The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    What is the best way to clean the fan and inside of a computer?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by JWBlue, Apr 6, 2009.

  1. JWBlue

    JWBlue Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    85
    Messages:
    844
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I have heard pros and cons with both compressed air and a mini vacuum.

    I heard using compressed air is not good because it blows a small amount of moisture on the components (which can be bad) and just blows the dust around and does not actually remove it.

    I hear most of the mini vacuums don't do a good job and can create static electricity which can damage components.

    So what is the best way?
     
    JWBlue, Apr 6, 2009
    #1
  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    3,905
    Messages:
    6,116
    Likes Received:
    89
    Trophy Points:
    216
    lol, Don't tilt the can then.

    Can't speak for either of these methods because I just use my mouth and blow through the vent. :eek:


    How about a combination of the two?

    Like blow with compressed air to loosen the dirt, and then suck it out through the opposite vent..
     
    namaiki, Apr 6, 2009
    #2
  3. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

    Reputations:
    6,156
    Messages:
    11,214
    Likes Received:
    68
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Best way to clean a fan is taking it all out the assembly and using a toothbrush to scrub it all out. You can also clean out the heatsink vents which accumulates dust over time

    If theres thick clouds of dust in there already and you use compressed air, it just jams up in the heatsink fins.
     
    flipfire, Apr 6, 2009
    #3
  4. JWBlue

    JWBlue Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    85
    Messages:
    844
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Don't really want to deal with removing parts.
     
    JWBlue, Apr 6, 2009
    #4
  5. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

    Reputations:
    4,412
    Messages:
    8,077
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    205
    toothbrush, isnt that too big?
    I use rubbing alcohol and a whole lot of q-tips.

    You can use an air compressor. If you use an air compressor or a compressed air can, use a toothpick to keep the fan blade from spinning. Once the fan is blocked from spinning you can use the compressed air to clean the fan.

    If you use a compressed air can, make sure to keep the can straight up so none of the liquid propellant gets out.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Apr 6, 2009
    #5
  6. zeusmd

    zeusmd Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    3
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I'm telling you, try using the home vacuum cleaner, start with the lowest power blow. Somebody proposed to block the fan, good idea if you are afraid.
    In any case, the laptop should be shut down during this procedure :)
     
    zeusmd, Apr 7, 2009
    #6
  7. MrButterBiscuits

    MrButterBiscuits ~Veritas Y Aequitas~

    Reputations:
    477
    Messages:
    3,334
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    Those are all valid methods as well as a can of dustoff... It will shoot the dust out of the hard to reach places (finishing touches)... Your set
     
    MrButterBiscuits, Apr 7, 2009
    #7
  8. Soviet Sunrise

    Soviet Sunrise Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,140
    Messages:
    6,547
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    I use a small nylon brush that I use to clean my gun to brush off dust from the my heatsink fins and fan blades. The other end of the brush has long soft bristles that can get deep into the fins. Then I finish it off with compressed air.
     
    Soviet Sunrise, Apr 7, 2009
    #8