[SOLVED] What is the proper way of dusting off a PC?

[dunkirkman]

Hey everyone, as I near the time to do a little dusting, I want to make sure my procedure is correct.

side note: The top of my PC does have no vent (well it does, but it's covered)

Alright so is it okay if I use a microfiber cloth dabbed with a tiny bit of water to clean the top of the case and sides?

What should I not dust with a microfiber cloth? Can I use a microfiber on my monitor? I do have cans of compressed air guys but I don't think it needs to be used for clearing things like dust on the top, I'd say it's more for internally but what do you guys do?

Thanks.

 

[Barty1884]

On the case etc, a damp microfiber cloth is fine.

A microfiber cloth is fine on your monitor - ever so slightly damp, and DO NOT apply much pressure.

internally, compressed air should be more than sufficient. A small brush can be useful if you have excessive dust/dirt to agitate the stubborn dirt.
When it comes to spraying air, hold your fan blades in place when blasting at them.

 

[dunkirkman]

Thanks Barty. What kind of brush would you recommend? Other than small. Is there a specific type?

 

[Barty1884]

Unless your system is particularly dirty, I wouldn't worry about it.

If you need something, don't go with anything particularly firm. You just want something that'll agitate the dirt, nothing that could break components off the board. A small paint brush, soft tooth brush, something like that - and not a lot of force.

 

[doolittle]

In all seriousness, if you are just dusting the outside Swiffer type wipes are the way to go, case and monitor included.

I do use microfiber very lightly damped if the dirt does not come off with the dry wipe, also on both the case and monitor.

Every 6 months or so, to clean the inside I drag it into the garage and hit it with the compressor, while using toothpicks to hold the fans in place as I am blasting it. Yes, I have a moisture trap (which never collects anything since I keep the compressor maintained properly).

 

[dunkirkman]

And lastly for keyboards, should I take all the keys off and spray it with the compressor? Or should I just wipe it down with a cloth? Keys on or off?

 

[Barty1884]

Really depends on how dirty your hardware is.

A few blasts with compressed air should be fine for most keyboards that are not excessively dirty - along with a general wipedown.

If it's really dirty though, removing the keys & blasting throughout with air, coupled with a wipedown wouldn't be a bad idea.

 

[Asadumer]

to clean off the PC dust, you can use mini air blower and microfiber cloth is also fine for regular cleansing.