Safest Way to Clean Dust Out of PC?

[Tiby]

So I've never done this before and I'm extremely paranoid about damaging anything in the slightest with ESD. Most people's methods are just plain ridiculous. Vacuum cleaners, compressors, leaf blowers, wiping components with towels or brushes... It just seems as if no one cares about the risk of damaging their components.

So with that said, is using a compressed air can the best/safest method? I've heard from very few people that compressed air can cause issues with static. Is this true?

 

[USAFRet]

Disconnect all your cables
Take it outside
Blow it out with a can of compressed air.
Use a toothpick or similar to prevent the fans from spinning too much when you do this.

 

[profoundnoah]

Compressed air is completely safe for cleaning electronics. Just be sure you hold it upright as it may spray liquid if mis-held.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Having a grounded connection during the process is the basis of Static Elect prevention... a modified Power cable ( remove power blades) case ground connected will work ( alligator clips ).
I have worked in a industrial environment... and blowing debris deeper into harder to get spots is not good... I'm on the suck out and alcohol swabs team... I attached smaller tubing (tygon) to a vacuum for greater power and easy to handle small tubing.

 

[Majestera]

Whatever you do dont blow into it or use a vaccume.

 

[Tiby]

Hello... Having a grounded connection during the process is the basis of Static Elect prevention... a modified Power cable ( remove power blades) case ground connected will work ( alligator clips ).
I have worked in a industrial environment... and blowing debris deeper into harder to get spots is not good... I'm on the suck out and alcohol swabs team... I attached smaller tubing (tygon) to a vacuum for greater power and easy to handle small tubing.

But cotton swabs and vacuums = static, correct?

 

[USAFRet]

Can
Of
Compressed
Air

Outside

 

[Tiby]

Compressed air is completely safe for cleaning electronics. Just be sure you hold it upright as it may spray liquid if mis-held.

Could you explain why people always say to spray in short bursts? I also heard that you should stop spraying once the can gets cold. Why is this?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... "Having a grounded connection during the process is the basis of Static Elect prevention"... this means your computer, tools and body.
Wetting the swabs with alcohol prevents rubbing static... dirt will lift off easy... not much rubbing involve... Are you a smoker? or DEEP Fat Fry'r a lot? That will be the hardest thing to get off.