Cleaning a computer system fan, whether it is a CPU fan, case fan, or power supply fan, requires some care and the right product. Below, are the steps and suggestions for cleaning the fans in your computer to help keep your computer running cool and efficiently.
CautionCleaning Mac Fan With Vacuum Cleaner Toolvirtuallasopa Vacuum
Making the fan spin beyond its normal range could ruin the bearings. DO NOT touch the hair dryer to the case or anything in the laptop. It will build up static electricity and wreck your notebook. This is the same when folks clean out the insides of a desktop with a vacuum cleaner. Dec 11, 2011 Making the fan spin beyond its normal range could ruin the bearings. DO NOT touch the hair dryer to the case or anything in the laptop. It will build up static electricity and wreck your notebook. This is the same when folks clean out the insides of a desktop with a vacuum cleaner.
Instead, this Mac cleaning app uses algorithms to understand what’s best for your Mac. So, via a simple Smart Scan button, you can not only clean your Mac but also anything and everything that is wrong. #2 Comprehensive Maintenance. CleanMyMac X can very well be the most comprehensive Mac cleaner/optimizer out there. Now that dust is everywhere, use a vacuum to clean the loose dust particles only on the floor. Anywhere but inside the case. Once you’ve knocked all the dust loose, use a vacuum cleaner to clean up any dust that ends up on the floor. However, don’t use the vacuum directly on the interior of your case, as there is a real risk of static damage.
While inside the computer, make sure it's off and that you're familiar with ESD (electrostatic discharge) and its potential dangers.
CautionWhen cleaning a PC fan, it is best to make sure the fins of the fan do not spin. Keep the fins in place while using canned air or the vacuum/duster to prevent damage and make it easier to remove the dust.
Clean fans with compressed air
First option for cleaning computer fans, or any computer part in general, is by using canned air designed for electronics. This type of canned air is designed to be static free, helping prevent damage to computer components. Using canned air made for cleaning electronics is the safest approach, and the cheapest.
TipWhen using compressed air, try to position the computer in a way that helps the dust and dirt escape the computer and not move somewhere else in the case.
Clean with electronic vacuum
The second option is using a small electronic vacuum or electronic duster. These devices are designed to reduce the chance of static generation or discharge, helping protect electronics like canned air for electronics.
Cleaning Mac Fan With Vacuum Cleaner Toolvirtuallasopa Consumer Reports
Caution
Use caution when using a vacuum that plugs into the wall. These vacuums generate ESD, which could damage your computer. Whenever using these types of vacuums, remove the fan from the computer.
Clean with a damp cloth
If the computer is around a smoker, the fan may look like the fan shown in the picture on this page. In this situation, it's usually best to moisten a cloth with water and rub the fan down. We also highly recommend removing the fan from the computer when using a damp cloth.
Steps in cleaning
Once you've decided what you're going to use to clean the fans, open the computer case and locate the fan you want to clean. In most situations, you're going to need to remove the fan so that both sides of the fan can be cleaned. If the CPU fan connects to the top of a passive heat sink, it must be removed to clean off the dust.
After disconnecting the fan from the computer, hold the fins of the fan in place using your fingers. Then, either blow the dust away using compressed air, suck up the dust with an electronic vacuum, or wipe away the dust with a damp cloth.
Additional information
- See our computer cleaning page for additional steps with cleaning other hardware in your computer.
- See our computer fan definition for related links and information.