Properly Cleaning Your Computer Is Extremely Important!

Properly Cleaning The Outside Of Your Computer Case

  Cleaning the outside of your computer case is pretty straightforward because you can wipe it with any basic cleaner, as long as it's not abrasive. Bear in mind that is not the only thing to clean on the outside because a computer case includes cooling, generally in the form of fans which move air from the outside into and throughout the inside. This air movement is critical to maintaining a properly functioning computer and that is just one reason why properly cleaning your computer is extremely important. Please don't make the mistake of just trying to wipe away the material which gathers around those fan intake areas, it's likely to need a little more attention than that. The one thing you want to avoid is using a vacuum cleaner because that action can create Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and can damage the electronic components within the computer (yes, even from the outside due to openings fans rely on for air). The best option is to use compressed air to blow away that which might clog these openings. Bear in mind that the air is being drawn to the inside during normal operation so to be cleaned properly air should be blown back out from the inside as well, for sure.

Properly Cleaning The Inside Of Your Computer and Internal Components

  First thing to remember: Do NOT use a vacuum cleaner. The potential release of ESD is real and that can cause damage without you even knowing it. Don't use a vacuum cleaner to clean your computer. Once you've removed your computer's case cover (please consult the manufacturer's documentation) the idea is to be in a place where blowing out the dust particles etc. which have amassed inside is not a problem. This might mean taking the machine out to a porch or garage, and even removing the cover at that location before cleaning. Let's do it properly. With the cover removed first be certain nothing will infiltrate the computer from the environment in which you are working. Things such as sawdust or metal clippings or any other foreign material should not be allowed to cause a problem. Working from the center inside blow outward not only toward the opening where the cover was but also toward the openings which allow air to travel. Be careful and meticulous when it comes to the components of your motherboard, graphics card(s), fans and heatsinks so as to remove as much junk as you possibly can. It's all either causing problems or about to do so. Get it as clean as you can and replace your cover per manufacturer's instructions. Please do NOT reconnect your computer to power or any peripherals unless or until you are certain there is no residual moisture from your cleaning, especially if you used an air compressor such as you might have in the garage (that air has a moisture value). Let it sit, make sure all is dry. Once you know it's clean and dry fire it back up.

Properly Cleaning Your Computer Monitor Screen

  Suffice to say that we do want to see what our computer is displaying through the monitor? Well it too can suffer from becoming dirty and often times that can't be seen until it's actually cleaned. It's like cleaning your car's windshield in that once cleaned it can be an amazing difference. Don't use ammonia. Fine for your windshield but NOT for your computer monitor. Ammonia based products such as Windex and many glass cleaners are designed to cut through grease and other similar contaminants which don't normally become a problem at least in the household. Beyond that these products will also cut through the normal anti glare coating which is applied to most of the computer monitor and laptop screens in use today. Using ammonia to clean your screen spells trouble so don't use it! Most schools of thought indicate to just use a moistened cloth, one with no lint such as a shammy. This is usually sufficient to clean your monitor screen, however if you find there is something which does not clean off easily that way - the strongest solution to use is not difficult to acquire. Do you have Isopropyl alcohol in your medicine cabinet or on a shelf? No don't use that, but do mix it with water. As indicated by LCD screen manufacturers (yes we've consulted them) if your screen is particularly dirty the best solution is to wipe that screen with a lint free shammy using a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water. That is how to properly clean your computer monitor screen.