Phenquestions
How many of us actually physically clean our computers? Cleaning up your computer parts can actually save you a lot of possible grief and costs. Your computer could fry if you don't keep it clean. Dust clogs the vents behind your computer, which causes your CPU to heat up, and heat is the biggest cause of component failure in computers.
How to keep your computer clean
Well here are some nice tips, to help you get started. First, always remove all media from the drives, disconnect USB, Printers, etc, turn your computer and unplug all the cords before you begin.
1] Inside the case
Using a screwdriver, remove the side of the case that's opposite your motherboard. Touch as little as possible inside the computer, keeping fingers away from cards and cords.
Blow air around all of the components and along the bottom of the case, keeping the nozzle four inches away from the machine. Blow air into the power supply box and the fan (from the back of the case). Also, blow air into the floppy disk and CD drives. Wipe the inside of the cover with a lightly moistened cloth before replacing it.
TIP: How to fix Overheating and Noisy Laptop Fan issues.
2] Outside the case
Run a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol around all of the openings on the back of your case. Give them one swipe with the damp end of the swab and one swipe with the dry end. Do this as often as you clean the inside of your computer.
Read: Things that can damage your Computer and shorten its life.
3] Keyboard
Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Most of the crumbs and dust will fall out. Take a can of compressed air and blow into and around the keys. Next, take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol. It should be damp, but not wet. Run the cotton swab around the outside of the keys. Rub the tops of the keys. If you have a laptop, follow the same procedure but take extra care with your machine. Do this monthly.
If a Spill happens, immediately turn off your computer, disconnect the keyboard, and flip it over. While the keyboard is upside down, blot the top with a paper towel, blow compressed air between the keys and leave it to air-dry overnight.
Read more: How to clean your keyboard and keep it free from bacteria and viruses.
4] Mouse
Rub the top and bottom of your mouse with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol. Open the back and remove the ball. Wash the ball with water and let it air dry. To clean inside the mouse, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub all of the components. Scrape hard-to-remove grime with your fingernail. Finally, blow air into the opening. Replace the ball and the cover. Do this monthly.
5] Monitor
Moisten a paper towel or a soft, lint-free cloth with water. (You can also use a computer cleaning kit) Don't spray liquid directly onto the screen-spray the cloth instead. Wipe the screen gently to remove dust and fingerprints. Never touch the back of the monitor. For laptop screens, buy a special cleaning solution available at computer stores.
Finally, make sure that everything is dry before you plug your computer back in.
Happy computing!
Do any of you ever physically clean your computer?
