How to Clean Inside of a PC Tower: Step-by-Step Tutorial

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Keep your computer in tip-top shape by dusting it out
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This wikiHow will teach you how to safely clean your computer, inside and out. Dust inside a computer can actually slow it down and cause problems that aren't fun to deal with, so it's great that you're taking action now! Cleaning the inside of your computer isn't hard once you've got it open and acquired the right tools, and we'll walk you through the whole process step-by-step below.

How to Clean Out Your Computer

First, shut down your computer, unplug all its cables, and bring it to a clean area with a flat workstation, no carpet, and adequate ventilation. Then, open your computer's case. You can then use compressed air to blow dust out of your case. Pay special attention to dust caked onto the fans.

Section 1 of 3:

Cleaning Inside the Computer

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  1. You need compressed air and a screwdriver (only needed if you must use a screwdriver to open the computer case). A small vacuum might clean up the mess you make around the computer, but it should never be used inside it. If you're sensitive to dust or can't clean in a well-ventilated area, a dust mask is also a good idea.
  2. If possible, shut down your computer using the Windows menu; avoid pressing and holding the power button to shut it off.
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  3. This includes the LAN cable and all peripherals, such as monitors, scanners, printers, keyboards, mice, and speakers.
  4. While you can clean your computer where it sits, it is not recommended. Move to a work area that fits the following criteria:
    • A well-ventilated area with windows or fans
    • Has a sturdy, flat, non-metal work surface
    • Has hard, non-metal floors (avoid carpeted areas or rugs)
  5. Most machines have screws holding a side panel down. After removing these, you can then slip the side off your machine. This can vary depending on what case you are using. If you have a manual that came with the computer/case, reference it for the most accurate instructions on how to remove the side panel .
  6. 6
    Begin dusting. Use your compressed air to blow out dust from the inside of your machine. It is usually a good idea to start on the upper region of the computer and then work your way down. In this manner, you can sweep out all the dust that settles on lower components in one run. Be thorough, but do not press on cords or components. Also, keep your air source at a moderate distance from the component you're working on.
    • Make sure to hold your can of compressed air upright. If inverted, it can spray the liquid coolant inside, which can cause damage or injury.
    • Do not allow the air to rotate the fans of your computer, as this might create a charge that could short out your components—or it could even break off a blade. Hold the fans when dusting them off to keep them from spinning.
  7. The heat sink sits over the processor, and it is a collection of metal ridges that stick up away from the motherboard. The GPU fan is located under the GPU. If these fans do not function properly, the processor or GPU could overheat, resulting in degraded performance or permanent damage.
    • Make sure to gently clean these fans out, and never turn your can of compressed air upside down. [1]
  8. After you've finished dusting, replace the side of your machine and any screws. Once the machine is tightly shut, return it to its usual spot and reattach the power cord and other cables. If you flipped the master power switch on the back of your machine off, be sure to turn it on again, or your machine will not start. A clean computer will run significantly cooler and last much longer than a computer clogged up with dust and debris.
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Section 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Rest of Your Computer

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  1. 1
    Use a microfiber cloth to clean the outside of your case. You can get the cloth slightly damp to wipe down any dust. If there are stubborn fingerprints or other greasy spots, use a little isopropyl alcohol to clean them off. If any alcohol gets inside your computer, allow it to dry fully before plugging it back in and turning it on.
    • Use compressed air to clean out any of the fan vents or grills. If these are very dusty, you might want to clean them out before you clean the inside of your case, since all the dust will fall into the case.
    • Learn more about cleaning a computer case .
  2. 2
    Use compressed air to clean your keyboard. Before cleaning your keyboard, unplug it (or power it down, if it's a wireless keyboard). Use compressed air to dislodge any dust, crumbs, or debris from between the keys. You can also use a microfiber cloth to remove residue from the keys.
    • If your keyboard is sticky or grimy, use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean it off. Make sure the swab is not dripping wet. Allow the keyboard to dry fully before using it again.
    • Check out this wikiHow article for more tips on cleaning your keyboard .
  3. 3
    Use a damp cloth to remove oils from your mouse. Your mouse will accumulate oils from your hand as you use it. To clean it off, unplug it (or power it down, if it's a wireless mouse) and use a slightly damp microfiber cloth on the entirety of your mouse. Allow the mouse to dry before using it again.
    • If there's any gunk stuck in the crevices around your mouse's buttons, use a toothpick to pry it out and compressed air to blow it away.
    • Use a dry cotton swab to clean your mouse sensor, especially if you've noticed issues with your mouse tracking.
    • Get some more mouse-cleaning tips from this wikiHow article .
  4. 4
    Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean your monitors. Turn off your monitor so it's easier to see any dust or spots on the screen. Use a dry microfiber cloth to brush away any dust. If there are stubborn marks or spots on the screen, you can use a little water—but never spray water or cleaner directly on the screen. Dampen your cloth, then buff out any marks using circular motions.
    • Don't forget to clean the back of your monitor. It can get very dusty since it's out of sight and out of mind!
    • Learn more about cleaning a computer monitor .
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Section 3 of 3:

