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One of the best things you could do to keep your pc running is to keep it free of all the dust bunnies. Does your PC look hairy on the inside, if it does you could experience over heating problems just because of the dust, or complete failures. With a couple of simple tools and a little know how anyone can tackle one of the easiest pc maintenance tasks there is.

1. Lets talk about computer placement. Does your pc sit on the floor under your desk or does it sit on top of your desk? Do you have Pets or No?

If your pc is located on the floor it is adept to be more infested with dust bunnies then if it is on your desk. If you do have pets. We have 3 cats and 2 dogs, your computer will pick up all that extra fur when your cat rubs up against it or your dog lays under the desk next to your computer, or just pet dander floating in the air.

2. Methods of Cleaning components.

There are alot of people who will discourage the use of a vacuum cleaner to clean out a computer. I think using the vacuum on key parts will both save you time and your lungs from all the nasty stuff in your computer. Case Vents and back panels are usually great to clean with the bristle attachment of your vacuum. Make sure your PC is off when doing this. The other thing I use is canned compressed air that you can find at either your local electronics store or computer shop. This works great for cleaning out your keyboard, fans and the components inside your computer. This is best performed outside in a well lit area as to not breathe in all the dust.

3. Tools needed to complete the cleaning process.

Phillips Screw driver standard size
Flat head screw driver
Can of Compressed air
Vacuum
Pen or Pencil and piece of paper(to mark where wires go if you are unfamiliar with them)
Soft bristled paint brush

Procudure:

1. Mark down where the wires are connected on your pc. A good way for doing this is to use multi colored sharpies to and put a dot on the connector and a dot on the cable that attaches to it.

2. Disconnect all cables except the power cable. You want the case and computer to be grounded for the next couple of steps. If you have a hard time working around the space where your computer is unplug the computer and move to a better suited area where your can work hassle free.

3. Get your vacuum ready with the bristle attachment and clean the back panel where all the connectors are located. Pay attention to the vents on the front and the back. If it all will not come off thats okay we can go back after that later.

4. You can now unplug the power cord.

5. Now that the outside is clean lets open it up. Consult your computer manufactures manual on how to open the case. Sorry I cant speak for all of them there are just to many.

6. Move your pc to a desired location so that you can blow out the remainder of the dust don’t forget to take your pencil with you. You will need it.

7. Okay hopefully you are outside on your porch or deck, somewhere dry if its raining I would wait till it drys off first before doing this. You will be amazed at the amount of dust that is in your computer. If you have pets it is probably worse. You do not want to breathe this in, it can be harmful to your health.

8. Starting with the power supply, its the box near the top that the black yellow and red wires come out of, clean the vents blowing out towards the back of your computer. Once finished with that turn your attention to the fan in the back of the power supply. Now grab your pencil, and push it in so that it stops the fan blades from turning. Give it a good burst of air so that the blades are free of dust. Take out your pencil. Note: Wherever there are fans keep them in place with the pencil or your finger so that the do not spin when cleaning with the compressed air.

9. Clean the rest of the components with the canned air. Try not to touch to much, static electricity is not a good thing to be messing with. The less you touch, the better off you are. If you need to move a cable to get behind it just touch the case before moving it so that your at least somewhat grounded. For stubborn dust use the soft bristled paint brush to lightly brush the dust away.

10. I do a physical check to make sure all the fans spin freely with my hand. If you come across a fan that is not spinning or is hard to spin. Do one of 2 things, replace the fan better safe then sorry, or if you are experienced you could lubricate the fan.

11. Once everything checks out you can put the case back together. Move your pc back to your desk and reconnect all the cables. At this time update your calendar of when you did this maintenance. I think it is reasonable to say, clean it every 6 months unless it is very dirty, then try every 3 months.

All in all, doing regular maintenance to your pc could save you in the long run. Your computer will last longer and run better without all the dust insulating the components.

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