Vacuuming Inside Computer?

[Virgorising]

Hi.

I once fried the board in my Optiplex GX620 after having vacuumed inside the box, cause I didn't feel compressed air and hand cleaning fan blades were good enuff.

I felt guilty and disgusting.:'( And I had to replace the board. It was traumatic.

Since then, re the hot stove phenomenon, I have not vacuumed inside. But the desire to vacuum inside is creeeeeping in again.:sneaky:

I just found this:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5568198_vacuum-computer.html

Is it true?

I do now have fabulous, red Miele canister vacuum, and its nozzles and attachments are not metal.

Thank U.

 

[Berliner]

Is what true?

I have used a vacuum many times to clean dust from the inside of my computers and they were never harmed.

 

[bononos]

Was it static electricity that killed it? Was the pc turned off at the time?

 

[Virgorising]

Is what true?

I have used a vacuum many times to clean dust from the inside of my computers and they were never harmed.

See the link. Are the data in the article it takes you to valid?

 

[Virgorising]

Was it static electricity that killed it? Was the pc turned off at the time?

It was turned off. But I guess the board was still holding a charge, and, that vacuum had a metal nozzle.

Only good part, I learned how to replace mobos.()

And I did get a tested no money replacement pull on ebay. Soon after, I got another one. That one is still in the box, stored. It made me feel better to have a spare.:| Tho now, that computer is my backup desktop.

I have gotten boards for three friends whose systems I have had to repair, on eBay, all big bargains, all tested pulls. My friends pay for the boards (and the thermal paste), I just do the replacing.

 

[Virgorising]

Just found this:

http://www.techspot.com/community/t...-clean-the-interior-of-the-system-unit.26402/

See the entry below in particular:

No It Is Not Ok

Ok, static electricity does not require metal to build-up on.

NO DO NOT USE A VACUUM.
These "geniuses" that tell you there is less risk to your harddrive or motherboard are insane. Static electricity can build up on anything. Plastic,
etc, blah blah.
Ever rubbed a baloon on your head? Any metal involved there? no.
Hair and plastic.
Why don't you take your rubber-soled shoes and drag them across carpet
and then go hug your motherboard? Because that's gonna kill it.
The risk here with the vaccum is not YOU touching it, it's the air movement and the movement of the plastic/natural bristles. Do not do it.
Plastic IS NOT an insulator for static electricity.
Discharging is the DANGER and the SOLUTION.

ALWAYS discharge to ground. NEVER risk the build-up of new static.
NEVER discharge to your equipment.
Compressed air only. Short bursts.
Thanks.​

​

As in most things, this too cries out for owning ALL the details.

If I thought otherwise, I wouldn't have posted.
______________________________________________
Edit: and these via the same link as well...

Hi Finchy,

Yes, thats what I meant....leave the PSU plugged in to supply ground for the vacuum tube to discharge any static build up. ​

NO it is not safe because of the static which can build up.
It might be ok 9 out of 10 times, the 10th time you'll mess up your MB.

A.​

 

[C1]

In general, vacuuming is preferred as compressed air is able to blow dust into things (such as bearings or, in the case of cameras, into the EVF - learned that trying to clean photographic cameras).

Yes, do not poke around inside a computer using a metal probe - obvious reason.

I use the plastic nozzle of the vacuum to clean where it can reach without disrupting wires/connectors. For tight spots (such as between PCI cards) and fan blades, use a 1" wide artist brush that has a plastic bristle retainer and wood or plastic handle. While the brush sweeps off the dust, the vacuum nozzle is held near-by to collect the dust as that helps to keep the dust off of one's self as well as not be re-deposited somewhere else near-by in the room.

(BTW, I also have a Miele. And yes, it is the red "Titan" model. Really love it. Metro Vacuum here in town sells its own custom/proprietary hose extension for Miele with attachments. That hose is able to accordion stretch/reach at least 20'. You can clean a stair case while the cannister sits at the bottom of the stair case. No issue cleaning the top of drapes.)

 

[Virgorising]

In general, vacuuming is preferred as compressed air is able to blow dust into things (such as bearings or, in the case of cameras, into the EVF - learned that trying to clean photographic cameras).

I believe you mean using air alone is not unlike using a sander without a dust collection bag attached. If so, I absolutely get it.

Yes, do not poke around inside a computer using a metal probe - obvious reason.

:| Indeed. Somethings you learn the hard way.:'(

As for your technique re using both hands in concert for the respective purposes....I find it rather exquisite. I like it. Thank you.:thumbsup:
___________________________________________________
Edit in response to your addenda!

Yes! Miele! Are they not fabulous??? Dysons are mesmerizing, no question, but nothing can get me to replace my Miele!() Tho I just drag mine about, live in a flat with no stairs, so, have no need for the amazing sounding hose you mention. Leave it to Miele. Fabulous engineering, and even more important, built to last.

 

[denis280]

I put mine in the bath with bubbles.(joke) really i use a vacuum with a rubber hose home made.and compress air to.

 

[Virgorising]

I put mine in the bath with bubbles.(joke) really i use a vacuum with a rubber hose home made.and compress air to.

:biggrin: Re the bubble bath part.

