How to Clean Inside a Laptop Computer

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You might not think about it too often, but the inside of your laptop does get dusty and dirty over time. When it comes to the life span and performance of a laptop, cleaning it regularly does make a difference.

Steps

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    There are signs engraved right under or beside the screw as a guide.
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    Concentrate the most on the fan, processor and memory.
    • You should always keep the compressed air at a 90-degree angle upwards. If you turn it in any direction and orientation, the compressed air will actually spit out the hydrogen and it will turn into ice.
    • Get a strong nozzle to pinpoint the direction that the air is coming out of, always aiming it into open vent ports.
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    Once done, the inside of a laptop should look like this.
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    Make sure you gently press the connector of a keyboard to connect it to the laptop as well as the touch pad.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use water instead? That's the only thing I have.
    Community Answer
    It's not advisable to use water, as you could seriously damage your computer. Compressed air is best.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 14
  • Question
    Can I use a vaccum cleaner to do that?
    Neel Jahan
    Community Answer
    You can try, but it won't really do much good, as the normal vacuum cleaner has a very broad nose.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How often should I clean my laptop? I usually use it indoors, and I live in a tropical rainforest country.
    Gary
    Community Answer
    The location of the device doesn't matter as much internally. It is dust that normally coats the hardware like fans. If fans aren't able to circulate the airflow well enough, then it will heat the hardware and that could slow it down and even create damage. So, aim to clean it out every 6 months to a year. It depends on how well you cleaned it out last time.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
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      Warnings

      • Make sure to shut down the computer and remove the battery before attempting to take it apart.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Dust removal spray
      • Small Phillips screwdriver

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