Cleaning your computer, what do you use?

[Ruru]

While those vacuums are cool and all - I'm still in favor of compressed air. I'm saving up some "lunch money" to get one of those portable compressors with 6L receiver. My friend bought one of those Ryobi compressors - and it's perfect for the job, plus can be used with standard accessories for your regular household/workshop stuff (filling up tires, used along w/ airbrush or pneumatic rotary tool etc).

That will save your money in a long run. I've never understood the sense of buying those cans.

 

[bonehead123]

I take the PC out to the garage and the ED500 never lets me down. Vacuum cleaner for removable dust filters, but I haven't had those on my own PCs for years. Cans of air still very serviceable in a pinch, just a pain when they run low.

I've also been meaning to find a micro vacuum cleaner with a fine head for cleaning my keyboards. But it seems reputable/consistently well-reviewed ones aren't that easy to find.

View attachment 258592

I have a similar blower, but mine is a little smaller & is rechargeable via USB-C or AC adapter... works like a charm

 

[TheLostSwede]

This... And antistatic monitor cleaner for the monitor.

 

[BlaezaLite]

Rag and Shoe polish.

 

[delshay]

I use my air compressor now, but before that I just used the blower port on my shop vac.

This is what i use, but the compressor also feeds my solder dispenser. Compressor is also use to clean windows/doors via another device connect to it. It's used also to pump up my bike tires. It has modded three outlets so I don't need to disconnect solder dispenser even thou it has quick release plug-in & play. ..In-short compressor is used for a number of things. It's a small capacity super ultra quite, so it can be used late at night indoors where it sit's under the desk already connect.

 

[P4-630]

Just an air compressor, (holding the fans), sometimes with cotton buds if needed.

 

[Mussels]

This... And antistatic monitor cleaner for the monitor.

Bruh, that's my vac

Between you and bogo, we're household accessory family now

 

[TheLostSwede]

Bruh, that's my vac

Between you and bogo, we're household accessory family now

It's a really amazing piece of kit I have to say.

 

[xrobwx71]

+1 ED500

 

[Flanker]

What about pet dryers? I'm thinking about getting one for my dog. Can I use it for my computer as well?

 

[xtreemchaos]

this is what i use, its a keyboard hoover my daughter got me it about 2 christmases ago its good at getting dust out my rads when i take the fans off and once it sucks the dust up its gone for good.

 

[Bill_Bright]

First, I make sure all my computers are built with quality cases that have removable, washable air filters.
Second, I make sure my fans are set to provide slight positive (over) pressure to ensure all (or 99% anyway) air being sucked into the case comes through those filters.
Third, since eventually, dust will enter the case interior, if needed, I lug my systems outside and use an upright air compressor and a soft, *natural bristle paint brush to clean the electronics of heat trapping dust. HOWEVER - there are special considerations that MUST be adhered to when using an air compressor on electronics.

1. The compressing process WILL create condensation inside the tank. This condensation collects on the walls of the tank, then runs down to the bottom. If allowed to build up, nasty, rusty water particles can be spewed onto your electronics - never good. So periodic draining is required and all air compressors have a petcock valve on the bottom of the tank for this purpose.
   
2. Ensure the compressor is an "oil-less" type.
   
3. I prefer upright compressors to keep any condensation way down at the bottom.
   
4. ALWAYS - as in EVERY SINGLE TIME - use a inline moisture and particulate filter when cleaning electronics (or air-brush painting birthday cakes or faces). The use of a filter is even more important if you fail to abide by #2, and don't have an oil-less compressor.
   
5. Never see how fast you can make a fan spin - you can easily exceed design limits and damage the bearings (I use wooden glue/Popsicle sticks to hold the blades stationary).
   

*Natural bristles are typically made from horse or boar hair. Synthetic bristles are typically made from nylon, polyesters or both. Natual bristle brushes are less likely to generate static or cause ESD damage to your sensitive devices.

