There are a lot of reasons to cause a slow PC. Dust and lint can easily get into your computer’s vents, often leading to overheating of the central processing unit, which can cause poor performance, crashes, and random reboots. The solution is simple: clean it. You can use a compressed air canister (available at office supply stores or computer dealers) to flush dirt out of your vents. Your other option is to get bold and take apart your computer yourself.
How to Clean PC Step by Step?
If you choose to be daring, you’ll probably have an easier time with a PC than a Mac, which are notoriously hard to tinker with. You’ll most likely not be able to take your Mac apart and will have to visit an authorized repair center to do so. Another warning: opening your computer case could void your warranty, so check your manufacturer’s policy before proceeding. Still want to go ahead with it? Here’s what you’ll need to do.
1. Shut off your computer and unplug everything.
2. Grab a standard or Phillips screwdriver; this should be enough for you to open your computer.
3. Take it apart outdoors, if possible, as there could be scary amounts of dirt that may pour out. Wear shoes and stay away from carpets. If you have a desktop, flip your case so you’re facing the back panel. To release the side panel or the entire enclosure, check for either small knobs that you can turn by hand, or for buttons you can press. If you see neither of these, you may need to remove at least two screws.
If you have a laptop, find a clean, stable surface, cover it with a towel to prevent scratches, and place your computer upside down. Take out the battery. Next, use your screwdriver to remove the screws holding down the panel where the vents are located. Remember where each screw came from so you can replace it when you’re done.
4. While touching your computer’s innards as little as possible, use a compressed air canister to blow air all over (including into the power supply box and the fan, and any CD/DVD drives and ports), while using short bursts of air and maintaining the canister upright and at least a couple of inches away from your target. (Note: While blowing air on your fan, consider placing a toothpick or cotton swab between blades to keep it from overspinning.) If there’s any dirt left at this point, use tweezers or cotton swabs to delicately get it out. Whatever you do, do not use a vacuum cleaner. You are now ready to put the machine back together.
5. While you’re at it, clean out your keyboard. Whether it’s a lone keyboard or your entire laptop, flip it over and lightly shake it to encourage dust and crumbs to dislodge from between the keys. Use the compressed air canister to take care of any stubborn leftovers. If you want to really get in there, gather some cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol and wipe the outsides of each key with a moistened (not wet) swab. Run a moistened cotton swab along the touchpad as well, if you have one. This kind of cleaning can be done on a monthly basis.
How to Clean PC Step by Step?
If you choose to be daring, you’ll probably have an easier time with a PC than a Mac, which are notoriously hard to tinker with. You’ll most likely not be able to take your Mac apart and will have to visit an authorized repair center to do so. Another warning: opening your computer case could void your warranty, so check your manufacturer’s policy before proceeding. Still want to go ahead with it? Here’s what you’ll need to do.
1. Shut off your computer and unplug everything.
2. Grab a standard or Phillips screwdriver; this should be enough for you to open your computer.
3. Take it apart outdoors, if possible, as there could be scary amounts of dirt that may pour out. Wear shoes and stay away from carpets. If you have a desktop, flip your case so you’re facing the back panel. To release the side panel or the entire enclosure, check for either small knobs that you can turn by hand, or for buttons you can press. If you see neither of these, you may need to remove at least two screws.
If you have a laptop, find a clean, stable surface, cover it with a towel to prevent scratches, and place your computer upside down. Take out the battery. Next, use your screwdriver to remove the screws holding down the panel where the vents are located. Remember where each screw came from so you can replace it when you’re done.
4. While touching your computer’s innards as little as possible, use a compressed air canister to blow air all over (including into the power supply box and the fan, and any CD/DVD drives and ports), while using short bursts of air and maintaining the canister upright and at least a couple of inches away from your target. (Note: While blowing air on your fan, consider placing a toothpick or cotton swab between blades to keep it from overspinning.) If there’s any dirt left at this point, use tweezers or cotton swabs to delicately get it out. Whatever you do, do not use a vacuum cleaner. You are now ready to put the machine back together.
5. While you’re at it, clean out your keyboard. Whether it’s a lone keyboard or your entire laptop, flip it over and lightly shake it to encourage dust and crumbs to dislodge from between the keys. Use the compressed air canister to take care of any stubborn leftovers. If you want to really get in there, gather some cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol and wipe the outsides of each key with a moistened (not wet) swab. Run a moistened cotton swab along the touchpad as well, if you have one. This kind of cleaning can be done on a monthly basis.