Cleaning Your Computer

DO IT:  Monthly, or as necessary.

Plan on uncovering your computer, which houses your hard drive, floppy drive, CD ROM drive, etc., for a good cleaning at least twice a year – more often if you have pets, or if it sits on the floor or in a smoke-filled room.  It’s really simpler than it sounds, and can save you a bundle in repair costs.  (By the way, it is best not to keep your hard drive sitting on the floor – especially if you have carpeting.  The static can wreak havoc with your system!)

When dust, hairs and ashes accumulate in your computer and its vents, the build up can interfere with the internal air circulation, cooling fans, and your hard drive.  This can potentially cause your hard drive to overheat and shut down, leading to damaged components and costly repairs.

 Cautions:  
Try to avoid any direct physical contact with any circuits in the computer.

What You’ll Need:

Vacuum Cleaner    
Compressed Air
Screw Driver

Step 1:
Turn your computer off and unplug it from the wall.  Put your computer in an open area that is large enough to accommodate your computer, the lid and the vacuum cleaner.  Be aware that a lot of dust will most probably come out of your computer. 
 
Step 2:
Find the screws that attach the cover to your computer.  Gently remove the screws and put them in a safe place.  Remove the cover from the computer.   You will find the instructions for removing your specific casing in your owner’s manual. 

Step 3:
Using a long handled vacuum attachment, gently vacuum each area that is dusty or dirty, paying special attention to the fans.  Remove all the dust you can with the vacuum. 

Step 4:
After you successfully vacuumed accumulated dust, dirt and hairs, use the compressed air to blow out anything you could not vacuum.  Blow the air in one direction, using short bursts of air.  Try to clean all the circuit boards, vents and fans, underneath the motherboard, and the bottom of the case. 

Step 5:
Before replacing the cover, make sure to dust the inside of the computer casing with a soft rag dampened with mild cleaning solution. 

Step 6:
Once the computer case is completely dry, replace the cover and plug the computer back in.  You’re ready to turn it back on!

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