For the record, the very first time you wake to find your car or truck has a flat tire you will be glad and feel totally vindicated and justified for spending the money on are real air compressor, instead of one of those little blowers (which, IMO, do not generate enough pressure) or cans of dusting gas. Of course, if you live in an apartment, an air compressor may not be practical.

One last thing about those cans of compressed dusting gas - they are NOT filled with "air" and therefore should never be called “canned air”. Instead of safe-to-breath air, they contain difluoroethane or a similar gas. These gases are typically used as refrigerants and can be extremely hazardous if inhaled. In extreme cases, it can damage the central nervous system, or even be fatal. So use in a well ventilated area or better yet, outside. Note in some jurisdictions, these are controlled substances and sold in a controlled manner, similar to how cans of spray paint are sold to [hopefully] dissuade abuse through “huffing”.

 

[bonehead123]

What about pet dryers? I'm thinking about getting one for my dog. Can I use it for my computer as well?

Only if your dog is RGB-equipped too, otherwise it will give you a BSOD, hahaha..

 

[dirtyferret]

What about pet dryers? I'm thinking about getting one for my dog. Can I use it for my computer as well?

Funny, I have basically the exact same thing but it's for inflating/deflating the kids 8ft swimming pool.

 

[Zareek]

I had an old oil-less air compressor that I used for years. It was fantastic, but I sold it when I moved, and all my air tools as well. Last time I cleaned my PC, I borrowed my brother's reverse vac that is almost the same as the one the OP linked. It works okay, but you need a synthetic paint brush to loosen the really stubborn stuff. I may need to buy another air compressor, but I'll wait until I have a proper place to store it.

 

[Bill_Bright]

but you need a synthetic paint brush to loosen the really stubborn stuff.

Why do you need a "synthetic" brush?

As I noted above, synthetic materials pose a greater risk of building up damaging static electricity levels than natural bristle brushes.

 

[GerKNG]

This thing and a paint brush.

 

[Shrek]

DataVac has an ESD unit

 

[Watermelon5]

I use a Datavac duster. It's incredibly effective and worth the like $100 or so I paid for it. It'll clean out the dustiest 486 in 10 seconds.

 

[P4-630]

This thing and a paint brush.
View attachment 258644

I just looked it up in my country, they call it a blower? But according it's specs it's actually a vacuumcleaner SUCKing?
65 EUR in my country btw..

 

[Shrek]

I recall a story about a floatable radio unit for a submarine that was inflated with CO2 and the electronics would get destroyed; turned out that the dry gas flow was generating static, so it is a definite risk.

 

[BlaezaLite]

I just flap my hands about really fast, but always after consuming 63% rum.

I recall a story about a floatable radio unit for a submarine that was inflated with CO2 and the electronics would get destroyed; turned out that the dry gas flow was generating static, so it is a definite risk.

You got the job yet?

 

[P4-630]

This thing and a paint brush.
View attachment 258644

Does it blow, suck, or both?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Shop vac fairly long hose plastic attachments
Keeping the filters clean weekly usually will help keep most micro dust out brush and vac once and while when maintenance is done.

Funny people talk about static electricity from vacs but have you ever noticed how much is coming from windowed computer cases that aren't glass panels ?
If not maybe you should because there is ample amount of the stuff created from them

 

[silentbogo]

As I noted above, synthetic materials pose a greater risk of building up damaging static electricity levels than natural bristle brushes.

That's the reason I have phobia of vacuum cleaners. Back in high school I used to work in a gaming pub (when it was still a thing), and one of my co-workers decided to take an initiative of doing some cleaning. 2 out of 10 PCs died in the process.

hat will save your money in a long run. I've never understood the sense of buying those cans.

If you only need to do it about once-a-year, it makes perfect sense. I, however, have a workshop with tons of filthy uses for a $200 tiny compressor. Just fixing a BECM or relay block from some late 90s Range Rover makes me look like I just came out of a coal mine. Plus, you can blow all the spiders and cockroaches out of networking equipment while outside, not tethered to an outlet(same for cans). I think the only reason I haven't bought one yet, is because I had a hookup from a friend, who gets boxes of these cans at bulk prices.