Cleaning off thermal paste

[Alir]

I am replacing the intel stock cooler with a new cooler.

 

I have practically cleaned off the paste but I was using one of those thin/thick cloths that you use to dust a tv screen. There wasn't much dirt on it but I am noticing that after placing some isopropyl alcohol onto it and wiping my cpu, there is a slight smudge.

 

How can I properly clean the CPU?

 

I have those small 'baking cases' that you use for cupcakes. Is that appropriate? I recall that you needed a lint free one. I am not sure if these 'baking cases' are lint free.

[Alir]

I also have a can of compressed air. Is it fine to just blow dust particles off?

[You_are_a_cunt]

Funnily enough, I've just finished cleaning around 15 CPUs only a couple hours ago.

 

Isopropyl on cotton buds for hard-to-reach spots, alongside a fairly soft toothpick.

For the bulk of the paste I use cotton pads (like the ones used to remove makeup)

[Alir]

People say to use one of those cloths you clean glasses with. Thing is aren't they bound to have greese from your finger on them?

[ARikozuM]

Microfiber cloth or lint-free paper towel and alcohol does wonders.

[Guest Kloaked]

Just now, Alir said:

People say to use one of those cloths you clean glasses with. Thing is aren't they bound to have greese from your finger on them?

Microfiber cloths? You could but I would use one that you would throw in the wash (like a microfiber towel since they're larger) rather than the one you use for glasses.

 

Microfiber cloths are recommended since they're not as abrasive as other materials.

[Alir]

But who on Earth has microfiber cloths or towels lying around? And lint free paper towels? Are you referring to kitchen towels? Maybe I'm misunderstanding this. I don't know what type of towels I have but think they'd get more dust and fibers onto my CPU than the cloth I am already using.

[ARikozuM]

2 minutes ago, Alir said:

But who on Earth has microfiber cloths or towels lying around? And lint free paper towels? Are you referring to kitchen towels? Maybe I'm misunderstanding this. I don't know what type of towels I have but think they'd get more dust and fibers onto my CPU than the cloth I am already using.

Microfiber cloths from Autozone, monitor cleaning micro-fiber cloths, or cloths from an eyeglasses vendor are all viable. They are all reusable and will last quite a few uses [before] washing.

[Guest Kloaked]

Just now, Alir said:

But who on Earth has microfiber cloths or towels lying around?

People who buy stuff?

 

Just now, Alir said:

Maybe I'm misunderstanding this. I don't know what type of towels I have but think they'd get more dust and fibers onto my CPU than the cloth I am already using.

Then use what you have and just dust the PC.

[Alir]

Are coffee filters and cupcake cases made of the same material? ie are they both appropriate?

[Alir]

2 minutes ago, ARikozuM said:

Microfiber cloths from Autozone, monitor cleaning micro-fiber cloths, or cloths from an eyeglasses vendor are all viable. They are all reusable and will last quite a few uses [before] washing.

wash?? I'm supposed to wash them? huh. figures.

[ARikozuM]

1 minute ago, Alir said:

wash?? I'm supposed to wash them? huh. figures.

You didn't know that?

[Alir]

5 minutes ago, ARikozuM said:

You didn't know that?

sort of well kind of. Well.... no...

 

Wash them with soap or just water? I've washed them with water but I'd thought using chemicals would damage the cloth and/or the anti glare coating on my glasses

[kiwibacon]

Goto needle store and get swabs. They r free

[ARikozuM]

1 minute ago, Alir said:

Wash them with soap or just water?

Just water and pressure.