Is your computer still running slow even after upgrading your operating system and running all

sorts of virus scans? You’d be surprised to know the culprit might be something as simple as

dust. An uninterrupted airflow is essential for your computer to perform its job efficiently. Dust

particles prevent it from doing so, which in turn results in overheating and possible hardware

failure. If you do not clean your computer regularly, dust can accumulate in various places on the

inside such as the air vents, cooling fans, heat sinks, memory modules etc. The clogging of fans

due to dust and debris causes increased friction which results in rapid wear and tear. Moreover,

other contaminants such as pet hair, cigarette smoke, and carpet fibers can also wreak havoc on

your computer’s performance. Restricted airflow due to the build-up of dirt can directly affect

the power supply, graphics cards, and even the motherboard. As all processors need to dissipate

heat, insulation of the nearby area due to dust can cause serious harm to the system. Other parts

of your computer susceptible to damage by lack of cleanliness include the LCD, keyboard and

optical drive lens. In order to avoid these issues, it is important to pay attention to your

computer’s upkeep and general maintenance.

Now that we have established the risks associated with an unkempt computer, let’s move on

towards the basic methods to keep it clean. Even though it sounds hard, it is not a difficult task if

you pay attention to details. A can of compressed air is your best friend for cleaning a computer

as it can effectively clean all parts, whether external or internal. At first, clean the external parts

thoroughly before moving on to the inside of the computer as it requires one to be extremely

careful. Start with unplugging your keyboard and turning it upside down to remove any large

particle stuck between the keys. Proceed by using the canned air to dislodge any small pieces of

debris. Finally, use a microfiber cloth or paper towels to wipe the surface clean. Do not spray or

pour any liquid directly on the keys in order to avoid water damage. A slightly damp microfiber
cloth should be used to clean your computer’s screen. Do not rub too hard or use harsh solvents

as they may damage your monitor. Another handy tool for clearing air vents and fan filters is a

small, low-powered vacuum. Make sure never to use a normal household vacuum on the inside

of a computer as it is powerful enough to suck in small parts. After unplugging and opening your

computer, gently remove the dust and the rest of the debris by using the compressed air can. Do

not spray it all at once as it can release moisture. After spraying, remove the remaining dirt by

the help of a small brush or a non-linting cloth. Carefully, put the cover back on and plug your

computer. In order to ensure optimum performance, try using your computer in a dirt-free

environment. Since this is not possible entirely, it is important to clean your system regularly.