Cleaning your computer is easy

One of the most overlooked computer maintenance tasks is that of cleaning the computer components and peripherals. While this may seem like a task that is largely cosmetic in nature, in fact failing to keep our computer systems clean can cause devices to operate erratically or to fail completely. Dust and dirt can cause drives to fail, keyboards to operate unreliably, and sensitive integrated circuit (IC) chips to overheat and burn out. Moreover, using dirty keyboards and mice in a shared computer environment such as a home, school, or office, can spread germs between users. Cleaning your system regularly will save you money, keep you healthier, and add years to the life of your PC.

The cathode ray tube (CRT)-based computer monitor tends to attract a lot of dust due to the strong electromagnetic field that surrounds it. As a result, the monitor screen and housing can become quite dirty.

Within the computer case itself, there are fans which serve to keep the internal components of the computer cool by drawing air inside the case and across the components. However, that cooling air also may contain dust, pet hair, particles of smoke, and carpet fibers. When these particles settle on the internal components, they act as an insulating layer, causing the components to overheat, operate erratically, and eventually fail completely.

The keyboard and mouse are particularly susceptible to the ‘fallout’ of our snacking habits. Without regular cleaning and sanitization, they function erratically, and provide a fertile environment for spreading germs from user to user.

How often should you clean your computer? It really depends on the environment: the air quality, the number of regular users, and so forth. As a rule, clean your computer every six months or so – if you notice a lot of built-up dirt and grime, schedule your cleaning more frequently.

In this section we’ll cover the steps you should take to keep your PC in tip-top physical condition. Let’s start with the supplies you’ll need, and a few safety precautions, then we’ll move on to specific cleaning procedures. Since you’ll have to open the case, you’ll need your ESD wrist strap, and for most cases, a Phillips screwdriver to remove the case cover.

SUPPLIES:

  • Clean lint-free or microfiber cloth (DO NOT use paper towels)
  • Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl)
  • Distilled water
  • Gentle, non-solvent cleaning solution, such as Simple Green
  • Glass cleaner
  • Cotton or foam swabs (foam are better, since they’re lint-free)
  • Portable vacuum and/or can of compressed air
  • Small artist’s brushes for dislodging dirt from narrow and hard to reach places

PRECAUTIONS:

  • Be sure to turn off the computer system before cleaning
  • Use the cloths only on the outside of the computer
  • Never spray or apply cleaning solution directly to the computer or monitor. Apply it to the cleaning cloth or to the cotton/foam swab first.
  • Do not use any ammonia-based or other strong cleaning liquids, as the solvents in many cleaning solutions may chemically interact with the plastic housing of your PC
  • While it’s okay to use a standard electric vacuum on the outside of the case, only a portable battery-powered vacuum (or compressed air) should be used on the inside. Electric vacuum cleaners produce a lot of static electricity which can damage the components inside the case.
  • Wear your wrist strap when cleaning the inside of the computer
  • If you use compressed air, keep the can upright when spraying, otherwise caustic chemicals may drip out. Also, be sure to wear a dust mask, and do the work outside if at all possible.

PREPARATION:

Power down the computer and disconnect all plugs and cables from the case. Place the computer case on a clean, non-carpeted surface. When you’re cleaning the inside of the computer, wear an anti-static wrist strap. Use only mild household cleaners or water to clean the surfaces of the monitor and case. Check your monitor documentation for any special manufacturer instructions on cleaning your CRT or LCD monitor.

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