Hey folks! So, my boyfriend got a custom PC from a friend and he rarely cleans it, even though it's gotten pretty dusty and noisy lately. He tends to wear headphones and smokes near it, which I think is making things worse. I want to step in and give it a good clean to keep it running better. But I'm a total newbie to PC maintenance and really worried about damaging anything! What's the safest way to clean it? What tools should I use, and are there any precautions I should take? Plus, any tips on reducing the noise would be awesome. If you can point me to any beginner guides or videos, that'd be a cherry on top. Thanks a ton!
5 Answers
Microfiber cloths are great for any built-up dust, and compressed air cans are helpful for getting rid of dust bunnies. Just make sure to use the straw attachment and keep the can a few inches away to avoid condensation. Remember to fully unplug the PC and drain any stored power by holding the power button for about 30 seconds before cleaning. Avoid blowing air directly onto delicate components like the CMOS battery!
It's thoughtful of you to clean it, but honestly, it could be risky. If he's not noticing the noise, it might be best to let him handle it. But if you really want to do it, just take it slow and be careful.
Given that it’s a smoker's PC, be prepared for a more challenging clean! Look for removable dust filters on the case, usually in front of fans. Those can be washed with soap and water or a cleaning solution. If you’re not sure about cleaning the inside, consider taking it to a local PC repair shop for a professional cleaning—it might save you a lot of hassle.
Start by using a microfiber cloth to clean the fans in the case, the graphics card, and the CPU cooler. Tilt the PC to let the dust fall out instead of settling back on the other components. Most people skip completely disassembling their systems unless it's been in a really dusty place for a long time, so just focus on what you can reach without taking everything apart.
With how smoky it is, that PC is definitely in need of a good cleaning. But I wouldn’t recommend cleaning it without him knowing—there are several cases of PCs failing to boot after someone cleaned them without a heads-up. If you proceed, avoid using vacuums since they can generate static electricity. An air blower is safer, and a microfiber cloth with some isopropyl alcohol can help with light dust areas.
I feel like it’s necessary since it’s clearly neglected. Waiting for him to do it might not help, and it could lead to bigger issues down the line.