How to Clean the Fan on an HP Laptop

The fans in your Hewlett Packard laptop computer are important to keeping its processor from overheating and frying. Over time, dust builds up within the blades of the fan and the copper heat sinks that distribute the air. This causes the the computer to heat even faster. To keep this from happening, clean the fans in your laptop regularly so they will cool it down faster. Don't wipe away the dust with your own hands. Use a cotton tip or air to remove it.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdrivers Cotton swabs

Instructions

1. Unplug the laptop. Disconnect its AC connector. Remove the battery. This prevents any electric shocks while working on the computer.

2. Turn the computer upside down. Unscrew and remove the computer's RAM cover. That makes sure it isn't in the way. This is located behind the battery crevice. Remember each screw and where it was located, then store the screws somewhere safe. Remove the main plastic cover over the vents.

3. Remove the ducts and covers that are on the laptop's two fans. These are the metal covers over the wide cylinder surrounding the fans, and they are held in place by very tiny screws. You need a number one size screwdriver. Remove the screws very carefully so as not to lose them, especially anywhere within the laptop's interior.

4. Wipe or blow away all dust collected on the fan blades and the fan's copper heat sinks. Compressed air will work best as long as you don't send the dust anywhere else within the laptop's interior. If you don't have a compressed air blower, wipe away the dust with a cotton swab.

5. Place and screw the ducts and covers back on the fans. Re-attach all covers on the laptop and connect the battery.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a magnetic screwdriver to avoid dropping and losing screws while removing and attaching them.