How to Vacuum a Computer

Dust and debris can accumulate inside your desktop computer over time and cause major damage. Dust can become caked on the processor heat sink and fan, causing the processor to overheat and fail. Pet hair and dust can also accumulate inside your power supply. A thorough cleaning inside your computer case at least once a year is important. Here's how to safely use a household vacuum cleaner for this chore if a special computer vacuum isn't available.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with an extension hose and a non-metallic nozzle tube
• Pressurized air can

Instructions

How To Vacuum A Desktop Computer

1. Unplug your computer from all cables and remove the cover. Lay the computer down on a worktable, open side facing up. If there is a hood covering a rear exhaust fan or the processor, remove it. Most exhaust fan hoods pop out easily when the mounting tabs are pressed.

2. Press the power button on the computer for a few seconds to discharge any latent electricity that may still be in the system. Look for any loose screws or other loose components and either remove them or secure them.

3. Position the vacuum cleaner so the hose will reach inside the case easily. Remove any attachments from the "sucking" end of the hose so only the bare "tube" remains. Make sure the vacuum cleaner you're using has a plastic "tube" end; a metal tube will harm your motherboard.

4. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and test the "sucking" power by placing your palm over the end of the tube. If the tube forcefully sticks to your palm, the vacuum cleaner may be too strong and you should switch to a lesser-powered model. Extract dirt and debris from the outside of the case. Place the tube near the vents found on the front of the computer near the base. Vacuum any debris out of nooks and crannies around the closed optical drives and just inside any floppy drive "flap." Vacuum the exhaust fan on the rear of the computer case. Vacuum the vents on the outside of the power supply. Suck up any debris accumulating around the exterior of the PCI Card slots.

5. Hold the end of the vacuum tube near but not directly on the power supply from the inside of the case. Move the vacuum tube to any interior exhaust fans. Carefully vacuum the processor fan and heat sink assembly by holding the tube at least 1 inch away from the surface. Vacuum around the hard drive cage. Do not vacuum any other areas of the motherboard.

6. Switch to the air can. Gently blow out any hidden debris from crevices inside the case. Direct a stream of air on any fan blades with the air can to make sure they still spin freely. Use the vacuum again to pick up any dust the air can treatment may have dislodged.

7. Turn off the vacuum cleaner and unplug it from the wall outlet. Remove any static electricity from your body by touching a piece of bare metal outside the computer. Replace any hoods you removed earlier. Replace the cover on the computer. Plug in the power and all cables.

Tips & Warnings

• Vacuum your keyboard as well as the surface of your mouse pad.

• If possible, conduct this cleaning in a room where the floor is not carpeted to prevent static electricity. Computer motherboards are extremely sensitive to electricity and intolerant of any scratching of the delicate printed circuits. Do not use a vacuum with a metal tube end and do not touch the tube end to the motherboard. Be exceptionally cautious.

References

• "Upgrading and Repairing PCs" by Scott Mueller
• "Windows XP For Dummies" by Justin Leonard

Resources

• Computer Vacuum Cleaners
• Purchase Air Cans