[SOLVED] Cleaning inside PC

[Lajlaj]

I recently started taking more care of my PC by cleaning it, I know the ideal way to clean it is with air dust cans, but the problem with using them is that the dust flies everywhere and just moves the dust to another place,
So my question is, I know vacuum cleaners are a big nono. But is it safe to use the vacuum cleaner a couple centimeters away from the computer components, like a hand-length away? As long as I'm not touching them with the vacuum? I just want the dust to go somewhere else, and not land on my GPU or something.

 

[Wolfshadw]

The idea is to use the can of compressed air to evacuate the accumulated dust from the PC and THEN use a vacuum cleaner to clean the dust from the floor (and anywhere else it may land).

-Wolf sends

 

[faalin]

I normally just take the case outside and blow it out, that way you dont have all that stuff flying around the hosue.

 

[memydidydo]

Take it in the garden, open it up and either blow on it or blow with a can of compressed air.

Compressed air is by far the best option as it has some serious kick to it.

 

[slintyflinty]

Why are you scared of dust? Atleast you'll be able to clean the mess sooner. I use my hair dryer on the normal mode and blow the shizz out. Later I use Colin to clean it from the outside so that it looks bright and shiny!

 

[Paperdoc]

I do as you suggest. I do use a vacuum with the hose kept a few inches away from the actual components, just to establish an air flow AWAY from the computer to carry the loosened dust away, not just let it float around. I also do something many of you may not approve. I use a common artist's brush with longer moderately stiff bristles and a long wooden handle to brush over most parts gently to disloge dust, rather that a compressed air can. "Gently" is important - I don't want to move anything but the dust. To avoid static electric charges I am relying on the fact that the only contact between me and the computer is via a long wooden handle and bristles.

 

[RAIDGoblin]

My usual approach (when the weathers bad so I can't take the case outside) is to use compressed air to blow the dust out of the PC and into the hose of a vacuum cleaner, it's not perfect but it works

 

[Lajlaj]

I do as you suggest. I do use a vacuum with the hose kept a few inches away from the actual components, just to establish an air flow AWAY from the computer to carry the loosened dust away, not just let it float around. I also do something many of you may not approve. I use a common artist's brush with longer moderately stiff bristles and a long wooden handle to brush over most parts gently to disloge dust, rather that a compressed air can. "Gently" is important - I don't want to move anything but the dust. To avoid static electric charges I am relying on the fact that the only contact between me and the computer is via a long wooden handle and bristles.

Thanks for all the replies, this is kind of what I struggled with, because air dusting is one thing, but the dust doesn't always go where I want it. It's always going to be stuck somewhere else inside the PC with annoying dustparticles around the air.

So do I risk having the vacuum (not close to the components obviously) Or just order ESD vacuum/brush?

 

[Wolfshadw]

I use a common artist's brush with longer moderately stiff bristles and a long wooden handle to brush over most parts gently to disloge dust,

Actually, if dust is so persistent as to not come loose, I'll use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

@Lajlaj - I think the point is, you can go through an entire can of compressed air and never get all of it out. In my opinion, there just isn't reason enough to actually use a vacuum cleaner (until after the job is done and the PC case is closed).

-Wolf sends

 

[geofelt]

Air cans are fine, but not sufficient.
Grime accumulates that can only be removed with a cloth. Perhaps dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove it.
No need to be obsessive about his, if grime does not come off easily by wiping, it is not likely to come off on it's own.

One problem with canned air is that it is expensive.
A stronger air device like a vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, or a electric blower will eliminate such costs.
But, you need to be careful and hold it far enough away to reduce the strength and not damage anything.

Do not direct air at a fan without first immobilizing it.
If you do not, air can spin the fan up way past it's design limits and damage it.
Just stick a thin screwdriver into the fan so the blades can not spin.

The best cure is prevention.
A washable case filter on your intake fans is a very good way to go.

 

[Karadjgne]

Unplug the pc. Open side panel. Lay the pc on the other side. Hold the vacuum hose but rest your forearm on the case next to the rear exhaust fan area. Start at the front of the case with the air-can. The vac will pick up most of the air/dust blown away by the can.

I've been cleaning pc's with vacs for @ 40 years, the only 3 important things to remember is

1. Unplug the pc.
2. Maintain contact with the case.
3. Don't touch or get the nozzel too close to any component such as the motherboard, fans etc.

The air/brush/rag does the work, the vac is just there to get rid of the dust, not remove it from the pc. It's the dust pan, not the broom.

 

[Lajlaj]

Unplug the pc. Open side panel. Lay the pc on the other side. Hold the vacuum hose but rest your forearm on the case next to the rear exhaust fan area. Start at the front of the case with the air-can. The vac will pick up most of the air/dust blown away by the can.

I've been cleaning pc's with vacs for @ 40 years, the only 3 important things to remember is

1. Unplug the pc.
2. Maintain contact with the case.
3. Don't touch or get the nozzel too close to any component such as the motherboard, fans etc.

The air/brush/rag does the work, the vac is just there to get rid of the dust, not remove it from the pc. It's the dust pan, not the broom.

Thanks alot, that makes me feel more confident for future cleanups!

 

[RAIDGoblin]

Unplug the pc. Open side panel. Lay the pc on the other side. Hold the vacuum hose but rest your forearm on the case next to the rear exhaust fan area. Start at the front of the case with the air-can. The vac will pick up most of the air/dust blown away by the can.

I've been cleaning pc's with vacs for @ 40 years, the only 3 important things to remember is

1. Unplug the pc.
2. Maintain contact with the case.
3. Don't touch or get the nozzel too close to any component such as the motherboard, fans etc.

The air/brush/rag does the work, the vac is just there to get rid of the dust, not remove it from the pc. It's the dust pan, not the broom.

that's basically exactly what I do 👍