How To: Clean the Inside of Your PC

It is very important to keep your computer physically clean. In order to keep it running smooth. A lot of people don't realize that keeping your computer dust free can actually keep it running fast. Dust build up can cause major system problems such as parts not running as they should, shorts in the circuits, and if it gets bad enough it could even cause a fire.

Some of you novice computer users might feel worried about opening up your computer for fear you might accidentally touch something your not suppose to or unplug a wire. But fear not, the process of ridding your computer of dust is quite simple, and once you've done it, you'll never forget.

Ideally every computer should be cleaned out once every other week. It really depends on how dusty it gets, so I would recommend at least checking it once a week until you know how quickly it gets dusty and go from there.

Some handy tools to have while cleaning your computer are things such as Q-tips, a damp rag,a microfiber rag, and compressed air

Now before you get started, it is extremely important that you shut the computer off properly, then be sure to unplug the computer from the wall. You certainly don't want electricity running to it while your inside your computer. You can now open your computer up, if you are unsure how, consult your manual.

The next thing to do it to protect you and your computer from static electricity. After you have unpluged the power cord from the wall, and you open the case, you should first push the power button on the front of your computer. By doing this, you release any left over electricity that may be in your computer. Now the best way to protect from static electricity is to have a anit-static wrist band, one end goes around your wrist and the other end(alligator clip)will clip to the unpainted metal part of your computer case. Now if you don't have a wrist band the next best thing to do is to touch the unpainted metal of the case with both hands to dissipate and static electricity that is built up in you.

Now before you go sticking your arm or anything else into your computer, it is very important that you are careful to not bump into any components.And now we are ready to start cleaning. Some big no nos for cleaning the inside of your computer are using an solvents to clean, another would be to never touch any circuits in the computer, you wouldn't want to break anything.

One thing I have done in the past is to take a small air purifier and set it right next to the open part of your case, then I take the compressed air and blow out the entire inside of the computer, do not get to close to the components with the compreesed air as you don't want to damage the circuits. The purifier will then suck up any of the dust that flies out. I have heard of some people using vacuum cleaners for the same effect. Be sure when using the compressed air that you always hold it at a 90 degree angle, if not you will get a liquid discharge from the can, and you don't want that. While you are blowing out the inside of the case, be sure to blow out all the exhaust fans in your case to get and loose dust off of them.

As for the Cd-Rom, you probably won't have to clean it as much as you would the inside of your case. But to clean it, you should first open the cd-rom trey, then using your compressed air blow in the cd rom drive, but only use light pressure when doing this as it could ruin the cd-rom if you use to much pressure. You can also clean the cd laser lens. If you go to any electronic store you can pick up a cd that cleans the laser lens. They will run you about $10.00. And just follow the direction on the package.

Next, you can take either the microfiber cloth or Q-tips and wipe each fan blade to get the dust that won't blow off with the compressed air. Then you can wipe off the metal sides in the case, and also the panel that reveals the inside of the computer. But be careful when reaching into your computer, you don't want to accidentally pull out and wires.

Now that the inside is all cleaned of dust you can start working on the outside. You can take your compressed air and blow the front of your case. Then you can take the microfiber cloth and wipe the sides of the case and the wires in the back of your computer.

Then just close up your computer, plug the power cable back in and turn it on, and your all set.

I hope this article has helped you with something that is a must for any computer owner to know.