Computer Cleaning

Cleaning your computer, computer components and peripherals helps keep the components and computer in good working condition. The environment that your computer operates in determines how often you should clean your computer case.

Ideally, you should do it every 3-6 months for the average home-user. However, that is only a guideline, and may not apply to your situation.

It is relatively easy to do yourself, but caution must be paramount, or you'll do serious damage to your components.

We (this website or author) cannot be responsible for damage to your computer, components or screens as a direct or indirect result of this information. These are only guidelines. 


 Computer Cleaning Tips (adapted from: Computer Hope)

 When cleaning a component and/or the computer, turn it off before cleaning.

  •  A soft cloth should be used, microfibre cloths work well, lint free and clean.
  • Never spray or squirt any type of liquid onto any computer component. If a spray is needed, spray the liquid onto a cloth and then use that cloth to rub down the component.
  • Never get any component inside the computer or any other circuit board damp or wet. 
  • Try to avoid metallic attachments, use plastic attachments or use electrical tape to insulate
  • Be cautious when using any type of cleaning solvents/alcohols; some individuals may have allergic reactions to chemicals in cleaning alcohols and some solvents can even damage the case. Try to always use water or a highly diluted solvent.
  • When cleaning, be careful not to accidentally adjust any knobs or controls. In addition, when cleaning the back of the computer, if anything is plugged in, make sure not to disconnect any of the plugs.

 

When cleaning fans, especially the smaller fans within a portable computer or laptop, it's suggested that you either hold the fan or place something in-between the fan blades to prevent it from spinning. Spraying compressed air into a fan or cleaning a fan with a vacuum may cause damage to some fans.

Vacuuming

Users can (and are recommended to) use a vacuum (or compressed air) to suck up dirt, dust, or hair around the computer on the outside case and on their keyboards.

However, if you are not confident, do not use a vacuum for the inside of your computer as it generates a lot of harmful static electricity that can damage the internal components of your computer. To avoid the damage of static discharge, your body and the components you're working with must be at the same electrical potential. And the easiest way to do this is to make sure that all static charges are drained to ground, an object connected to the Earth, which can harmlessly absorb the static charge. However, more modern PCs have voltage flowing through their motherboards whenever they're plugged in (5V direct current is used for switching the PC on and off), it's all too easy to accidentally short something and zap your motherboard, without static being involved at all. It's essential that PCs be unplugged when you work with them.

 

If you are not keen on using a vacuum to clean the inside of your computer, use a portable battery powered vacuum designed to do this job or compressed air. When using compressed air, make sure that the can is held upright and use short bursts to prevent freezing.

 

LCD and Plasma Cleaning (further at: LCD's and Plasma's)

Warning: It is suggested to use a cloth dampened with water when cleaning monitor on a screen that is not made of glass or if it has any type of anti-glare protection on the screen. Using ordinary household glass cleaner on special screens, especially cleaners with ammonia can remove anti-glare protection and/or other special surfaces.

 

Note: Unlike a computer monitor, the LCD/flat-panel display is not made of glass, therefore requires special cleaning procedures.

  • When cleaning the LCD screen it is important to remember to not spray any liquids onto the LCD directly; do not use a paper towel as it may cause the LCD to become scratched.
  • To clean the LCD screen we recommend that you use a soft cotton cloth; if a dry cloth does not completely clean the screen, try a damp facial tissue followed up by a dry tissue. You can also use isopropyl alcohol to the cloth and wipe the screen. Rubbing alcohol (91% isopropanol) is actually used to clean the LCD before it leaves the factory.
  • With Plasma's, use a plasma TV screen cleaning kit to clean any dirt and fingerprints that remain on your screen. Plasma TV screen cleaning kits are available from many electronics retailers. They include ammonia-free solutions and soft cloths (often made of microfibre) that will not damage the screen while you are cleaning it.
  • Very, gently wipe the screen in a circular motion. Do not press hard on the cloth. Let the cleaning solution do its job.
  • Don't leave any liquid on the screen; remove all excess moisture as it may damage your screen.  
  • Let the screen dry thoroughly before you switch it back on.
  • Use your vacuum cleaner's hose attachment, with the suction set on the lowest power setting, to remove dust from the vents of your plasma TV. The vents on your television allow heat to dissipate from the unit and need to remain clear.

 Monitor Cleaning (further at: eHow)

The glass monitor screen can be cleaned with ordinary household glass cleaner. Be sure to remove power from the monitor and spray the cleaner onto a lint free-cloth so the fluid doesn't leak into the electrical components inside the monitor. Vacuum off any dust that has settled on top of the monitor, and make sure no books or papers have been placed on the air vents. Obstructed monitor vents can cause the monitor to overheat.

Links of interest:

http://www.cleanlcds.com/

http://www.ehow.com/how_2076392_clean-plasma-tv-screen.html

http://www.wiscocomputing.com/articles/maintenance.htm

http://www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm

http://www.pcworld.com/article/82184/avoid_static_damage_to_your_pc.html