Spring Cleaning Blog Series: Dust Out Your PC

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s also essential for keeping your computer running smoothly. This is the eighth blog in our 8-blog series to help you tidy up your PC or Mac: 

Dusting is your duty

• Turn off your computer and unplug it.

• Use compressed air to blow out dust from vents, fans, and components.

• Clean the keyboard, monitor, and other peripherals.

- Dusting out your computer is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

1. Improved Cooling Efficiency:

• Dust accumulation inside your computer can clog fans, heatsinks, and vents.

• Regular cleaning ensures proper airflow, preventing overheating and component damage.

2. Enhanced Performance:

• Dust can insulate components, causing them to heat up.

• By removing dust, your computer runs cooler, which positively impacts performance.

3. Reduced Noise:

• Dust-covered fans become noisy due to strain.

• Cleaning them restores quiet operation.

4.  Prevention of Component Failure:

• Excess dust can lead to hardware failure.

• Regular cleaning extends its lifespan.

Remember to use compressed air and clean in a well-ventilated area.

Cleaning your Keyboard

 Here are some effective methods of cleaning your keyboard based on the type of keyboard you have:

Dusting:

• For daily maintenance, use a small soft-bristled dusting brush or a can of compressed air to remove dust and debris from the keys and crevices1.

• If there’s caked-on dust, try using the brush/hose attachment of a larger vacuum cleaner to scrape off dust bunnies.

Germs and Disinfection:

• To disinfect, use bleach-free disinfecting wipes or create your own solution with isopropyl alcohol (60% or higher concentration).

• Moisten an old rag or paper towel with the alcohol solution and scrub the tops of the keys. Use a wet cotton swab to clean between the keys.

Spills:

• If you spill liquid on your keyboard, unplug it immediately.

• For sticky keys, gently pop off the keys (refer to a layout reference if needed) and clean thoroughly. Draw a map or take a photo before disassembling for easy reassembly.

Remember to unplug your keyboard before cleaning to avoid any damage.

Cleaning your Screen

Cleaning your monitor screen is essential for maintaining optimal performance and extending its longevity. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

1. Do Use a Microfiber Cloth:

• Turn off the monitor and unplug it.

• Gently wipe the screen using a clean microfiber cloth in a circular motion to remove dust and smudges.

• If your screen is not too dirty, this should be sufficient.

2. Don’t Spray Cleaning Fluid Directly:

• Avoid spraying cleaning fluid or polish directly onto the screen. Ultra-thin screens can be damaged by water seeping underneath the top layer, causing pixel issues.

• Instead, dampen the cloth with a small amount of distilled water or a 50/50 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol.

3. Don’t Use Window Cleaning Fluid or Rubbing Alcohol:

• These products can strip the reflective layer on top of your screen, leading to glare and potential damage.

4. Don’t Use Paper Towels or Standard Rags:

• These can cause abrasion and scratches on delicate monitor screens. Stick to microfiber cloths or anti-static screen cleaning wipes.

Remember, proper cleaning helps maintain a clear display and ensures your monitor serves you well!