How to Clean Your PC Safely: Dust, Fans and Screen
Dust blocks airflow, which makes components run hotter and fans louder. Cleaning a couple of times a year helps a PC run cooler and quieter.
What you need
- Microfibre cloths
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) for hard surfaces
- Soft brush
- Compressed air or a small air blower
- A small screwdriver for opening the case
Before you start
- Shut the PC down completely and unplug the power cable. On laptops, remove the battery only if it is designed to be user-removable.
- Work on a clean, hard surface, not carpet.
- Touch bare metal on the case first to discharge static electricity.
Cleaning a desktop
- Open the side panel.
- Hold fan blades still with a finger or a soft tool so they do not over-spin, then use short bursts of air.
- Clean the dust filters and vents.
- Wipe the outside with a slightly damp microfibre cloth.
Cleaning a laptop
Use short bursts of air at the vents, and wipe the keyboard and palm rest with a lightly dampened cloth. Do not open the laptop if it is under warranty unless the manufacturer allows it.
Cleaning the screen
Turn the screen off, spray a little screen-safe cleaner on the cloth (never directly on the screen), and wipe gently.
Mistakes to avoid
- Never use a household vacuum cleaner inside a PC; it can build up static.
- Never spray liquid directly onto components.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or paper towels on screens.