How to Dust Your Computer

One of the most important things to do during computer maintenance is to dust the inside of your system. Most people do not even realize the amount of dust, dirt and build-up that occurs as your computer sits there. Computers, most of them, use two types of fans built-in to keep things cool. Some even use a third fan to help keep their video and graphic cards working longer.

The primary way to dust out your computer is to use a can of compressed air. Depending on where you live, you may need be over 18 to purchase it based on state laws. Any brand will work, and depending on how dusty your computer is, you may need more than one can on the initial cleaning.

Once you are ready, you want to power down and unplug your computer. Open up the tower and observe where the dust might have gathered. Remember, even though you cannot see it in some places, it is there. You want to hold the can upright, try to avoid tilting it up or down as this will cause condensation to build up and get into your computer as you spray the air to clean out the dust.

Make sure to focus on cleaning out the primary fans, along with any hidden spaces within the system. Continue to spray here and there until you see no more dust particles falling out; you may need to reach inside to clear out dust bunnies. Once you are sure that most of the dust is gone, you can close things up and reboot. You will immediately hear a difference in how your fan responds to being turned on; it will spin a bit faster and will keep things much cooler over time.

You should dust your computer every three to six weeks, if possible. By avoiding dust build-up, you are making sure your computer stays healthy over time. The more dust that builds up, the higher the odds are your fans will fail and your system will overheat. Taking the time to dust is one of the easiest ways to ensure the longevity of your system.