Cleaning Case Fans

[JaZoN_XD]

So I am going to be doing a very small upgrade to my system but since I am going to do that, I thought I'd also take the chance to properly fully clean the fans. I am planning to remove the fan completely from the case so movement restrictions won't be a factor. So then, what is the best way to clean a case fan? This includes properly cleaning the backside of the blades...etc. I am asking for LTT's expertise on this subject so I don't have to ruin my fan or do it in an inefficient way. Thanks.

[suchamoneypit]

just hold the blades so they dont spin, and take some compressed air and clean it out.

[JaZoN_XD]

just hold the blades so they dont spin, and take some compressed air and clean it out.

Yes, i would think that's the first step, however that's not thorough enough...

[werto165]

just hold the blades so they dont spin, and take some compressed air and clean it out.

I thought it didn't matter at all if you hold the fans or not. 

[cfair766]

Use a old shirt

[Tedster]

I thought it didn't matter at all if you hold the fans or not. 

You're reducing your risk of damaging the fans if you stop them from spinning.

A motor becomes a dynamo if you apply force to the rotor, and there's nowhere for the energy generated to safely go in this case.

[werto165]

You're reducing your risk of damaging the fans if you stop them from spinning.

A motor becomes a dynamo if you apply force to the rotor, and there's nowhere for the energy generated to safely go in this case.

I doubt it would create that much current. If there are people cleaning PC's with leaf blowers I don't think it would create nearly enough to cause any damage, I guess it's best to be safe than sorry .

[JaZoN_XD]

with a very old case fan, I once just outright washed it with soap and water and stuff. Just rinsed it under the sink and used soap on the old greasy blades. After it dried the next day... it still worked. It was like a 11 year old 80mm fan. I don't know if washing a case fan is a good idea or not

[werto165]

with a very old case fan, I once just outright washed it with soap and water and stuff. Just rinsed it under the sink and used soap on the old greasy blades. After it dried the next day... it still worked. It was like a 11 year old 80mm fan. I don't know if washing a case fan is a good idea or not

I would just use a  wet cotton bud(q-tip?) to be honest, I don't think washing your fans would be ideal, it would probably mess with the lubricant in the bearings. 

[suchamoneypit]

I thought it didn't matter at all if you hold the fans or not. 

not really, but how are you going to put enough force on the fan blades to remove stuck on dust and stuff if the force the compressed air puts on it just spins the blades?

[WoodenMarker]

I just gently wipe the fan blades with a napkin.

[Snadzies]

Just wipe the blades off with a moist paper towel