Specialist pc vacuum cleaner

[Morrie Sells Wigs]

Hello, guys, so I'm considering getting a small purpose built vacuum cleaner that is for cleaning in hard to reach places.

 

They are often used by high quality car valets to get into the tightest gaps in between seats etc...but are also used for computers and the like.

 

I wondered if anyone had any experience of such a device, are they any good, and can anyone recommend any particular brands or products.

It is to be used to get into the tight spaces in my computer, to reach up into the fans on the gpu etc...

I have a can of compressed air, but I'm still a little uncertain if they are safe to spray right into the components...especially as water vapour is often blown out of the can. 

 

Yes, I know that will go away after a few squirts, but even so I've been reluctant to use it.

 

So, is a mini vacuum cleaner a good idea?

 

Any make or model to recommend?

 

Any other pertinent advice would be greatly appreciated too.

 

Thanks, in advance, guys and gals.

[ToboRobot]

Compressed air is a better option than a vacuum for removing dust from electronics.  Keep the can upright and and at least an inch away from the component you are cleaning.

[Skiiwee29]

11 minutes ago, ToboRobot said:

Compressed air is a better option than a vacuum for removing dust from electronics.  Keep the can upright and and at least an inch away from the component you are cleaning.

compressed air is not an efficient way. It loses its pressure so quick regardless of how quick you do it.

 

@Maury Sells Wigs I use a dataVac to dust my electronics, have for about 7 or 8 years now without any issues. Similar to this one: https://smile.amazon.com/Bonus-Electric-500-Watt-Computer-Electronics/dp/B071LQSXGD/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=datavac&qid=1613826035&sr=8-1

 

Do note that a lot of these types of data vacs come in both 120v and 230v so ensure IF you do get one, get one with the correct voltage for your area. You will make your money back on canned air by getting one like this or similar quickly. 

[HanZie82]

19 minutes ago, Maury Sells Wigs said:

Hello, guys, so I'm considering getting a small purpose built vacuum cleaner that is for cleaning in hard to reach places.

 

They are often used by high quality car valets to get into the tightest gaps in between seats etc...but are also used for computers and the like.

 

I wondered if anyone had any experience of such a device, are they any good, and can anyone recommend any particular brands or products.

It is to be used to get into the tight spaces in my computer, to reach up into the fans on the gpu etc...

I have a can of compressed air, but I'm still a little uncertain if they are safe to spray right into the components...especially as water vapour is often blown out of the can. 

 

Yes, I know that will go away after a few squirts, but even so I've been reluctant to use it.

 

So, is a mini vacuum cleaner a good idea?

 

Any make or model to recommend?

 

Any other pertinent advice would be greatly appreciated too.

 

Thanks, in advance, guys and gals.

There is no water in those cans. The liquid is something different. Some alcohol most likely.
And weirdly enough spraying that liquid all over the PC components is a lot safer then jamming a vacuum hose in there.

The dust flying into the nossle of the vacuum can generate great loads of static electricity, altho lots of parts are very robust against it, i personally would not take the risk.

[Morrie Sells Wigs]

I'm a bit confused here, as one person is saying compressed air isn't very good and that the vacuum works fine, and the other is saying air is much better and a vacuum isn't a good idea.

 

Don't really know what to think.

[Moonzy]

I use a salon hair dryer with heat set to 0, just want the dust to be blown away

 

If you wanna be extra clean, use a soft brush but be very careful.

It's unnecessary unless you want to snap photos of the things

[W-L]

1 minute ago, Maury Sells Wigs said:

I'm a bit confused here, as one person is saying compressed air isn't very good and that the vacuum works fine, and the other is saying air is much better and a vacuum isn't a good idea.

 

Don't really know what to think.

Depends on the vacuum if you get a proper electronics vacuum cleaner it will not be an issue as they are ESD grounded and have built in static dissipation when vacuuming over electronics. For most people using a compressed air canister or those air dusters and an ESD safe brush will suffice

 

I've used specialized units like this which are used for electronics and fine dust particles that we cannot just blow off as it will be a health hazard and contaminate the work area. 

https://www.amazon.ca/Atrix-VACOMEGAS-Omega-Supreme-Vacuum/dp/B004BBMO0S/

[Mark Kaine]

I personally wouldn't use a vacuum generally, I'd be afraid to knock off some Smds, unplug cables by accident etc, I use a duster therfore which you can use from "safe distance". 

 

I do however vacuum my fans sometimes with a regular Philips vacuum cleaner which has a really convenient brush... I'm not too worried about static... have a wooden floor and how would static damage the fans anyway... but mostly use the duster. 

 

 

[HanZie82]

1 hour ago, Maury Sells Wigs said:

I'm a bit confused here, as one person is saying compressed air isn't very good and that the vacuum works fine, and the other is saying air is much better and a vacuum isn't a good idea.

 

Don't really know what to think.

Sorry that was not how meant to go.
But as @W-Lsaid, the vacuum you can safely do it with, are pretty expensive.

