Dusting Out Your Desktop PC's Interior

The inside of the computer is the most important part of the computer that needs to be cleaned. A computer case can get clogged with dust, lint, pet fur and other undesirables. Removing dust from the computer vents increases air circulation and helps to keep the system cooler.

If you don't remove the dust the circuit boards the system can slow down and over heat as the dust will interfere with air flow and circuitry connections. Allowing the system to overheat will eventually lead to component failure or complete system failure.

Supplies needed

Screw driver - to open the computer's case
Canned Air or Air Compressor
Dust Mask (optional)
Vacuum Cleaner or broom (to clean up the area afterwards)

Steps to Clean

1. Turn off and unplug the computer. Alternatively turn off the system and then turn off any surge protectors or UPS's. The last thing you want is to shock yourself or the system while working on it. Disconnect everything connected to the computer once it is shut down. This includes things like speakers, monitors, printers, keyboards and mice.

2. Remove or open up the casing of the computer (directions should be in your computer manual or even on the back of the case). Most computers have a few screws holding a side panel in place. After these are removed, that panel can be simply slid off.

3. Take the computer outside or into an area you can sweep or vacuum after you are done as dust will come out.

4. Place one hand on the outside of the case. This helps to release static electricity and prevent transfer inside the case if you bump something. With the other hand use the can of air to clean out the dust from the vents and the fan in the back of the computer.

5. Use the canned air or compressor to blow the dust out of the computer going in one direction while using short bursts of air. Start with the upper part of the computer and work your way down, this sweeps out all the dust that has settled on lower components all at once.

If the air causes any of the fan blades to spin, don't worry. That's harmless and actually a good way to get them clean.

- Doing a second sweep from top to bottom will ensure that all dust is removed.

Parts to get clean:

All Circuit boards

Motherboard

Bottom and sides of the case

Power supply

CD, DVD and Hard drives

Fans

- If you can get the front of the computer off clean it out as well dust is notorious for getting packed in that space.

5. After you've finished cleaning out the inside, you can put the sides of your computer back on using the same screws as before.

6. Reconnect the computer to the peripherals and power. Once everything is returned to the way it should be, you can safely turn your computer back on.

7. Vacuum or clean the area you cleaned the computer out in.

Things to remember:

It is not recommended to use a vacuum cleaner, feather duster or swiffer on the inside of a computer as these can transfer static shocks very easily.

Try not to touch the inside of the computer or components - the less contact the better.

Compressors are an option but canned air is recommended as compressors can shoot foreign particles into the computer from the air.

Cleaning your machine outside can save you a lot of clean-up however you need to ensure a stable and clean spot.

Be sure that there are no foreign materials (wood chips, twigs, dirt, metal, food bits) in your cleaning area that can enter your machine. Particles such as this can cause major damage.

Always hold the can of compressed air upright. An inverted can of compressed air can let out bursts of liquid which can damage electronic components.