You must have heard it before – cleaning a computer with a vacuum is a bad idea. So is this true? And if it’s true, why? And what’s the best alternative to clean computers and computer parts?  Let’s hear it from the experts from How-To Geek.

Vacuum is the most convenient way to clean the house. From removing dust from under the bed right to cleaning areas that are hard to reach. Moms love vacuums to the point that they choose only the from the list of Best vacuum cleaners 2019, never wanting to get left behind by the latest in vacuum cleaning. But while vacuums are great in many ways, they are not as great in some ways too specifically in computers and computer parts.

Why vacuuming your computer is a bad idea?

It is bad to clean up the internal section of your personal computer using a vacuum since vacuum-cleaning produces a huge static build-up that can release it to the very sensitive electronics within your computer system. You will find specific vacuums created for cleaning computer systems as well as electronic devices. However with the restricted amount of use from these cleaning gears, a purchase of this is not really wise, considering that its price also ranges from $300 and up.  Not to mention that these so called vacuums for computers can easily break.

What is the recommended way to clean computers?

Computer experts recommend to clean computers in a well ventilated area such as outdoors on a sunny day. It is also a good set up to clean it in a garage. Grounding the case is also essential to safeguard parts from static. Use a compressed air as opposed to vacuum cleaners to clean off  dust. Should you be making use of an air compressor (instead of only a can of compressed air) be sure to start from 24″ or so far from the computer case and then slowly work your way closer. You would like to work with just sufficient air pressure to dust off surface areas. Use a soft paint brush to remove stubborn dust in between parts.

Important: 

Using a compressed air from a compressor includes small levels of water vapor. Despite the fact that there are no real accounts of this happening, there’s a huge change to blow in moisture to the computer’s connectors specifically on the mother board. When this happens, it can cause damage once you boot the computer back right after cleaning.

Be extra mindful. It is highly recommended to leave the computer turned off and keep it in a warm and dry area for a good few hours right after cleaning with an air-compressor. This allows any residual moisture to evaporate.