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Computers and Electronics
Computers
Computer Hardware
How to Clean a Desktop PC Motherboard Download ArticleExplore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann
Last Updated: March 4, 2025
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This article was reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. This article has been viewed 114,373 times.
As your computer ages, dust will build up inside of it. The intake fans suck dust in and then dust collects near the vents and on the motherboard. If not removed from time to time, dust can cause your computer to overheat and malfunction. It can even short circuit and ruin your motherboard!
Steps
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1 Turn off and unplug your computer.
2 Use compressed air to remove dust.
Purchase a can of compressed air (can be found online or at most department stores). Alternatively, you can use an air compressor. But make sure to have your PSI setting below 50 PSI to ensure you do not damage your motherboard.
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3 A soft-tipped paint brush will work as well for dust that has caked up in areas such as the fans, power supply, intake vents and between RAM modules.
4 Open your computer's case. The case may be held together with screws or some other mechanical latching system.
If you cannot figure out how to open your case, consult your manual for your PC or Google your computer's model number for details.
5 Blow all parts of the motherboard, including the fan and the heat sink.
6 Close the computer's case.
7 Plug in the computer, and turn it on.
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Question Can I use a hair dryer instead of compressed air? Denneisk Top Answerer No. A hair dryer could heat up the parts and cause damage, as well as possibly not having enough force to effectively push debris out of the way. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 19
Question Can I use alcohol for cleaning? džonas Community Answer Yes, you can use isopropyl alcohol, especially for the thermal paste on the CPU, your keyboard, and the screen. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question Can I use a vacuum cleaner to clean my PC? Community Answer That could be a problem. If you're not very careful, it could damage components or cables. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
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Video
Tips
Compressed air works great for cleaning your keyboard as well. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Use blower to put fast hair and cleaning on motherboard's dust. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Some fans will only spin if you attempt to clean them using compressed air. Try using a cotton swab or other object to remove dust. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Do not exceed 50 PSI when using an air compressor. If the dust isn't coming off at this pressure rating, use a soft-bristled brush to remove the dust. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Make sure to eliminate all static electricity. This can be done by touching the metal chassis of your computer or using a commercially bought electrostatic discharging wrist strap (these can be found online or at electronics stores). Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Do not attempt to open a power supply to clean it. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
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Things You'll Need
Can of compressed air
Air compressor (depending on method)
Screwdriver (optional if the case is screwed)
Soft-tipped paintbrush
Use blower to put fast hair and cleaning on motherboard's dust. [1]XResearch source
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Reviewed by: Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann House Cleaning Professionals This article was reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. This article has been viewed 114,373 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 26Updated: March 4, 2025 Views: 114,373 Categories: Computer Hardware In other languages Spanish Russian
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Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann 
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Reviewed by: Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann House Cleaning Professionals This article was reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. This article has been viewed 114,373 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 26 Updated: March 4, 2025 Views: 114,373 Categories: Computer Hardware In other languages Spanish Russian 
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1 Turn off and unplug your computer. 
2 Use compressed air to remove dust. 
3 A soft-tipped paint brush will work as well for dust that has caked up in areas such as the fans, power supply, intake vents and between RAM modules. 
4 Open your computer's case. The case may be held together with screws or some other mechanical latching system. 
5 Blow all parts of the motherboard, including the fan and the heat sink. 
6 Close the computer's case. 
7 Plug in the computer, and turn it on. Advertisement 
Denneisk Top Answerer No. A hair dryer could heat up the parts and cause damage, as well as possibly not having enough force to effectively push debris out of the way. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 19 
džonas Community Answer Yes, you can use isopropyl alcohol, especially for the thermal paste on the CPU, your keyboard, and the screen. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0 
Community Answer That could be a problem. If you're not very careful, it could damage components or cables. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0