Introduction
Cleaning your computer and your computer components
and peripherals helps keep the components and computer in good working
condition
and helps keep the computers from spreading germs. In the above
picture, is a good example of how dirty the inside of your computer case
can get. In this example, its obvious that all the dirt build up will
prevent proper air flow and may even prevent the fan from working.
Depending on the environment that your computer
operates in determines how often you should clean your computer case.
The below list
is our recommendation and may change depending upon your computer's
environment.
How often should I clean my computer?
The frequency of how often you should clean your computer varies on
several different factors. To help you determine how often you need to
clean your
computer we've created the below chart. Check each of the boxes below
that apply to your computers environment to determine how often it
should
be cleaned.
General cleaning Tips
Below is a listing of general tips that should be
taken when cleaning any of the components or peripherals of a computer
as well as tips
to help keep a computer clean.
- Never spray or squirt any liquid onto any computer component. If
a spray is needed, spray the liquid onto a cloth and then use that
cloth to
rub down the component.
- You can use a vacuum to suck up dirt, dust, or hair around the computer on the outside case. However, do not
use a vacuum for the inside
of your computer as it generates a lot of static electricity that
can damage the internal components of your computer. If you need to use a
vacuum
to clean the inside of your computer, use a portable battery powered
vacuum designed to do this job or try using
compressed air.
- When cleaning a component or the computer, turn it off before cleaning.
- Be cautious when using any cleaning solvents; some individuals
may have allergic reactions to chemicals in cleaning solvents and some
solvents
can even damage the case. Try to always use water or a highly
diluted solvent.
- When cleaning, be careful not to accidentally adjust any knobs
or controls. In addition, when cleaning the back of the computer, if
anything
is plugged in, make sure not to disconnect any of the plugs.
- When cleaning fans, especially the smaller fans within a
portable computer or laptop it's suggested that you either hold the fan
or place
something in-between the fan blades to prevent it from spinning.
Spraying compressed air into a fan or cleaning a fan with a vacuum may
cause damage
or back voltage to be generated.
- Never eat or drink around the computer.
- Limit smoking around the computer
Cleaning tools
Although many companies have created products to help
improve the process of cleaning your computer and peripherals, users can
also use
household items to clean their computers and peripherals. Below is a
listing of items you may need or want to use while cleaning your
computer or computer
peripherals.
Keep in mind that some components in your computer may
only be able to be cleaned using a product designed for cleaning that
component;
if this is the case, it will be mentioned in the cleaning tips.
Cloth - A cloth is the best tool used when rubbing down a
component; although paper towels can be used with most hardware, we
recommend
using a cloth when ever possible.
Caution: We only suggest you use a cloth when cleaning components such as the outside of the case, a drive,
mouse, etc. You should not use a cloth to clean any circuitry such as the RAM or motherboard since they can generate ESD that
can damage electronics.
Water or rubbing alcohol - When moistening a cloth, it is best to use water or rubbing alcohol. Other solvents may be bad for the plastics
used with your computer.
Portable Vacuum - Sucking the dust, dirt, hair, cigarette
particles, and other particles out of a computer can be one of the best
methods
of cleaning a computer. Over time, these items can restrict the
airflow in a computer and cause circuitry to corrode. Do not use a
standard vacuum
as it can generate a lot of static electricity that can damage your
computer.
Cotton swabs - Cotton swaps moistened with rubbing alcohol or water are excellent tools for wiping hard to reach areas in your keyboard,
mouse, and other locations.
Foam swabs - Whenever possible, it is better to use lint-free swabs such as foam swabs.
Case cleaning
Why? Keeps the appearance of the computer looking new. During cleaning, if ventilation locations are found, these can be cleaned
helping the case keep a steady airflow to the computer, keeping components cool and in good working condition.
Procedure: The plastic case that houses the PC
components can be cleaned with a lint-free cloth that has been slightly
dampened
with water. For stubborn stains, add a little household detergent to
the cloth. It is recommended that you never use a solvent cleaner on
plastics.
Make sure all vents and air holes are hair and lint
free by rubbing a cloth over the holes and vents. It is also helpful to
take a vacuum
around each of the hole, vents, and crevices on the computer. It is
safe to use a standard vacuum when cleaning the outside vents of a
computer; however,
if you need to clean the inside of the computer, use a portable
battery powered vacuum to prevent static electricity.
Keyboard cleaning
The below steps are for cleaning a standard desktop keyboard. See the cleaning a laptop keyboard page
for steps if you have a laptop.
Dust, dirt, and bacteria
The computer keyboard is often the most germ infected
items in your home or office, often it will contain more bacteria than
your toilet
seat. Cleaning it can help remove any dangerous bacteria. Dirt, dust
and hair can also build up causing the keyboard to not function
properly.
Procedure: Before cleaning the keyboard first
turn off the computer or if you're using a USB keyboard unplug it. Not
unplugging
the keyboard can result in causing other computer problems as you may
press keys that cause the computer to perform a task you don't want it
to
do.