So in the end its easier to say stay away from them.

 

But if you for example take out your fans and want to clean those a vacuum (and a brush) is perfect. (Like @Mark Kainementioned).

 

So a vacuum cleaner CAN work, but its just more dangerous. People advising those (im sorry but) arent to informed about its troubles. But they can certainly work. (just with more risk or expenses).

[ToboRobot]

2 hours ago, Skiiwee29 said:

compressed air is not an efficient way. It loses its pressure so quick regardless of how quick you do it.

 

@Maury Sells Wigs I use a dataVac to dust my electronics, have for about 7 or 8 years now without any issues. Similar to this one: https://smile.amazon.com/Bonus-Electric-500-Watt-Computer-Electronics/dp/B071LQSXGD/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=datavac&qid=1613826035&sr=8-1

 

Do note that a lot of these types of data vacs come in both 120v and 230v so ensure IF you do get one, get one with the correct voltage for your area. You will make your money back on canned air by getting one like this or similar quickly. 

How is compressed air not efficient but a vacuum is.  Both lose pressure, the difference is largely suck vs blow?

[Skiiwee29]

2 minutes ago, ToboRobot said:

How is compressed air not efficient but a vacuum is.  Both lose pressure, the difference is largely suck vs blow?

When I speak of Vacuum, im referring to dusters, not a traditional house vacuum that sucks, but rather blows... 

[Dedayog]

1 minute ago, Skiiwee29 said:

When I speak of Vacuum, im referring to dusters, not a traditional house vacuum that sucks, but rather blows... 

 

Those are blowers, not vacuums.  

 

2 hours ago, Skiiwee29 said:

compressed air is not an efficient way. It loses its pressure so quick regardless of how quick you do it.

 

@Maury Sells Wigs I use a dataVac to dust my electronics, have for about 7 or 8 years now without any issues. Similar to this one: https://smile.amazon.com/Bonus-Electric-500-Watt-Computer-Electronics/dp/B071LQSXGD/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=datavac&qid=1613826035&sr=8-1

 

Do note that a lot of these types of data vacs come in both 120v and 230v so ensure IF you do get one, get one with the correct voltage for your area. You will make your money back on canned air by getting one like this or similar quickly. 

Huh?  Have a can right here on my desk, no loss of pressure.  Where do you buy yours?

 

Compressed air is fine, as are vacs.  Tho compressed air can clear more dust than suction.  A good blower is nice too, but sometimes the thin nizzle on compressed air can get hard to reach places better.

[Skiiwee29]

Just now, Dedayog said:

Huh?  Have a can right here on my desk, no loss of pressure.  Where do you buy yours?

 

Compressed air is fine, as are vacs.  Tho compressed air can clear more dust than suction.

im talking more a blower vac, not suction vac. 

[Dedayog]

1 minute ago, Skiiwee29 said:

im talking more a blower vac, not suction vac. 

Let's just stop using the word vac then with blower?  A blower vac is a machine that can SUCK and BLOW.  Like this...

 

Amazon.com : BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum, Mulcher, 12-Amp (BV3600) : Lawn And Garden Blower Vacs : Garden & Outdoor

 

You're talking just a blower like this...  I have one and they're good but can't dislodge some harder to reach areas.

 

Amazon.com: Compucleaner 2.0 -Durable ABS Plastic Electric High Pressure Air Duster - Computer Cleaner Blower - Keyboard Cleaner - Electronic Devices and Laptop Cleaner - Replaces Compressed Air Cans-White: Computers & Accessories

[HerrKaLeu]

I just use my regulars vacuum with appropriate nozzle. Most parts that get dust, or suffer from dust, are easy to access. You also can buy specific wands for tiny spaces, but not sure if vacuuming it all is worth it. 

 

I don't know if you thought you get a vacuum (the actual bag and fan etc.) that itself is small. but if it is smaller than a nozzle, it sure is not powerful. 

 

Not sure how static would hurt, the nozzle that may be charged shouldn't touch any actual parts. You kind of keep it a few cm away. With a good vacuum, tha tis enough suction. 

[Morrie Sells Wigs]

8 hours ago, HerrKaLeu said:

I just use my regulars vacuum with appropriate nozzle. Most parts that get dust, or suffer from dust, are easy to access. You also can buy specific wands for tiny spaces, but not sure if vacuuming it all is worth it. 

 

I don't know if you thought you get a vacuum (the actual bag and fan etc.) that itself is small. but if it is smaller than a nozzle, it sure is not powerful. 

 

Not sure how static would hurt, the nozzle that may be charged shouldn't touch any actual parts. You kind of keep it a few cm away. With a good vacuum, tha tis enough suction. 

I was thinking about one of those mini vacuums with the tapered nozzle so I could get into the tighter spaces in the case.

 

The general consensus on here seems to be they aren't really worth the bother.

