Using Can of Air

[Gortex]

I brought over the weekend 2x can of air / air dusters which I intend to give the old PC a good clean (although it is not to bad tbh).

Thing is I have never used one before and instructions on the can seems pretty vague. I have had a look on the old interweb for advice but wondered if anyone had tried such a thing before and could advice to the best use for them.

Do I need to ground the machine before I start to avoid any chance of static build up?

Is there an advised distance to use it from? e.g 24"

Does it create an liquid issues that I need to be aware of?

I assume the PC should be cold before use but does it really matter?

etc...

[Gandalf]

ok, 1st tip. Take the PC outside, otherwise, when you blast it with the air duster, you'll end up with a room full of fine dust!

Otherwise, just keep the can upright and you shouldn't have any issues, just don't get too close to any components with the jet of air.

Even if you do get some 'liquid gas' out, it won't harm anything and will evaporate almost instantly. I've used many of these products over the years and the biggest issue is the dust cloud you create hence the first tip!

[TeaLeaf]

My tip is don't spray too close.   If it is still liquid when it hits the dust you end up with 'mud' which then dries and hardens around the component you were trying to clean.

[Tutonic]

Don't spray it for more than a few seconds at a time, unless you fancy freezing your hand off

[Blunt]

i use in conjunction with hoover nozzle.

[Jamin]

I just use a hoover.

[Benny]

Unplug the PC, take it in the shower, wash it out. Leave it in the airing cupboard. Job done.












*May not work for all PC's. Please check with your PC supplier before using harmful things like soap.

[Niel]

Unplug the PC, take it in the shower, wash it out. Leave it in the airing cupboard. Job done.











*May not work for all PC's. Please check with your PC supplier before using harmful things like soap.

You forgot to add that conditioner is important.....gets the tangles out of the cables

[smilodon]

Lets remember which forum this is posted in folks, thanks.

[Sparko]

I have a can of air, although I'm reluctant to use it. I'm more concerned about disturbing anything I.e I don't want random bits of fluff flying around my rig. I tend to take the particular component out and just give it a 'blow'. I tested the can of air and found that it seems to leak a bit so I tend to stay away from it now and use a cotton bud instead to wipe any dust away. Whilst the rig is turned off of course, and earthed.

[Blunt]

I have a can of air, although I'm reluctant to use it. I'm more concerned about disturbing anything I.e I don't want random bits of fluff flying around my rig. I tend to take the particular component out and just give it a 'blow'. I tested the can of air and found that it seems to leak a bit so I tend to stay away from it now and use a cotton bud instead to wipe any dust away. Whilst the rig is turned off of course, and earthed.

Get in there ya nancy-boy, puff & suck is the preferred option.

[Benny]

Lets remember which forum this is posted in folks, thanks.

Fair point. I'm a once a month hoover man, the only thing I struggle with is the heatsink on the graphics card. That said, it still works. Someone should design a self compacting hoover module that sits in a drive bay.

As an aside, I've used air cans with no issue, I'd concur on holding it at a reasonable distance so you don't dislodge anything.

[Gandalf]

oh, and a good point to add. If you can, keep your PC off the floor. At work, any PC's that are sat on desks rarely have dust problems. However, PC's sat on the floor under desks I end up having to de-dust them every six months or so.

[Gortex]

cheers for the pointers and unfortunately the weather is not being my friend atm with getting to clean it outside. Am thinking perhaps the garage is an ok alternative (open the door, take out car etc). I currently have all computers on the desks rather than floor but with 4 cats this does create extra dust issues although not a major issue atm but thought taking action sooner rather than later a good idea.

Might take a before and after photo to show the difference. (providing the after photo is not my machine in flames)

[kregoron]

I think most of the tips from others covers it.
Tho ive been asked frequently if its okay, to use a vacuum cleaner to clean the inside of a PC with. Not adviseable, the static electricity generated in the tube is enough to fry most bits Just a friendly warning if anyone got that idea