Hardware Cleanup
Hardware cleanups can occur any time of the year. Most commonly you hear about spring cleaning. This does not need to be limited to just one season. Depending on where you live and the type of environment and location your computer is in, cleaning it more than once a year is a good idea!
With computers there can be two kinds: the hardware level and the software level. If you need a software level cleanup, head over to the PC Cleanup page.
Here I'll cover the hardware cleanup because it's important to keep the inside of your computer's case clean and dust-free. Doing these simple tasks can help reduce the temperatures of components in your computer.
Cleaning your computer's hardware is not so bad thankfully. You'll need two things...
Necessary Items
- Can of compressed air
- Phillips head screwdriver
| Warning: Do NOT use a vacuum to clean your computer! Vacuums generate static electricity which can discharge into a computer component and risk damaging it. |
Desktop Cleaning Steps
- Turn off your desktop and unplug it.
- Press the power button to discharge any electricity left in the power supply.
- Open the case, get your compressed air, and blow the dust out.
- If the inside is very dusty, take it outside and then use the compressed air. Make sure to give extra attention to the fans, heatsinks, and anywhere air passes through such as vents, or where dust can settle.
- After five minutes the case has had time to air out because some compressed air can be flammable.
- Put the case back on and reconnect your cable(s).
Laptop Cleaning Steps
- Turn off your laptop and unplug it.
- Open the bottom of the laptop, get your compressed air, and blow the dust out.
- Make sure to give extra attention to the fans, heatsinks, and anywhere air passes through such as vents, or where dust can settle.
- After five minutes the case has had time to air out because some compressed air can be flammable.
- Put the bottom of the laptop back on.
Now you're all set and your computer is clean. If you monitor things like temperatures for your processor and graphics card, you may see that they are several degrees cooler. Don't forget to put your tools away!