How to Clean Your Devices, Part 1

One of the most common questions I am asked is how to clean a particular device.  Most people know that they should not use a wet rag with soap, but they are unsure exactly what is appropriate.

Obviously, you will want to shut down your computer and remove the battery (if possible) prior to cleaning it.

Desktop Computer Case (Exterior) – Cleaning a desktop case is the one instance where it is appropriate to use soap and water.  Use a moist (not wet) rag with a light amount of soap, and stay away or use caution around any ports or vents.

Desktop Computer Case (Interior) – Once the side panel of the case has been removed, use of water must stop!  However, isopropyl alcohol is a great substitute for water, and it is safe to use around most computer components because it dries quickly and will not conduct electricity.  Some people say that you can even take out most components and dip them in an alcohol bath, but I do not recommend this unless you are working with a computer that you can spare.

For a quick clean, I recommend taking the computer outside and using compressed air to blow the dust out of the case.  This is a cheap and quick way to get most of the dust out.  A can of compressed air usually costs between three and five dollars, and you can find them at any electronics store or Walmart/Meijer.  Use short bursts of air; don’t just push the trigger and keep spraying!  If you want to give specific components a more thorough cleaning, read on:

Case Fans – Case fans are fans that are actually attached to the metal case itself.  If compressed air isn’t getting the job done, use a Q-tip with isopropyl alcohol.  You may want to remove the fan to be able to get both sides of it, but make sure that you make note of the arrows that point the direction of airflow and replace the fan in the same direction.

CPU/GPU Fans and Heat Sinks – Your processor is covered by a large series of metal fins, called a heat sink.  In most cases, a fan then sits on top of the heat sink.  If you have a separate graphics card, this it may have a heat sink and fan.  Again, compressed air is best, but for a more thorough clean, use isopropyl alcohol.  Be careful if you choose to remove the heat sink from the processor.  If you do remove it, be sure to clean the heat sink surface and the top of the processor with isopropyl alcohol, and then reapply thermal compound (available at most electronics stores) once it is dry.

Motherboard and Expansion Cards – If compressed air is not cleaning your motherboard or expansion card, then your best option will again be a Q-tip with isopropyl alcohol.  Be sure to leave enough time for the alcohol to dry before restarting your computer.

Hard Drives / Optical Drives – Due to the sensitive nature of these components, do not use ANY liquid on a hard drive or optical drive.  If compressed air is not cleaning an area, try using a dry rag.  Otherwise, the dirt or dust is something you will have to live with.

Power Supply – The power supply is the unit that receives the cord from the wall and then distributes power through a variety of wires.  Like your hard drive, do not use any liquid with the power supply.  Use compressed air and a dry cloth.

Desktop Keyboard – Use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris under the keyboard.  (Flip the keyboard over or remove the keys to allow it to escape easily.)  If you remove the keys, you can use isopropyl alcohol on the contacts underneath.

Mouse – For an optical mouse (with a laser), use a Q-tip with isopropyl alcohol in the area of the LED.  For a ball mouse, remove the ball and wipe with alcohol.  If the buttons on the mouse come off, then remove them and clean underneath with alcohol.

Monitor - The easiest way to clean a monitor is to buy a package of monitor wipes and keep them on hand.  Carefully wipe the screen without pressing too hard (this can damage the pixels).  If you want to do it by yourself, you can use water with a light amount of soap, but be careful not to let the water run into the bottom and sides of the screen.