Many people clean the keyboard by turning it upside down and shaking. A more effective method is to use
compressed air.
Compressed air is pressurized air contained in a can with a very long
nozzle. aim the air between
the keys and blow away all of the dust and debris that has gathered
there. A vacuum cleaner can also be used, but make sure the keyboard
doesn't
have loose "pop off" keys that could possibly be sucked up by the
vacuum.
If you wish to clean the keyboard more extensively you'll need to remove the keys from the keyboard.
After the dust, dirt, and hair has been removed. Spray
a disinfectant onto a cloth or use disinfectant cloths and rub each of
the keys
on the keyboard. As mentioned in our general cleaning tips, never
spray any liquid onto the keyboard.
Substance spilt into the keyboard
If the keyboard has anything spilt into it (e.g. pop,
cola, Pepsi, Coke, beer, wine, coffee, milk, etc.), not taking the
proper steps
can cause the keyboard to be destroyed
Procedure: Below are a few recommendations to help prevent a keyboard from becoming bad once a substance has been spilt within
it.
If anything is spilt onto the keyboard turn the
computer off immediately or at the very least disconnect it from the
computer. Once done
flip the keyboard over helping to prevent the substance from
penetrating circuits. While the keyboard is upside down, shake the
keyboard over a surface
that can be cleaned later. While still upside down, use a cloth to
help clean out what can be reached. After cleaned to the best of your
ability leave
the keyboard upside down for at least one night allowing it to dry.
Once dry, continue cleaning the keyboard with any remaining substance.
If after cleaning the keyboard you have keys that stick remove the keys and clean below the keys and
the bottom portion of the key.
Finally, if the keyboard still works but remains dirty or sticky before discarding the keyboard as a last resort try
washing the keyboard in the dishwasher.
If after doing all the above steps the keyboard does not function properly or at all it's recommended you buy a new keyboard.
Monitor cleaning
Tip: This section is for computer monitors.
Why? Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can cause the computer screen to be difficult to read.
Procedure: The glass monitor screen can be
cleaned with ordinary household glass cleaner*. Be sure to remove power
from the monitor
and spray the cleaner onto a lint free-cloth so the fluid doesn't
leak into the electrical components inside the monitor. Vacuum off any
dust that
has settled on top of the monitor, and make sure no books or papers
have been placed on the air vents. Obstructed monitor vents can cause
the monitor
to overheat or even catch on fire.
Caution: We suggest using a
cloth dampened with water when cleaning monitor on a screen that is not
made of
glass or has any anti-glare protection on the screen. Using ordinary
household glass cleaner on special screens, especially cleaners with
ammonia can
remove anti-glare protection or other special surfaces.
Other good cleaning solutions
Microfiber Towel
Swiffer Dusters
Motherboard cleaning
Why? Dust and especially particles of cigarette smoke can build up and corrode circuitry causing various problems such as computer
lockups
Caution: When inside the computer take the necessary ESD precautions and try to avoid
unplugging any cables or other connections.
Procedure: Our recommendation when cleaning the motherboard from dust, dirt, or hair is to
use compressed air.
When using compressed air, hold it in the up-right position; otherwise,
it is possible chemicals
may come out of the container that could damage or corrode the
Motherboard or other component within the computer. Also, ensure when
using compressed
air that you always blow the dust or dirt away from the motherboard,
or out of the case.
Another good alternative to compressed air is to use a
portable battery powered vacuum that can effectively remove the dust,
dirt, and
hair from the motherboard completely and prevent it from getting
trapped within the case. However, do not use a standard electricity
powered vacuum
as it can cause a lot of static electricity that can damage the
computer. When using the vacuum it is vital that you stay a couple
inches away from
the motherboard and all other components to help prevent contact as
well as to help prevent anything from being sucked into the vacuum.
Ensure that
you do not remove any small components with the vacuum such as jumpers.
Tip: When cleaning the inside of the case also look at any fans or
heat sinks. Dust, dirt, and hair collects around these components the most.
Printer cleaning
Why? Cleaning the outside of a printer can help keep the printer's appearance looking good;
and in the case of a printer that is used by many different people, keep the printer clean of germs.
Procedure: First, make sure to turn off the
printer before cleaning it. Dampen a cloth with water or rubbing alcohol
and wipe
the case and each of the buttons or knobs on the printer. As
mentioned earlier, never spray any liquid directly onto the printer.
Why? With some printers it may be necessary to clean the inside of the printer to help keep the printer running smoothly.
Scanner cleaning
Why? Flatbed scanners commonly become dirty
with dust, fingerprints, and hair. When a scanner is dirty, the images
may have distortions.
Procedure: Clean a flatbed scanner's surface by spraying a window cleaner onto a paper towel or cotton cloth and wipe the
glass until clean. As mentioned earlier, never spray a liquid directly onto the component.
To clean the outside of the scanner, the same towel or cotton cloth can be used.
