I now build my own workstations and never, ever will go back to buying preconfigured... unless it's a Boxx workstation or something)
The irony here, of course is that the whole air/cleaning conumdrum today started with me buying supercheap air from abroad ;-D!
But I'll look up some compressor threads in here, maybe I'll find one Amazon ship to my corner of the world...

Eh your only halfway across the pond. One day i'll be there to check out the northern lights, cant speak Norwegian though lol

Just get one you can hook up a proper airline too so you can add in some filters and you shouldn't have a problem. Test it out on your hand, some white paper, etc.

http://www.overclock.net/t/981314/air-compressor-to-clean-pc

 

[Yagher]

Hiya,
I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to post that link, Skippy B - I ordered it before I took my system down, and then I had adventures with felines, fans and CPUs, resulting in the purchase of new CPU and mobo, hence the slow reply.
Also - thanks everyone for the input, the case ended up squeaky clean, PSU included 🙂