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Cleaning my PC


JRMGallery Avatar
JRMGallery 5 151 United Kingdom
30 Aug 2020 9:41PM
I need to clean the duct out of my PC.

I'm conscious of static blowing my pc up, and assume it shouldn't be on lol. But am I save to use my vacuum? I've heard somewhere that it should be ok if I leave the PC plugged in (earthed) but not on.

Any sensible advice, that doesn't include hosing it down lol

Jules
justin c Avatar
justin c 19 5.2k 36 England
31 Aug 2020 7:49AM
I've cleaned mine many times with a vacuum cleaner and a small, soft paintbrush without any issues.
Railcam Avatar
Railcam 17 967 2 Scotland
31 Aug 2020 8:29AM
If using a paint brush to loosen the dust, better not to use a synthetic one which could cause static. Otherwise go for it.
Dave_Canon Avatar
Dave_Canon 17 2.2k United Kingdom
31 Aug 2020 10:11AM
I use a static protection wrist strap if I start messing with my PC. Also be careful with a powerful Vacuum cleaner. I once damage the fan above the processor by using a powerful vacuum cleaner but fortunately had a spare. Best to use the mini types which are designed for cleaning a cars or keyboards etc.

Dave
Big Bri Avatar
Big Bri 22 16.7k United Kingdom
31 Aug 2020 10:16AM
I open mine up, switch the vacuum on and hold the nozzle close, then blast the dust with an air blower.

You can leave it plugged in, but really no need to if you're not going to be touching anything inside. I often carry mine outside and do it there if it's bad.
sitan1 Avatar
sitan1 Plus
15 1.3k 1 United Kingdom
31 Aug 2020 11:20AM
I always unplug mine, why would you want to keep it plugged in, I touch the case itself before entering to remove any static, I use canned air to dislodge as much dust as possible then use the vacuum cleaner with the small brush nozzle on the end to go over stuff lightly to remove the dust, as long as you are careful and not heavy handed it should be straight forward, good luck
JRMGallery Avatar
JRMGallery 5 151 United Kingdom
31 Aug 2020 11:30AM
Many thanks all
I’ll be careful 😊
Bridgelayer Avatar
Bridgelayer 16 771 United Kingdom
31 Aug 2020 11:22PM
Disconnect from the mains then press the ON switch to discharge.
Cephus Avatar
Cephus 19 2.7k England
1 Sep 2020 8:41AM
Big Bri Avatar
Big Bri 22 16.7k United Kingdom
1 Sep 2020 10:05AM

Quote:I always unplug mine, why would you want to keep it plugged in, I touch the case itself before entering to remove any static


Because it's only earthed if you leave it plugged in.
Dave_Canon Avatar
Dave_Canon 17 2.2k United Kingdom
1 Sep 2020 10:26AM
Yes it must still be earthed and will be if plugged in.

Dave
Cephus Avatar
Cephus 19 2.7k England
2 Sep 2020 4:53PM

Quote: Try one of these.

and with the aid of one of these you can earth yourself to your PC.
Pedeonic Avatar
Pedeonic 6 70 United Kingdom
10 Oct 2020 5:19PM
Switch it of and unplug it. A Static Protection wrist strap is good advice. If you don't have one touch a metal object such as a radiator to earth yourself. DO NOT use a hoover. Use a can of Compressed Air and put the PC on a sheet of newspaper. You can tilt the PC's side that you have open over this give it a light tap on the other side. Make sure you get the dust that falls to the bottom of the case. If the fan is squeaking try a tiny bit of WD40 on the bearing.

You can also use wipes such as Dettol ones to clean the air vents, mesh for the case. They are also good for cleaning the fan blades. Make sure you do your PC's Graphic Card fan also.
Big Bri Avatar
Big Bri 22 16.7k United Kingdom
11 Oct 2020 10:47AM

Quote:Switch it of and unplug it. A Static Protection wrist strap is good advice. If you don't have one touch a metal object such as a radiator to earth yourself. DO NOT use a hoover. Use a can of Compressed Air and put the PC on a sheet of newspaper. You can tilt the PC's side that you have open over this give it a light tap on the other side. Make sure you get the dust that falls to the bottom of the case. If the fan is squeaking try a tiny bit of WD40 on the bearing.

You can also use wipes such as Dettol ones to clean the air vents, mesh for the case. They are also good for cleaning the fan blades. Make sure you do your PC's Graphic Card fan also.



Rather than just making your text bold why not explain why you should unplug your PC and not use a hoover?
If you leave the PC plugged in (with the socket switched off) there is no chance of getting electrocuted, but your computer is still earthed.
If you know what you're doing, you can still leave the socket on.

No idea what you have against hoovers.....
justin c Avatar
justin c 19 5.2k 36 England
11 Oct 2020 3:36PM
I too would like to know why you 'state' not to use a hoover.
Having used one dozens of times on three different computers, I'm still alive to tell the tale, as are the computers ☺. Admittedly,
the Shake n Vac made them smell a big funny though 😲.

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