Comments for How should I clean my computer?

Comment from James on 2008-02-08

2008-02-08T18:33:22Z

Would you need to just plug in the computer, turn off the power supply, and clean... Or would you need to also run it through a surge protector with the surge protector turned off?

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Comment from Duane Lambe on 2007-10-15

2007-10-15T13:59:49Z

To clean the mouse feet, try this: grab a piece of printer paper, and move the mouse around on it in circles (or your favorite motion) for a few repetitions. Paper becomes gunky, mouse becomes clean.

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A comment on: How should I clean my computer?

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Comment from herb dessner on 2007-07-29

2007-07-29T21:25:22Z

how to clean a laptop screen? any recommendations thanks herb

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Comment from Lutz on 2007-07-19

2007-07-19T10:16:01Z

I fully agree to the explantions by Simon, provided the PC system is switched off, is plugged in and REALLY has a connection to earth/ground. In some cases it might not be.

So, to work on the safe side take a flat kitchen brush, loosen the dust and vaccuum it away.

But what are we doing with the steaky reminders on keyboards, mice, monitor screens, housings (PC, printer etc.)? Our world does not only consist of dust and fur. I prefer a damp cloth with a little dish-washing soap to remove the greasy/fatty reminders, wipe off the soapy rest with a damp cloth and dry it up afterwards. Everything looks as new!

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Comment from Ash on 2007-07-13

2007-07-14T02:23:12Z

What about the monitor? I have the big bulky one and the newer sleek model.

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Comment from dan ullman on 2007-07-11

2007-07-11T19:18:09Z

I personally just put the machine on its side and use a shop vac to blow air over the components.

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Comment from Simon on 2007-07-11

2007-07-11T18:30:41Z

Aaron: static shouldn't be a problem if the computer's plugged in, since the case and all components are earthed. Even if it's not plugged in, any static charge will quickly distribute itself throughout the case.

Static is usually only a problem when assembling (or disassembling) computers, since the components spend at least some of the time not connected to anything, and not earthed. If you give a CPU that you're holding in your hand a static charge, you can do much, much more damage than if that CPU is plugged into a motherboard, which is earthed (both by the earth pin in the ATX power connected, and by the metal studs which connect the motherboard to the case, which are connected to the motherboard's earth -- and the case is screwed on to the outside of the PSU, which is, of course, earthed).

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Comment from Aaron on 2007-07-10

2007-07-11T04:02:00Z

"Using that same soft brush attachment on your vacuum, carefully suck out all the dust and fur that you can."

I strongly digress.

A vacuum can create copious amounts of static electricity which is easily transfered through the hose and can result in a static discharge far greater than dragging your feet on the carpet. You run the risk of damaging delicate components on the motherboard and peripherals such as audio and video cards.

THE ONLY TIME you should use a vacuum on a computer is on any removable dust filters AFTER they have been removed from the computer making sure to discharge any static charge before touching the case to reinstall the filters. Only use compressed air and a soft bristled brush for the tougher globs of dust that can accumulate on heat sinks, etc.

I seriously hope you post an addendum to your article before somebody reads your article and ends up doing irreparable damage to their computer.

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A comment on: How should I clean my computer?

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