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Not everyone knows the proper way to clean a desktop computer. After a while, dust accumulates in various components and keyboards. This impedes airflow and can affect cooling and longevity. Therefore, it's essential to regularly tidy up your computer to ensure smooth operation.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Desktop Computer
Preparation Tools:
- Compressed air can or handheld vacuum cleaner with soft brush.
- CPU thermal paste, screwdriver.
- Cable ties for cable management.
- Soft cloth and screen cleaning solution.
- Cleaning a desktop computer requires hardware knowledge and careful disassembly to avoid damage. If you're not confident, focus on cleaning peripherals like the keyboard, mouse, and monitor as discussed below.
- For devices under warranty, avoid voiding the warranty and handle them carefully without touching connectors or components on the motherboard.
- If computer peripherals experience unstable connections, clean them with a small amount of electronic circuit cleaner.
- To begin, shut down the desktop computer, unplug the power cord, and wear an anti-static wrist strap (if available). You can also touch the metal part of the case to discharge static electricity. Additionally, wear insulated footwear and avoid placing the computer on a carpet while cleaning.
- Next, remove the side panel of the computer case and detach hardware components that require thorough cleaning, such as the CPU cooler, graphics card, sound card, and dust filter (if applicable) on the front and side of the case. Use a vacuum cleaner (or compressed air can) and a soft brush to clean dust in areas prone to accumulation, such as the CPU power supply circuit, chipset heatsink, RAM slots, and expansion card slots. With a compressed air can, keep the nozzle close to the cleaning area. Repeat the process for peripheral device connectors on the front and rear of the computer case.
-For the CPU, after removing the heatsink for cleaning, clean off the old thermal paste on the CPU surface and apply a new layer of paste before reinstalling as usual. As for the graphics card, avoid removing the heatsink as even a minor mistake during handling can damage the GPU.
Cleaning Fans and Dust Filters
Cooling fans play a crucial role in maintaining hardware component temperatures within acceptable limits, ensuring hardware stability during prolonged usage. Additionally, the computer case design must be sufficiently sealed to minimize noise while still allowing airflow to bring in cool air and expel hot air from the case.
For cleaning cooling fans, you can use a damp cloth to wipe them down while using a brush and vacuum cleaner to clean the ventilation holes of the computer case. You can also clean dust filters by removing them and rinsing them under running water.
Cleaning Computer Mouse and Keyboard
For cleaning, flip the keyboard upside down and vigorously shake or use compressed air to blow away dust and debris, including any crumbs under the keys. You can use a vacuum cleaner instead of compressed air in this scenario.
To clean the computer keyboard, wipe it with a disinfectant or, for thorough cleaning, use a pen cap or small screwdriver to remove all keys (if possible), soak them in soap to disinfect after taking a photo to remember the key positions.
For the computer mouse, use a damp soft cloth to wipe the mouse body and especially the Teflon pads underneath to reduce friction, allowing smoother movement. For the LED (or laser) sensor area, use a cotton swab to clean and be careful not to let cotton fibers stick during cleaning.
Cleaning the computer screen
Spray an adequate amount of solution onto a soft cloth or simply dampen the cloth, squeeze it dry, and gently wipe over the screen surface to clean dust and fingerprints. Avoid spraying the solution directly onto the screen or using strong solvents such as Acetone or Ethyl alcohol. Make sure to read the instructions and warnings on the solution label.
Post-computer desktop, PC cleaning check
After cleaning the detached hardware components, reattach them to their original positions in the computer case. Double-check all data cables and power cables to ensure they are securely connected. Practical experience suggests that you should neatly tie up power and data cables to create better airflow inside the case for more efficient cooling. For the CPU, place the heatsink fan on top and align the retention pins with the motherboard's designed holes. To secure the heatsink fan, firmly press down the retention pins until you hear a 'click.' Double-check to ensure the retention pins are securely attached by trying to pull them up. Connect the fan power cable to the appropriate connector on the motherboard.
Power up and boot your computer to check. Ensure everything is functioning well before closing the computer case and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Above are the steps to clean your desktop computer, PC. With this method, your desktop computer will always be clean and run smoothly. Wishing you successful implementation.
Image source: Internet
