cleaning

larryddd · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:04

Hi all
I noticed there is a layer of dust on my fan blades, wiring etc, inside my rig. Will be installing a new graphics card soon and intent to have a good clean out, what does everyone use to clean the inside of the computer and what do I need to be careful of. many thanks

PapaLazaru · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:06

I use a French Maid.

But really, I use my hoover which has a soft brush attachment.

NinetyOne · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:06

larryddd said:
Hi all
I noticed there is a layer of dust on my fan blades, wiring etc, inside my rig. Will be installing a new graphics card soon and intent to have a good clean out, what does everyone use to clean the inside of the computer and what do I need to be careful of. many thanks

A can of compressed air maybe? :rolleyes:

shoes · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:08

Why rolleyes - it's a perfectly reasonable question.

LordSplodge · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:10

Some Pledge and a duster. Well that's what the wife uses...

Dandaman · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:11

I use some canned air.. works a treat, it isnt cheap so dont go and over use it

NeverWinter · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:15

Is there a decent compressor you can buy to have the same effect as the cans?

bushmins · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:17

Dingy foot pump. Vac cleaner with fluffy attachment... ooer.

klidge · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:22

If you use a mini compressor, make sure you get a water trap with it. If you're just doing your own machine a can of air is the best value. A hoover can cause ESD - not likely but possible. If you're doing multiple machines, an electric duster like the DataVac ED500 is a brilliant buy.

Make sure you blow the PSU out as well, theres a lot of muck that gets into them and can cause niggly problems.

Mark A · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:35

Do you smoke OP? If you do then you will have a job shifting the dust as it'll be dust mixed with tar :eek:

. My Dads pc gfx card fan was making a squealing noise and he was blaming me as I built it 3 years ago :rolleyes:

. Looked inside and the blades were covered in thick dust and when i tried to wipe it it just compressed a bit and smeared about lol. Would need some sort of solvent but not sure what would be safe.

If its just normal dust then I just use some damp kitchen roll on my fan blades and HSF.

larryddd · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:35

thanks for all the replies rolleyes and all

NeverWinter · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:49

Mark A said:
Do you smoke OP? If you do then you will have a job shifting the dust as it'll be dust mixed with tar . My Dads pc gfx card fan was making a squealing noise and he was blaming me as I built it 3 years ago . Looked inside and the blades were covered in thick dust and when i tried to wipe it it just compressed a bit and smeared about lol. Would need some sort of solvent but not sure what would be safe.

If its just normal dust then I just use some damp kitchen roll on my fan blades and HSF.

I'd go with some anti-static foam spray.

Cosimo · 2 Sep 2011 at 16:55

LordSplodge said:
Some Pledge and a duster. Well that's what the wife uses...

Our cleaner licks it off if you pay her enough. She doesn’t like it when all the fans come on.

Duke · 2 Sep 2011 at 17:00

Take it outside and let rip with the air spray.

kokuten · 2 Sep 2011 at 17:00

i find a heavy duty leaf blower is the best option for cleaning dust etc out of a PC

Mark A · 2 Sep 2011 at 17:02

BTW can you use a vacuum cleaner inside a pc? Seem to remember people saying it gives off static or something but there was a way to stop that?

bledd · 2 Sep 2011 at 17:14

I just leave it pile up for a few years until I upgrade, then I strip out the case and use a vacuum cleaner + small brush to get rid of the dust

Compressed air just makes the dust fill the air I find

Hank_Marvin · 2 Sep 2011 at 17:18

Can of air, outside, and a cloth for the really stuck on bits.

kokuten · 2 Sep 2011 at 17:19

or you could see about constructing your own way of channeling air at a high velocity inside the case.. maybe a bison, on a tredmill, powering a fan

Delvis · 2 Sep 2011 at 18:04

Yeah...If you are using a can of air, please, take the PC outside!