How to Safely Clean Your PC's CPU Fan

Use compressed air to quickly clean your CPU fan

Last Updated: May 19, 2023

Failing to clean your CPU fan can cause the fan to either slow down or to fail completely. If the fan fails, then the temperatures inside the CPU case will significantly increase, which creates the potential for overheating. The easiest way to clean a CPU fan is to use a can of compressed air.

Things You Should Know

Always power off your PC and remove any connected power cords before cleaning its CPU fan.
After opening your computer according to the owner's manual, position your can of compressed air two inches from the surface you intend to clean.
Spray compressed air in short puffs over the CPU fan's blades.

Steps

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Remove the power cords from the rear of the tower and disconnect them from their power source.
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You may also wear an antistatic wristband that is connected to an electrical ground, like a metal plumbing fixture. You'll need to use the antistatic devices because static discharge from the floor or from your body could damage data stored on the computer.

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Some CPU's will require screwdrivers for removal, while others will have buttons to depress before the back comes off.
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The intakes are the grid-like structures that filter the air that comes into the fan.
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To loosen clumps of dirt, hold your canned air at multiple angles rather than using long bursts of air. Make sure that you do not touch anything inside of the CPU tower.
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Dry the surface with a soft towel.
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Dry the power cords with a soft towel.
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Does it work for Dell?

Community Answer

Only if you use the USB port.

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Will there ever be a waterproof computer?

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There is the potential for one as technology continues to advance.

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What happens if it doesn't turn back on?

Community Answer

Unplug it. Open it up. Check that all the internal plugs and cables are connected securely, not spontaneously disconnecting. Just to complicate matters, there are often some cables that normally aren't connected to anything.

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Tips

While you are cleaning the CPU fan, clean the motherboard and other areas if needed, utilizing short bursts of canned air.

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Minimize airborne dust in your computer room by cleaning the room regularly. You may also cover your equipment in order to keep dust out.

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Warnings

If your CPU fan is not working, then you should only run your computer for a few minutes at a time to avoid overheating and damaging your stored data.

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Things You'll Need

Can of compressed air
Anti-static mat or antistatic wristband
Owner's manual for your CPU

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How to Safely Clean Your PC's CPU Fan

Things You Should Know

Steps

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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