How to Clean Dust Out of a Computer Safely

Dust is the enemy of cooling. Over months it collects on fans, heatsinks and filters, and the computer runs hotter, louder and slower. Cleaning is simple and inexpensive, and it can extend the life of your machine. Follow the steps below and turn off and unplug the computer first.

What you need

A can of compressed air, or a small air blower
A soft brush or a clean paintbrush
A dry microfibre cloth
A small vacuum with a brush attachment (for desktops)

Desktop computers

Shut down the computer, switch off the power supply and unplug it.
Move the case to a space where you can open the side panel. Touch the metal case to discharge static.
Clean the air filters on the front and bottom. Remove them, tap them out and vacuum lightly.
Use short bursts of compressed air to clear the fans and heatsinks. Hold the fan still with a finger, because spinning a fan with air can damage the bearings.
Wipe the outside of the case with a dry cloth.

Laptops

Laptop vents are harder to reach, but you can still clean the air outlet. Turn the laptop off, unplug it, and blow short bursts of air into the vents while holding it so the dust falls out, not further in. For a deep clean, take the bottom cover off only if the manufacturer's guide shows how to do it safely. Otherwise, a service centre can do it.

Keyboard

Turn the keyboard upside down and shake it gently. Use compressed air between the keys. Wipe the keycaps with a cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol, and let it dry before using the keyboard again. Never spray liquid directly on the keys.

How often to clean

Environment	Suggested interval
Clean room, indoors	Every 6 to 12 months
Pets, carpet or a dusty room	Every 3 to 6 months
Smoking or workshop areas	Every 2 to 3 months

Signs the computer needs cleaning

The fan is loud and runs at high speed even when idle.
The computer shuts down during heavy work.
The case feels hot on the outside near the vents.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a household vacuum inside the case?

Avoid vacuuming directly inside the case, because the suction can damage components and generate static. Use the brush attachment on the outside and the filters only.

Should I replace thermal paste when cleaning?

Not usually. Replace it only if the processor temperatures stay high after cleaning, and follow the cooler manufacturer's instructions.

Also see how to extend laptop battery life, since heat also shortens battery life.

Why dust sticks

Fans pull air through the case, and dust follows that air. It settles on fan blades, heatsink fins and the front filter, where it slowly blocks airflow. Pets, carpet and open windows add more dust. Filters help a lot, which is why cleaning them is the easiest maintenance task you can do. A filter that is clogged can raise temperatures by several degrees.

Protect the fans while cleaning

Hold a fan still before blowing air across it, because a fan spinning freely from compressed air can damage its bearings. Keep the nozzle a few centimetres away, and do not hold the can upside down, because it can spray liquid onto the parts.