 

 

[Morrie Sells Wigs]

1 hour ago, SGT-AMD said:

When I was maintaing the server for the company I worked for, I actually pulled out everything in the case and used compressed air to clean it. That usually happened on a Sunday when the store was closed. Twice a year, every year, no excuses.

When cleaning fans, make sure you don't let the fan blades move, otherwise, you might wear out a bearing in a short time.

 

Right, that's good to know. 

 

Thanks, for the advice  

[HerrKaLeu]

9 hours ago, Maury Sells Wigs said:

I was thinking about one of those mini vacuums with the tapered nozzle so I could get into the tighter spaces in the case.

 

The general consensus on here seems to be they aren't really worth the bother.

 

 

A hose can be used with any type of nozzle and is easier to move around in tight spaces since the hose is smaller than a mini-vacuum. 

also the much larger suction of a " real"  vacuum allows you to keep the nozzle farther away from the parts. 

 

I think you are over-thinking this. I'd just try with a regular vacuum you already have before buying. All those mini-vacuums only SUCK in one way. And that way is they don't suck enough air. A large (real) vacuum and  a hose to get to where you need the nozzle will work much better for both flexibility and suction. 

 

I don't think-disassembling a PC for cleaning is needed. And consider, every time you disassemble something, something can break. 

 

I'd invest in a good case with good easy to clean filters. How dirty are we talking here? Is that computer in a cement factory or in a cat farm? I have a filtered case and over years never need to clean the inside. the filters only have a tiny bit of dust every few months. 

 

Edit: OP: did you hire Linus to clean your PC?

 

 

[Morrie Sells Wigs]

1 hour ago, HerrKaLeu said:

A hose can be used with any type of nozzle and is easier to move around in tight spaces since the hose is smaller than a mini-vacuum. 

also the much larger suction of a " real"  vacuum allows you to keep the nozzle farther away from the parts. 

 

I think you are over-thinking this. I'd just try with a regular vacuum you already have before buying. All those mini-vacuums only SUCK in one way. And that way is they don't suck enough air. A large (real) vacuum and  a hose to get to where you need the nozzle will work much better for both flexibility and suction. 

 

I don't think-disassembling a PC for cleaning is needed. And consider, every time you disassemble something, something can break. 

 

I'd invest in a good case with good easy to clean filters. How dirty are we talking here? Is that computer in a cement factory or in a cat farm? I have a filtered case and over years never need to clean the inside. the filters only have a tiny bit of dust every few months. 

 

Edit: OP: did you hire Linus to clean your PC?

 

 

I'm not "overthinking it".

 

I'm just asking if a particular product is worth buying. 

 

As for how dirty - it's not filthy by any means, it just has the expected amount of dust for a case that has sat in a normal room at a regular temperature for a few months.

[JovanD]

A high powered premium hair dryer(with cold blow option) is best bang for your buck, its also great for reviving dead graphics cards and pre heating PCBs for soldering/desoldering.

[Morrie Sells Wigs]

1 hour ago, JovanD said:

A high powered premium hair dryer(with cold blow option) is best bang for your buck, its also great for reviving dead graphics cards and pre heating PCBs for soldering/desoldering.

Cheers, Jovan.

[StarsMars]

On 2/20/2021 at 7:41 AM, Maury Sells Wigs said:

Hello, guys, so I'm considering getting a small purpose built vacuum cleaner that is for cleaning in hard to reach places.

 

They are often used by high quality car valets to get into the tightest gaps in between seats etc...but are also used for computers and the like.

 

I wondered if anyone had any experience of such a device, are they any good, and can anyone recommend any particular brands or products.

It is to be used to get into the tight spaces in my computer, to reach up into the fans on the gpu etc...

I have a can of compressed air, but I'm still a little uncertain if they are safe to spray right into the components...especially as water vapour is often blown out of the can. 

 

Yes, I know that will go away after a few squirts, but even so I've been reluctant to use it.

 

So, is a mini vacuum cleaner a good idea?

 

Any make or model to recommend?

 

Any other pertinent advice would be greatly appreciated too.

 

Thanks, in advance, guys and gals.

Datavac

On 2/20/2021 at 7:48 AM, ToboRobot said:

Compressed air is a better option than a vacuum for removing dust from electronics.  Keep the can upright and and at least an inch away from the component you are cleaning.

Compressed cans of air are really bad for pollution

[HerrKaLeu]

Youtube has a vacuumwars channel that does really good tests. Including testing the HEPA filtration. 

[ToboRobot]

7 hours ago, StarsMars said:

Datavac

Compressed cans of air are really bad for pollution

So is ewaste because you didn't clean electronics.

 

[NineEyeRon]

On 2/20/2021 at 12:48 PM, ToboRobot said:

Compressed air is a better option than a vacuum for removing dust from electronics.  Keep the can upright and and at least an inch away from the component you are cleaning.

Much better to get an electric air duster. Canned air is bad, really bad. Only best used when you can’t use an electric air duster for some reason.