[SOLVED] Cleaning PC With Compressed Air

[simmyx]

ebuyer have some compressed air cans for cheap and wondering if its the best way to clean your PC every few months ?

I heard you have to keep the can facing upwards else it can spray liquid ?

Whats the best step by step way of doing it safely ?>

Thanks

 

[jay32267]

I clean PCs in a dirty plant and I use compressed air.
Basically just make sure the nozzle is far enough away that you aren't literally pushing components to hard with the force of the air.
I use air at around 110 psi so I find that about 1-2 feet (with the nozzle I use) is about right.
I think you probably can go a bit closer with canned air.

....and I believe if you tip the can too much it might spray liquid...so just don't do that.

Also, before you spray it out....I would get as much debris out of the bottom of the case (or wherever it is laying) first because you don't want extra debris flying around when you spray it.

You could possibly spray a metal chip somewhere it's not supposed to go.

You might want to take the case (when it's open) and turn it upside down and let whatever is in it fall out before you spray it.

 

[vMax]

Shake the can..it will start to feel really cold and then spray any mesh elements to clear out the dust. The same on the fans, juts a quick blast. Also it works great for radiators to blow the dust out. As to how to hold it. I have always just held it the normal vertical way...

The air cans come with a long straw and you can keep a cloth next to it at the nozzel or just over any components if you are worried... if you are worried about any liquid that might come out make sure you have shaken to can well as that tends to stop the liquid forming. I tend to remove the fans every 3 months or so and clean them by hand but I eventually bit the bullet and bought the Datavac so no more compressed air cans for me.

 

[delaro]

It's not rocket science point and spray, try to keep between 1-3 inches away. When it comes to cleaning fan blades I use Alcohol and tips.

 

[stonecarver]

Honestly an old blow dryer and a thin paint brush is a great solution as well. The paint brush to get in there and get everything free and loose and than just blow it out. Just use low heat if it has option

 

[13thmonkey]

is it actually dirty? I've not cleaned mine since 2012 and it's fine. Get decent filters slight positive pressure. I've seen too many, 'I cleaned it and now it doesn't work' posts.

 

[mortemas]

I use air at around 110 psi so I find that about 1-2 feet (with the nozzle I use) is about right.

I believe OSHA has regulations about this. 30 psi is the limit considered to be safe.

Also, before you spray it out....I would get as much debris out of the bottom of the case (or wherever it is laying) first because you don't want extra debris flying around when you spray it.

You could possibly spray a metal chip somewhere it's not supposed to go.

It's because of this. You don't want debris flying into your eyes and blinding you with the 110psi air. I would personally not use that kind of pressure. At least wear eye protection! At that pressure, I would also wear ear protection - it's ear piercing at those levels, esp if the air stream catches a pocket inside the chassis or is forced through small holes. But there are yet other reasons, thus the 30psi limit.

Please read this and be careful! https://www.safety.duke.edu/sites/default/files/CompressedAir.pdf

 

[jay32267]

I believe OSHA has regulations about this. 30 psi is the limit considered to be safe.



It's because of this. You don't want debris flying into your eyes and blinding you with the 110psi air. I would personally not use that kind of pressure. At least wear eye protection! At that pressure, I would also wear ear protection - it's ear piercing at those levels, esp if the air stream catches a pocket inside the chassis or is forced through small holes. But there are yet other reasons, thus the 30psi limit.

Please read this and be careful! https://www.safety.duke.edu/sites/default/files/CompressedAir.pdf

Eye and ear protection is mandatory in the plant.
I have been doing this for 30 years.

 

[mortemas]

Eye and ear protection is mandatory in the plant.
I have been doing this for 30 years.

Good to know that you know that, but others may not and I had to mention it. You indicated the psi used, but not the protection needed.