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How to clean your computer
I
have a dirty secret. I've never cleaned my computer. Sure, I've dusted
my monitor, but I haven't taken off the cover or tried to reach the
crumbs lurking inside my keyboard. And I honestly don't know the
difference between pressurized air dusters and compressed air cleaners.
"Your computer could fry if you don't keep it clean," says Jonathon Millman, chief technology officer for Hooplah Interactive.
Whether
it's a desktop or laptop/notebook computer, dust and lint can clog the
cooling vents. This can cause your computer's brain—the central
processing unit (CPU)—to heat up. And heat is the biggest cause of
component failure in computers. Regular cleaning could save you costly
maintenance fees down the road.
Follow the five simple steps
in the cleanup and maintenance routine below to keep your computer and
accessories looking shiny and new. It's an easy, do-it-yourself solution
to help them run smoothly and last longer.
Not what you were looking for?
Are you trying to clean up your computer in the antivirus software sense? This guide on the Microsoft Security website
provides instructions, a free safety scan, and a malicious software
removal tool you can download. Or, if you're trying to find tips on
cleaning out system clutter and unwanted files to make your programs run
faster, you may find these articles helpful: Speed up your PC: Automate your computer maintenance schedule, Optimize your computer for peak performance, and How to delete programs you no longer need.
Preparation
You'll need:
- Standard (flat-tip) and/or Phillips screwdriver
- Can of compressed air (available from computer dealers or office-supply stores)
- Cotton swabs (do not use a cotton ball)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Soft, lint-free cloths, paper towels, or anti-static cloths
- Water
- Safety glasses (optional)
Important: Always turn your computer off and disconnect it from the power source before you begin any of these steps.
Step 1: Inside the case
If
you see dust or other debris accumulating around the vents of your
desktop or laptop, you can bet there's more inside—and it's only going
to cause trouble. To remove it, you'll need to open the case. That may
sound more intimidating than it really is. Before you begin, of course,
make sure the computer is turned off and disconnected from the power source.
One
more consideration: Manufacturers' policies vary, but, in some cases,
opening your computer case may void your warranty. You may even
encounter a warning sticker on the case. Review your warranty terms
before continuing.
- For desktop computers.
Desktop computer manufacturers employ a variety of fastening mechanisms
to secure the case. Face the back panel: Modern cases typically use two
or more small knobs that you can turn by hand, or buttons that you
press in, to release a side panel or the entire shell of the case.
Others may require you to remove two or more slotted or Phillips screws.
If in doubt, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.
- For laptop and notebook computers.
Set the computer upside down on a table or other stable surface. (You
may want to place a towel or paper under the computer to prevent
scratches and scuffs.) Remove the battery. On most laptops, the vents on
the underside will be grouped on a removable panel, secured to the case
with several screws. Typically, these are very small Phillips-type
screws, which may be of different lengths. Remove them, and be sure to
keep track of which goes where.
After you're inside
either your desktop or laptop, touch as little as possible inside the
computer—keep your fingers away from cards and cords. Look for any dust
bunnies or other bits of fluff in the nooks and crannies. Pick these out
carefully with tweezers or a cotton swab. Blow compressed air around
all of the components and along the bottom of the case, keeping the
nozzle at least four inches away from the machine. Blow air into the
power supply box and into the fan.
Try to aim the stream of
pressurized air in such a way that it blows debris out of and away from
crevices and recesses, rather than driving it deeper in. Safety glasses
are a good idea, too, to keep the flying dust out of your eyes.
Take
particular care when blowing the delicate fans. Overspinning them with
excessive pressure can crack a blade or damage the bearings. Position
the compressed air can well away, and use short bursts of air rather
than a steady blast. As a precaution, you might also carefully
immobilize the fan blades with your fingertip or a cotton swab while
using the air can.
Lastly, blow air into the floppy disk, CD or
DVD drives, and I/O ports—but again, not too aggressively. Wipe the
inside of the cover with a lightly moistened cloth, and dry it before
replacing it.
Millman recommends doing this every three months if
your case sits on the floor, if you have pets that shed, or if you
smoke. Otherwise, every six to eight months is fine.
Step 2: Outside the case
Run
a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol around all of the openings on
the outside of your case. Give them one swipe with the damp end of the
swab and one swipe with the dry end. Do this as often as you clean the
inside of your computer.
Step 3: Keyboard
Turn
the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Most of the crumbs and
dust will fall out. Take a can of compressed air and blow into and
around the keys. Next, take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol.
It should be damp, but not dripping wet. Run the cotton swab around the
outside of each key. Rub the tops of the keys. Don't be stingy with the
swabs. Discard them when they start to get dirty, and switch to a fresh
one. If you have a laptop, follow the same procedure but take extra
care with your machine—treat it as gently as you would a carton of fresh
eggs. If your laptop has a touchpad, use the damp swap to wipe it
clean, as well. Do this keyboard cleanup monthly.
It's tempting to
use a vacuum cleaner to suck the debris out of the keyboard and other
parts of the computer, but technicians warn that it can create a static
electrical charge that can actually damage the computer's sensitive
electronics.
Worried about spills?
If a spill happens,
immediately turn off your computer, disconnect the keyboard, and flip it
over. While the keyboard is upside down, blot the keys with a paper
towel, blow compressed air between the keys, and leave it to air dry
overnight. Check to ensure that all traces of moisture have evaporated
before using the keyboard again. Laptop spills need more attention
because liquid can easily penetrate the keyboard and damage internal
parts. For laptop spills, immediately turn off the computer and remove
any external power source and other items plugged into it. Turn the
laptop over, remove the battery, and then bring it to your nearest
repair center to check for internal damage. Simply blowing compressed
air into the keyboard and letting your computer air dry upside down
overnight aren't enough, because liquids can sit inside a laptop for
days.
For all spills, be aware that anything other than plain
water may cause severe damage, and never attempt to dry a keyboard or
laptop in a microwave or conventional oven.
Step 4: Mouse
Disconnect
the mouse from your computer. Rub the top and bottom of your mouse with
a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol. Scrape hard-to-remove grime
with your fingernail. If you have an optical mouse, ensure that no lint
or other debris obscures the light-emitting lens on the underside of the
mouse.
If you use a mechanical mouse, open the underside of the
mouse and remove the ball. (In most cases, you simply need to rotate the
plastic ring encircling the ball one-quarter turn counterclockwise.)
Wash the ball with water, and let it air dry. To clean inside a
mechanical mouse, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub all of
the interior components, paying particular attention to the little
rollers, where gunk tends to collect. Finally, blow compressed air into
the opening and ensure that the interior is dry. Replace the ball and
the cover.
Clean your mouse monthly.
Step 5: Monitor
For
liquid-crystal display (LCD) laptop and flat-panel monitor screens,
slightly moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with plain water. Microfiber
cloths are excellent for this purpose. Avoid using paper towels, which
can scratch monitor surfaces. Don't spray liquid directly onto the
screen—spray the cloth instead. Wipe the screen gently to remove dust
and fingerprints. You can also buy monitor cleaning products at
computer-supply stores.
For glass CRT (television-style) monitors,
use an ordinary household glass cleaning solution. Unless your
manufacturer recommends differently, don't use alcohol or ammonia-based
cleaners on your monitor, as these can damage anti-glare coatings. And
never try to open the housing of a CRT monitor. Capacitors within can
hold a dangerous electrical charge—even after the monitor has been
unplugged.
Clean the monitor weekly. Finally, make sure that everything is dry before you plug your computer back in.
