Computer cleaning, methods?

[HutchisonSorbo]

So it's coming to that time of the year again where I'm needing to clean the dust out of my computer, however it's a relatively new machine this time around that I've only had for close to 9 months. In the middle of the year I used compressed air on it and there weren't any issues after using it but I'm still a little shaky about using it again as I'm not 100% sure of the exact item I purchased previously. It appears the prices have gone down drastically since I last purchased compressed air so this thread is composed of two questions.

 

Question 1: Do you think this http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Computer-Accessories/Stands-and-Cleaners/RA100150;jsessionid=(J2EE5996400)ID1942604352DB11806445984782289553End;saplb_*=(J2EE5996400)5996452 is safe for use on internal components? 

 

Question 2: What do you use to clean the inside components of your computer? I believe it may be an interesting discussion where people may find new methods to effectively clean their machines. 

 

All the best and take care everyone.

[Bluejay0]

Pressurized air can be used however be careful as it can damage components like if used on radiators. 

 

I use my hand, an anti-static cloth, toilet paper, rubbing alcohol (on CPU when I switch paste)

[Vitalius]

I use alcohol wipes (for diabetics when pricking fingers), coffee filters (lint-free, the wipes aren't), compressed air (via a large compressor I own), and my hand. 

Also, as with most things, to make cleaning easier, prevention helps. Get some dust filters if you don't already have some. Panty hose makes a great, fine, dust filter.

[watts]

Im terrible, I just turn it off and use normal bathroom wipes and leave for 30 mins before booting.

[HutchisonSorbo]

I use alcohol wipes (for diabetics when pricking fingers), coffee filters (lint-free, the wipes aren't), compressed air (via a large compressor I own), and my hand. 

Also, as with most things, to make cleaning easier, prevention helps. Get some dust filters if you don't already have some. Panty hose makes a great, fine, dust filter.

 

Every intake into the case is filtered but unfortunately the dust still manages to get in.  :mellow:

[Vitalius]

Every intake into the case is filtered but unfortunately the dust still manages to get in.  :mellow:

How many intakes and exhausts and what kind of filters do you have?

[HutchisonSorbo]

How many intakes and exhausts and what kind of filters do you have?

 

A single Silverstone AP121 in the front drawing air in, Gelid Wing exhausting. All in the prodigy with a filter on the side where the graphics card is drawing in air. 

[LonliestofAll]

I try to keep a positive pressure in my case, and clean it out about every one to two months.

[LonliestofAll]

A single Silverstone AP121 in the front drawing air in, Gelid Wing exhausting. All in the prodigy with a filter on the side where the graphics card is drawing in air. 

snip

[Jamdude]

A can of compressed air to clean all internals of the PC and a wet microfibre cloth to wipe down filters and externals of the ocmputer.

[Vitalius]

A single Silverstone AP121 in the front drawing air in, Gelid Wing exhausting. All in the prodigy with a filter on the side where the graphics card is drawing in air. 

 

This -V

I try to keep a positive pressure in my case, and clean it out about every one to two months.

If you really want dust to stay out, you need positive pressure. That means more intakes than exhausts.

[HutchisonSorbo]

This -V

If you really want dust to stay out, you need positive pressure. That means more intakes than exhausts.

 

I previously had the two stock fans running at the top of the case drawing air in, although this is also a filtered intake there was still quite a bit of dust after 6 months of use.

[Vitalius]

I previously had the two stock fans running at the top of the case drawing air in, although this is also a filtered intake there was still quite a bit of dust after 6 months of use.

6 months? ... Yeah, I guess that's the limit. Dust will get in regardless, the filters are just there to prevent a ton of dust getting in. 

[HutchisonSorbo]

6 months? ... Yeah, I guess that's the limit. Dust will get in regardless, the filters are just there to prevent a ton of dust getting in. 

 

I love my system but I'm also incredibly lazy so I'm a little torn. I was hoping this thread would also give me new ideas so I might change it to maybe every 3 months or so. 

[rentaspoon]

Old case:

Fans out cleaned with car brake cleaner and regreased/oiled.

Everything removed and vacuumed then cleaned with a compressor.

Fans are set with a positive pressure in mind with a high air flow which will push any loose dust out that's left.

Now I have an SG09 CASE i have no idea

[deadaccount69]

people seem to think pcs are much more delicate than they actually are. watch this for a way to clean it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig6PqQvg6MQ&list=PLEA5C9209A487A062&index=3 proof that pcs arent that delicate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTGar7aoLDs

[acepro71]

I use this

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUa_FFGpr0o

 

 

 

also i have found some cheap air blowers will tell u if those work

[OddlyShapedTree]

Back when I owned paintball guns I would de-tatch the macro line from the regulator and just blow air into the case, I could control the pressure so it wasn't risky. But ever since I sold them I just use compress air with the system off and in short bursts. I do it more often so it is easier. but you can just use microfiber cloths if you are worried.

[Guest]

Open it up real nice and slow and pressure wash the fuck out of it and fill it with rice.

[Godlygamer23]

If you use pressurized air from a can, be sure to keep it straight up. Don't orient it sideways or upside down. Liquid will start spewing out, and if upside down long enough, the contents in the can will freeze.

[Anult]

Can of compressed air, a duster and some cleaning wipes usually work for me.

 

Cans of compressed air are expensive though, so I may have to invest in a air compressor.

[Pulsus]

I use a vacum cleaner from Rainbow( it's based on wather and has a hand full of acessory) i just open the PC up and disconect all the parts and clean them one by one, and that's it. never had a problem.

[IdeaStormer]

Air compressor, those canned air won't do the job very well, but don't set the air compressor to too high a pressure (<70psi) and it will be fine.