I just got an old computer from a friend who smokes indoors, and it's covered in a brown layer of gunk—probably ash and tar. I want to clean it up before I start using it. Any suggestions on how to tackle this mess?
2 Answers
If you want to save time, just replace the fans—they're pretty cheap! But if you want to clean, grab some alcohol wipes and prepare for a bit of work. Just be aware that the heatsink fins can be really tricky with this stuff.
The best way to clean it is with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol. Make sure to fully disassemble the computer first. Water and soap can work too, but I recommend rinsing with distilled water or a bit of IPA afterward just to avoid any residue. Just let everything dry well afterwards to prevent corrosion!
Just a heads up, IPA can dissolve glue, so be careful with anything that might be held together with it. I once cleaned my vape with it, and the magnets fell out because the glue dissolved!