Cleaning a computer's interior is an important part of maintaining its performance and longevity. However, many computer repair professionals and enthusiasts make some common mistakes that can damage the components or reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning. In this article, we will discuss what these mistakes are and how to avoid them.
One of the most common mistakes when cleaning a computer's interior is using the wrong tools for the job. For example, using a vacuum cleaner or a hair dryer can create static electricity that can harm the sensitive electronics inside the computer. Also, using a wet cloth or a spray can cause moisture to get into the circuitry and cause corrosion or short circuits. The best tools to use are a soft brush, a microfiber cloth, and a can of compressed air. These tools can remove dust and debris without damaging the components or creating any risks.
People think that certain liquids like alcohol or even alcohol wipes won't hurt your motherboard. This is wrong. Never use anything liquid inside your computer except for a liquid cooling system, which shouldn't get any liquid on your motherboard. Another thing people use is a vacuum to get all the dust out. This creates static electricity and will completely fry your computer. I recommend using a very soft brush or microfiber cloth if you have something difficult to clean, but the main tool you should use is compressed air and a place where blowing out the dust won't end up getting sucked right back into the computer. Take the computer somewhere you can clean it, do not touch ANY components in the computer, just the case and stay grounded.
When cleaning a computer's interior, using wrong tools can lead to common mistakes. One mistake is using a vacuum cleaner. While it may seem like a quick and easy way to remove dust, the statistic electricity generated by the vacuum can damage sensitive components. Another mistake is using compressed air cans. These cans can release moisture, which can cause damage to the computer's internal parts. Lastly, using abrusive materials like rough clothes or paper towels can scratch delicate surfaces inside the computer. It is important to use the right tools , such as anti-static brush and microfiber cloth , to avoid these common mistakes when cleaning a computer's interior.
Another common mistake when cleaning a computer's interior is applying too much force to the parts. For example, pushing or pulling too hard on the cables, connectors, or screws can break or loosen them, affecting the functionality and stability of the computer. Also, rubbing or scratching too hard on the surfaces can cause scratches or abrasions that can affect the appearance and performance of the computer. The best way to avoid this mistake is to be gentle and careful when handling the parts, and to use the appropriate tools for the task.
A third common mistake when cleaning a computer's interior is forgetting to unplug and discharge the computer before opening it. For example, leaving the computer plugged in or turned on can expose you to the risk of electric shock or damage the components with a sudden power surge. Also, failing to discharge any static electricity from your body or the tools can cause sparks or shocks that can harm the computer or yourself. The best way to avoid this mistake is to always unplug and turn off the computer before cleaning it, and to touch a metal object or wear an anti-static wrist strap to discharge any static electricity.
I disagree with this section (#3). There is no risk of getting an electric shock inside of a standard PC, the highest voltage in a PC is +/- 12 volts which the human body cannot feel at the amperage coming out of a standard ATX style of power supply. Leaving the PC plugged in allows the ground wire in the cord to remain connected to the metal frame of the PC and any static electricity you may have will go straight to ground instead of frying the motherboard, if you always keep one hand on the frame you will always stay discharged. If you have a grounded metal workbench then this shouldn't be a problem, and you should always wear a grounded wrist strap anyway. Also... what power surge? The PC should be plugged into a surge protector.
A fourth common mistake when cleaning a computer's interior is ignoring the fans and heatsinks that are responsible for cooling the computer. For example, leaving dust and dirt on the fans and heatsinks can reduce their efficiency and cause overheating, noise, or malfunction of the computer. Also, applying too much or too little thermal paste on the heatsinks can affect their thermal conductivity and cause temperature problems. The best way to avoid this mistake is to regularly clean the fans and heatsinks with a soft brush and a can of compressed air, and to apply the right amount of thermal paste when installing or replacing them.
Again I disagree (#4). Using any kind of a soft plastic brush on a motherboard or other electronics can generate static electricity and fry things, compressed air should be more than enough force to blow any dust and debris out of a PC. If fans are making noise they need to be replaced before they completely fail.
A fifth common mistake when cleaning a computer's interior is neglecting the optical drive and keyboard that are often exposed to dust, dirt, and liquids. For example, leaving dust and dirt on the optical drive can affect its reading and writing capabilities and cause errors or failures. Also, leaving liquids or crumbs on the keyboard can cause sticky keys, corrosion, or short circuits. The best way to avoid this mistake is to occasionally clean the optical drive with a soft cloth and a special cleaner, and to clean the keyboard with a soft brush, a can of compressed air, and a damp cloth.
A computer's optical drive is a self contained unit with the laser read/write assembly buried deep inside of it, as long as the drawer is kept closed most of the time there should not be anything that can get inside of it, also... the spinning disc generates air pressure that will help blow dust out of it. A very low amount of air pressure should be used if trying to blow out the inside of the case or the read/write head can be damaged.
Neglecting the optical drive and keyboard when cleaning a computer's interior can lead to common mistakes. Firstly, failing to clean the optical drive can result in dust and debris buildup, which can affect its performance and cause read errors. Secondly, overlooking the keyboard can lead to the accumulation of dirt, crumbs, and other particles between the keys, hindering their functionality and potential causing keys to stick or become unresponsive. Lastly, neglecting these components can comprimise the overall cleanliness of the computer , as dust and debris from the optical drive and keyboard can spread to other areas, impacting effeciency and lifespan of the computer.
A sixth common mistake when cleaning a computer's interior is skipping the software cleaning that is also essential for the performance and security of the computer. For example, leaving unnecessary files, programs, or malware on the computer can slow down its speed, consume its memory, or compromise its safety. Also, failing to update the drivers, the operating system, or the antivirus can cause compatibility issues, bugs, or vulnerabilities. The best way to avoid this mistake is to regularly delete or uninstall any unwanted files or programs, scan and remove any malware, and update any software that needs it.
When cleaning a computer's interior, one of the most common mistake is skipping the software cleaning. Neglecting to clean the software can lead to a buildup of unnecessary files, temporary files, and malware, which can slow down the computer's performance and compromise its security. It is important to regularly clean the software by running antivirus scans, removing unnecessary programs, and detecting temporary files to ensure the computer runs smoothly and stays protected.
Talk to the end-user / operator before updating -anything-, they may have special legacy software on their system that needs to be a specific version or something will not work right or not at all. Anti-virus and malware detection should be happening before the fact and not after the fact.
As a system administrator you should be staying ahead of your end user's wants and needs and not be putting out fires after the fact. Stay in regular communication and have an open door policy if anyone is having any trouble with things being glitchy or slow or not working like they used to, and have the computers on a maintenance schedule to be cleaned out on a regular basis. And remember that it is your job to support your end users.