How to properly clean your computer

To work properly, it is very important to contain it clean. Dust, which over time accumulates inside the system unit, increases heat dissipation, which, in turn, negatively affects the equipment, since it is forced to work more intense.

Fortunately, clean the desktop PC is not so difficult. Let's figure out how to do it.

Step number 1. Prepare the necessary tools

To clean the PC, a variety of tools / materials will not be required, however, the presence of several additional accessories can facilitate the process.

That's what may be needed:

• Compressed air cylinder: With it, you can blow dust from various parts of the computer. Such cylinders are sold in many stores of equipment and supermarkets.
• Cleaning napkins: You will need several soft napkins to remove dust. To achieve the best results, we recommend using lounge rags (they perfectly remove the garbage). Avoid paper towels, as they leave fibers behind them.
• Flashlight: is perfect for lighting the dark corners of the computer. Thus, you can see dust even in the most hard-to-reach places.
• Old Toothbrush or Tassel : Dirt often accumulates on the coolers inside your computer. This is one of the most important components that need to be constantly cleaned. With a brush or toothbrush, it will be easier to cope with this task.

In addition, you may also need:

• cotton swab : when you use Cylinder with compressed air to the computer fan, you can use a tampon to stop the rotation of the cooler. It can also be useful for cleaning hard-to-reach places.
• Antistatic bracelet : If static electricity has been accumulated in your body, then touching the PC components can significantly harm them. If you are as careful as possible, then the presence of a special bracelet is optional. However, it is better to be renewed, especially considering that it is necessary to work in a medium subject to static electricity.
• Screwdriver: In most cases, it will be needed to open the PC housing.

Step # 2: Disconnect the PC and prepare the workplace

for Of course, you need to turn off the computer, after which it is necessary to disconnect all the wires from it and cables. In case there are many of them, we advise you to take a photo that will certainly facilitate the process of reverse connection.

There is an alternative option: You can leave the power cable connected only, and turn off the switch on the block itself. If the device is connected to a roller outlet correctly, then the cleaning process will be safe.

In the opposite, turn off the power cable and take precautions against static electricity accumulation.

Then you need to move PC to a suitable place. It is important to have a bright light source. In addition, cleaning is recommended to be performed in a well-refined room.

Step # 3: Open the housing

Before opening the PC body, it would be nice to take a rag and wipe out the outdoor part Devices.

After that, you can proceed to open the computer. Most often, screws are located on the back of the housing, unscrewing which you weaken the sidebar and remove it. Screws can be both with a rolled head (can be unscrewed) and normal (screwdriver required).

Step # 4: Remove the dust using compressed air

Now you can proceed To the main phase of cleaning. You will probably immediately notice the accumulation of dust in several areas of the computer, including the lower part, fans and storage compartments.

With the help of compressed air, invent as much dust as possible. If in a set with a cylinder there is a straw, then insert it into the nozzle (for greater accuracy).

When using compressed air, it is important to remember the following:

• Before you start, release a few jets to the side to make sure that there is no liquid in the tip.
• Never spray the balloon upside down, as this will result in the emission of a liquid from the cylinder.
• Spray the air with jets, as it will quickly cool if you constantly hold the button pressed.
• Use compressed air in a well ventilated area. Avoid skin contact and, if possible, do not inhale. Try to keep your face away from the PC case while spraying.
• When cleaning coolers, use a cotton swab, finger, or the like to keep the fan from spinning. A rapidly spinning cooler is capable of generating electricity, which can damage PC components.

Step #5: Perform a deep cleaning

After completing the compressed air step, re-view all corners and hard-to-reach places. Use a piece of cloth to wipe heavily dusty spots (e.g. video cards and the bottom of the case). Spray air into each slot or port.

If we talk about coolers, then you will surely notice large accumulations of dirt on them. Use an old toothbrush or brush for cleaning. In their absence, try a cotton swab or something like that.

Pay special attention to the CPU fan and coolers. The CPU is one of the hottest components, so it's important to keep dust out of it. You can moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and remove any remaining dirt (IMPORTANT: the swab should be damp, not wet).

Note that the degree of contamination of your PC depends on the environment, how long it has been since the last cleaning, and other factors.

To simplify the cleaning process, you can remove the video card and RAM from the computer. This will also remove dust from the ports that these components were connected to and make it easier to clean the graphics card cooler.

Many often forget about one important component - a special dust cover for the power supply (it is not available on all cases). Be sure to remove it and clean it of dust.

Step #6: Assemble the PC

make sure everything is clean. Note that it would be a good idea to inspect the computer for internal damage: check that all screws are tightened, that there are no worn cables, etc.

If everything is fine, then close the case with side covers - there are special recesses there. After making sure that the panels fit snugly together, tighten the screws.

Return the computer to its original location and reconnect all cables. Do not forget to turn on the power supply again using the appropriate button.

Results

So our guide came to the end, thanks to which you will probably know how to clean the computer from the inside.

We recommend to repeat this process from time to time (for example, once a year), which will prevent excessive accumulation of dust in your system and additional load on the components.

To reduce the number of accumulated dust, we recommend keeping a PC away from the floor and domestic animals!

Note that physical cleaning is important, but do not forget about the software of your system - the removal of old applications and the release of the disk space no one will prevent the computer.