FAQ

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  1. 1
    How do I clean my computer without compressed air? If you don't have compressed air, get a small, soft, clean brush (like a paintbrush) and use that to dislodge the dust from the components. Allow the dust to settle at the bottom of the case. You can then use a slightly dampened paper towel to pick up the dust. Do not wipe the damp paper towel over any of the components, and allow your computer to dry before plugging it in and turning it on.
  2. 2
    Can I clean my computer outside? Since cleaning out a very dusty computer case can get messy, it's tempting to clean it outside. As long as the weather is nice, temperatures aren't extreme, and you have a clean, stable workspace (with no metal flooring or tables), you should be okay to clean your computer outside. Avoid taking your computer outside if it's raining, snowing, storming, windy, very hot, or very cold. Also, make sure no debris (such as grass or leaves) gets inside your computer.
  3. 3
    Can I use a feather duster/Swiffer duster to clean my computer? No, you should not put a feather duster or any other type of duster inside your computer case. These dusters can generate static charge, which might damage your computer components.
  4. 4
    What do I do if there's dirt and grime on my computer parts? If there's residue on any of your computer parts, you may be able to clean it off with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure your computer is off and unplugged when you do this, and only use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol—never let the alcohol flood or drip onto your components. Allow the computer to dry thoroughly before plugging it back in. If your computer is super dirty, you might want to take it to a computer professional for help.
  5. 5
    Can I clean the inside of my laptop? Yes, you can clean the inside of your laptop , but be careful if you do so. Laptops usually aren't made to be opened up, so try to clean the fans from the outside. If you choose to open it, open it very carefully, as it's easy to break parts inside the case by forcing the casing off. If your laptop is dusty, you might want to bring it to a computer shop for help.
  6. 6
    Should I open any computer parts to clean inside of them? No, you should never try to pry open any components inside your computer. This will likely damage them if you don't know what you're doing, and could hurt you—for example, trying to open the power supply unit (PSU) of your computer could cause injury and even death due to electric shock. [2]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What can I use to clean a circuit board?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Compressed air cans work! If it's not getting clean with just air, though, do an isopropyl alcohol bath. That will clean a lot of it without disturbing any of the components.
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  • Question
    How often should I clean my PC?
    Community Answer
    This depends a lot on how you use your PC and where it is located, but you should consider cleaning it every 1-3 months. If your PC is in an environment with a lot of dust or pet hair, you should clean it more often. If its environment is cleaner, you can let it go a little longer.
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  • Question
    What are the steps of cleaning a computer outside?
    Community Answer
    Simply wipe external areas with a washcloth sprayed with an all-purpose cleaner that's safe on plastic.
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      Tips

      • Blowing on the inside of your computer is not recommended. This does very little, and you risk accidentally spitting on internal components. You might also churn dust up into your face.
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      • Depending on the manufacturer, opening the case may void the computer's warranty.
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      • Try not to touch the internal components of your computer. While you're unlikely to actually break anything by touching it, it's best to leave the parts alone if you don't have a reason to be touching them.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Compressed air
      • Suitable workspace with adequate ventilation for dust
      • Screwdriver and any other tools necessary to open your computer

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-clean-computer-tower
      2. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/electronics/comments/2zhfrn/isnt_opening_a_psu_dangerous/

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