Questions tagged [cleaning]

Physically cleaning computer hardware, both as maintenance and post-accident

Computers, especially large towers, are notorious for collecting dust and lint. Left alone these can block airflow pathways, leading to a hotter running system. In extreme cases, they may pose a fire hazard. Parts of the computer that are directly in contact with their users (keyboard, mouse, screen, etc.) may also become dirty and unhygenic with prolonged use.

199 questions
89
votes
7 answers

Can I use vodka to clean my keyboard?

I spilled beer on my keyboard a while back, and some of the keys are sticky. It's driving me crazy, and I don't have any isopropyl. Can I use vodka to clean it?
user1068446
  • 1,420
22
votes
4 answers

How do I clean my computer using isopropyl alcohol?

I bought a spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol, but I'm having a hard time to figure out how to use it to clean my computer. My two concerns are: Can I just spray it onto the motherboard? Or should I apply it to something else (i.e. a paper…
16
votes
3 answers

"Air Duster" sprays - are they safe for hardware?

I picked up a can of Air Duster spray to clean an old laptop. It lists no ingredients, so I figured it was just compressed air. But when I spray it, it's a liquid that smells somewhat like alcohol/methanol. Is this safe to spray into computers?
14
votes
11 answers

How to prevent a computer from becoming dusty?

What are your best tips and tricks for keeping your computer from getting dusty? Do you use fans made especially to keep out dust (and do they work?) Do you clean obsessively around your computer to prevent any dust from even coming close to your…
Jonas
  • 1,101
4
votes
3 answers

PC cleaning: why is vacuuming a static electricity risk to internal components but not using compressed air?

Both involve using moving air to remove dust and other debris- so why the stigma around using a vacuum cleaner nozzle? In both cases you are just moving air (negative vs positive pressure), so the static risk should be the same, no? Also, compressed…
4
votes
1 answer

Can the bitterant in most canned air cause harm to my computer?

I need to clean the dust out of my computer. Previously, I have used canned air, but it seems now I cannot find any without a bitterant to prevent inhalant abuse. I just bought a can that says it is suitable for "home, office, electronics, and…
Tanner
  • 145
3
votes
2 answers

Sterilizing Computer Surfaces

I have an acquaintance who works at a school where there was a suspected case of swine flu and they had to sterilize all the surfaces in the school, including the computers in the computer lab. What would sterilize a computer in such a situation…
squillman
  • 7,756
3
votes
4 answers

How to protect your Computer and Resources from Monsoon season

Well How do I protect my Computer from Monsoon Season. I just found out that in Monsoon season RAM and Motherboard gets slow and wet due to Moisture. Also my Keyboard becomes full of Fungus. How do I protect my CPU and other Resources.
subanki
  • 7,676
2
votes
2 answers

Is it okay to keep washing and reusing microfiber cloths for cleaning monitors?

I've read in multiple places that microfiber cloths are one of the few materials safe enough to clean monitors without risk of scratching, so I use those whenever I need to clean the outside of any electronics. Of course, this gets the cloth pretty…
1
vote
1 answer

What substances are good for cleaning a laptop from fat and dirt without damaging it?

All the computer case and peripheral devices surfaces use to get covered with fat-based dirts with time. Also there can be glue left of label stickers and other nasty things. Alcohol can do great cleaning the things but it can also damage the…
Ivan
  • 7,513
1
vote
1 answer

How to clean a laptop computer?

Possible Duplicate: How do I clean dust from a computer? I just read "Can Dust Actually Damage My Computer" by Jason Fitzpatrick, published 10/16/12. At the end of the article were related links, one being "How to Thoroughly Clean Your Dirty…
1
vote
1 answer

Why My Hi-Tech Chemical Compound Lost Its Full Effectiveness?

I have bought this thing a month ago: It is so far best dust cleaner that I have ever used and all was well until I left it out of its package for half day. Then it became sturdy and could be torn apart, less sticky and flexible which I video'ed…
Boris_yo
  • 5,874
1
vote
1 answer

Cleaning inside of computers (hardware)?

Possible Duplicate: How do I clean dust from a computer? I didn't have any of the air pressure bottles left when I last looked around. I have one of those silk (or something) cloths that are used to clean glasses and monitors. Is it a bad idea…
Guillaume
  • 113
1
vote
0 answers

Is it safe to use an Electric Duster to clean PC?

Is it generally safe to use an electric duster onto the PC? Are there any components that should be exempted from being blown by an electric duster? Is there a maximum air pressure (psi) that you should not exceed when using a duster to clean PC…
avg9957
  • 599
1
vote
0 answers

How do I clean up my mac folders?

I have a lot of random files that are left over from like previous plugin installs and app installs with a . prefix. How should I go about cleaning these up and knowing what I can delete and what I can't? For example, I installed powerline a while…
1
2