Cleaning PC with Vaccum cleaner?

[GoldenAce]

I heard that cleaning your pc with a vacuum cleaner is not recommended since it can cause static problems and such, but would using a vacuum cleaner with a air blowing out mode instead of sucking in still be detrimental?

[Bitter]

I think it's probably about the same in terms of static, but I suppose you could ground the vacuum cleaner to the PC chassis which would eliminate the potential between them. Likely just keeping a hand on the PC and a hand on the nozzle would be enough, but a wire would do it for sure.

[Tristerin]

I use my home vacuum every time.  I take 3 bendy straws, reduce down the nozzle via duct tape to the dia of the 3 straws and direct them into every crevice.  (easiest way to clean out radiators without having to take them out of the chassis, remove fans, etc)

 

There is static, but if you are worried stay grounded.  I dont, do it in wool socks while doing the moonwalk because components arent sensitive to ESD like they were in the 90's/early 2000's.  

[GoldenAce]

So looks like the main thing is to stay grounded. Ill be sure to do that then

Thank you guys for the help!

 

[Electrollium]

I've used an aircompressor on many systems are not broken anything, so i think you should be fine

[Mark Kaine]

Not recommended to touch any pcbs or smds* btw, otherwise it's OK for fans and such 

 

 

*that means mostly motherboard 

[Antistatic12]

Ive used a vacuum for years, the whole static debate is often blown out of proportion. But it can damage parts.

But a few years ago I upgraded to this. It is way more fun and crazy powerful too.

[jiyeon]

I use a vacuum all the time, my PC gets dusty excessively quick - anywhere between 2-4 days to build a noticeable film of dust on any surface - and I've yet to suffer any sort of damage to my components, touch wood.

 

I always keep my vacuum not too close to my system, about 5cm away, and brushing off dust with a spare paintbrush to loosen the dirt first, so there's probably a method to my madness regarding use of a vacuum.

[Bobbyct]

I would just use canned air to be on the safe side

[ausham]

A data vac 500 is what use. I wouldn’t use a run the mill vac, but I know others had and haven’t had problems with it.

[Mark Kaine]

2 hours ago, Bobbycat2414 said:

I would just use canned air to be on the safe side

PC duster / blower is cheaper long term, also those cans have the nasty trait of spraying fluid (water?) instead of "air" sometimes, which isn't the end of the world as you just have to wait for the moisture to be evaporated but it's still a bit of an uneasy feeling... 

 

Also, they're too weak, compared to an professional IT/PC duster! 

 

Canned air for a temporary solution yes, but it's a bit impractical and a waste of money. 

[Bobbyct]

8 hours ago, Mark Kaine said:

PC duster / blower is cheaper long term, also those cans have the nasty trait of spraying fluid (water?) instead of "air" sometimes, which isn't the end of the world as you just have to wait for the moisture to be evaporated but it's still a bit of an uneasy feeling... 

 

Also, they're too weak, compared to an professional IT/PC duster! 

 

Canned air for a temporary solution yes, but it's a bit impractical and a waste of money. 

Well I was thinking that if they were thinking about using a vacuum cleaner, they weren't interested in spending much money.

Also that fluid is just the air still in liquid form I believe.