Removing dust from PCB that compressed air won't remove.

Needles · 30 Jul 2013 at 07:04

Well it's time for my bi-monthly cleaning of the PC and I can get fans, heatsinks and well everything else spotless ......

except for than very fine but stubborn layer of dust that coats especially the back of GPU.

I have read ideas like use a small brush (toothbrush, paintbrush etc), alcohol and a cotton bud (like when removing old thermal paste) etc.

Always then see reports stating that these are not the way to go.

Need a definitive and safe (as much as anything an be) to remove this dust.

Marine Iguana · 30 Jul 2013 at 07:12

Electrical contact cleaner? What I normally use on boards that have grime and stuff on them.

Idleman · 30 Jul 2013 at 08:21

I just use a soft paint brush, preferably a fitch(artists brush), never had any trouble.

OLDPHART · 30 Jul 2013 at 09:00

Needles said:
Well it's time for my bi-monthly cleaning of the PC and I can get fans, heatsinks and well everything else spotless ......

except for than very fine but stubborn layer of dust that coats especially the back of GPU.

I always give my mobo, etc a quick brush with a 2" paint brush before giving it a blast of air, as you find that in certain area's the dust stick's.

panyan · 30 Jul 2013 at 10:02

Idleman said:
I just use a soft paint brush

+1

FreeStream · 30 Jul 2013 at 10:33

I have to raise the question to as why you are even bothering?

Heat sinks, fans and general easy to remove case dust yes, everything else? Waste of time.

Tealc · 30 Jul 2013 at 10:41

Get a dog to lick them clean.

alias86 · 30 Jul 2013 at 10:42

Idleman said:
I just use a soft paint brush, preferably a fitch(artists brush), never had any trouble.

thats a good idea. i use the lint free cloth that comes with glasses. with isopropyl alcohol and maybe sometimes the handle of a tea spoon to gently push it along the edge of pci slots and stuff so i dont touch the board unnecessary

sadbuttrue · 30 Jul 2013 at 11:14

A small amount of dust will do no harm, whereas constantly cleaning with cloths and paintbrushes risks damage to small components.

jakehall109 · 30 Jul 2013 at 12:32

Air-compressor!

OLDPHART · 30 Jul 2013 at 12:50

sadbuttrue said:
A small amount of dust will do no harm, whereas constantly cleaning with cloths and paintbrushes risks damage to small components.

I'v done this for over 15years, used a paint brush for cleaning my PC's and other people's and not once damaged anything.

I do mine about every 2 months as l own pets, even though l have good PC dust filter's it still gets through. So a quick brush and blast with air takes 10 minute's if that job done, far better than leaving it for 4 or 6 month's. Where the job take's three time's as long due to the build up of dust, but everybody to there own.

Hotwired · 30 Jul 2013 at 12:56

Don't use cloth, it can catch.

Soft bristled brush lightly wiped over the piece will move the dust but won't damage anything or catch on components.

robin66 · 30 Jul 2013 at 13:42

Another option is a makeup brush.

pryere · 30 Jul 2013 at 13:53

A 'Tog blower brush works for me.

Ripshod · 30 Jul 2013 at 14:16

Go with the soft paint brush suggestion - but make sure it's natural bristles. Nothing wrong with a wash in isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol - IPA) Give it a good 24hrs to dry but tbh a little dust does no harm unless you're putting it on show.

scotsdragon · 30 Jul 2013 at 14:20

Get out the garden blower get a mate to hold your case and PRAY! lol a soft brush is fine

tribz · 30 Jul 2013 at 16:57

scotsdragon said:
Get out the garden blower get a mate to hold your case and PRAY! lol a soft brush is fine

lol

zoobee · 30 Jul 2013 at 20:21

I find violently shaking the case works.

Ryan-3 · 30 Jul 2013 at 20:41

robin66 said:
Another option is a makeup brush.

I hope you don't use your own?

Hoodleader · 31 Jul 2013 at 10:21

I clean mine with a Very fine brush and Air compressor. Leaves the pc spotless, been doing this for years and has not caused a problem. If anything has helped the situation!