How to Stop Dust Build Up in a Computer Fan

Blow away that dust.

Dust is a constant threat to your computer components; letting dust build up inside your computer and on your computer's fans can cause your computer to overheat or short circuit. Regularly cleaning your computer's components and adding filters to your computer's external fans can prolong the life of your computer.

Things You'll Need

• Can of compressed air
• Screwdriver
• Computer fan filters
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton Swabs
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Shut down and unplug your computer. Open your case and use the compressed air to blow away the dust from internal components.

2. Clean the blades of the case fans by using the screwdriver to prevent the fan from turning and blasting the individual blades with the compressed air.

3. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe dust from the fan blades if the buildup is too thick for the compressed air to remove.

4. Remove the case fans from your computer case with the Phillips screwdriver. Wipe away any dust that has collected on the air intake ports with a damp rag or paper towel.

5. Snap apart one of the fan filters. Place the filter backing against the air intake port on the outside of the computer case. Place the case fan against the air intake port on the inside of the case and fasten both pieces into place with the fan screws removed in step 4.

6. Place the foam filter over the filter backing and latch it into place by snapping the filter cover around both the filter and the backing.

7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 for each fan on your computer case. The filters will capture most of the dust entering your computer. The amount of dust that collects on the fans will be significantly reduced.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your fan filters regularly by rinsing them with tap water to remove the dust buildup.

• Even with dust filters installed, some dust will still collect inside of your computer. Do not neglect cleaning your computer on a regular basis after installing dust filters.

References

• Microsoft: Cleaning Your Computer
• Dev Hardware: Fan Filters