(See, I was thinking of taking the thing down to our gorgeous, cutting edge laundry room in the basement, where I could use the hose attached to a powerful when open faucet the staff uses, there are floor drains there....and just open it and HOSE IT DOWN. THEN, this Optiplex I now luv even more than before I just learned even more about the detailed reality of from Dell......really will.....be HOSED.:sneaky

See, the rubber hose part.....RESONATES! YOU did not choose to fabricate that for arbitrary reasons!

Now, let me see if I can find something to emulate what you did.. for my vac!:thumbsup:

Thanks, Denis!

 

[corkyg]

There's a right way and a wrong way. Static electricity can be a hazard if you do not use proper anti-static vacuuming tools made for use in computers. I have used this set of tools countless times over the past 10 years and never had a problem.

Here is a sample. Amazon has them for less.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/390600514556?lpid=82

 

[Virgorising]

There's a right way and a wrong way. Static electricity can be a hazard if you do not use proper anti-static vacuuming tools made for use in computers. I have used this set of tools countless times over the past 10 years and never had a problem.

O!!!!! Where did U get that from????

When I searched earlier all I could find was this unaffordable thingy:
http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-D...pr_product_top

Tell me, do you think, as I kinda do, that Denis's resourceful solution re fabricating a rubber hose extension is just as good?????

And, re "hazard," remember, as I shared earlier in the thread....I FRIED the board in my (now backup desktop) Optiplex GX620....cause I vacuumed its insides without all the info I needed!!!

Total deadness. It would not even power on. The second after I replaced the board....back to being perfectly normal.

 

[corkyg]

O!!!!! Where did U get that from????

Tell me, do you think, as I kinda do, that Denis's resourceful solution re fabricating a rubber hose extension is just as good?????

You ended up looking at the entire vacuum cleaner. I'm talking attachments that fit on one's existing cleaner.

I got mine at my local Oreck store - was a casual acquisition I found when I took my Oreck for service. You need to look for "Micri Vacuum Attachment Kit." They are also available from Hartbor Freight, and of course, E-Bay.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_k...Attachment+Kit+for+Computers+Electronics+Auto

My only comment on the rubber hose idea is that it needs to be non-conductive, light, and flexible, and the choice of plastic tips is very useful.

 

[Sheep221]

I haven't had any problem with vacuuming yet, but electrical compressor is something that does the best job, in seconds you have computer that looks like it would just came from factory with no dust left in unaccessible places like corners, under the boards etc, nor the fan blades or heatsink fins.
Oh and there is no risk of static discharge like vacuum can do from time to time.

I don't own one, so I just vacuum around the board and expansion cards I just grab to hand and blow at them till they are clean.

 

[corkyg]

The hand held electric blower does a good job of blowing - but where does all that dust and dirt go? Doesn't it eventually settle back down? Another really good dust removal aid is a Swiffer cloth. Lightly wipe or blot, dust sticks to it, and then throw it away.

 

[Sheep221]

The hand held electric blower does a good job of blowing - but where does all that dust and dirt go? Doesn't it eventually settle back down? Another really good dust removal aid is a Swiffer cloth. Lightly wipe or blot, dust sticks to it, and then throw it away.

I did that outside, so it had place to spread and eventually be taken away by wind.
Never do it inside, the dust on its own is toxic and blowing computer with compressor inside room with probably only opened windows or doors can intoxicate you if PC was really dirty and will leave all the dust on surrounding furniture and stuff, if the air pressure is very high, it can just return and attach back to cleaned parts.

 

[Virgorising]

You ended up looking at the entire vacuum cleaner. I'm talking attachments that fit on one's existing cleaner.

I got mine at my local Oreck store - was a casual acquisition I found when I took my Oreck for service. You need to look for "Micri Vacuum Attachment Kit." They are also available from Hartbor Freight, and of course, E-Bay.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_k...Attachment+Kit+for+Computers+Electronics+Auto

My only comment on the rubber hose idea is that it needs to be non-conductive, light, and flexible, and the choice of plastic tips is very useful.

Thanks, Corky for the good specifics. Now, I can delve productively. I am huge fan of eBay....have been since way back in 05.

See while I have not had this system very long, i already notice very very fine white dust in it. Have a high end, Hungarian goosedown comforter, cost a ton.....and, like all of them, despite I have covered it with TWO DUVETS, one silk, it still emanates minute, almost microscopic bits of down thru its cover and both duvets when U move it around.

It is this I worry about, and already see in the box when I swipe a finger over the inside of the side cover, But no way would I want to live without this heavenly comforter in winter.

My immediate take was the rubber hose fabrication Denis evolved....is kinda brilliant. I would think rubber would be more impervious to static than plastic.

Thanks again.

 

[paul878]

If you going to vacuum electronic circuit boards you must use an ESD safe vacuum.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Service-Vac.../dp/B0000WU8I2


Air compressor is the best thing for cleaning computers.

 

[Virgorising]

If you going to vacuum electronic circuit boards you must use an ESD safe vacuum.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Service-Vac.../dp/B0000WU8I2


Air compressor is the best thing for cleaning computers.

I thought that long ago. But, when I delved, every one I came upon was hugely expensive. The one U linked us to made by 3M, is even more than the one I linked everyone to somewhere above....also on Amazon.

I have no need for an air compressor. Forget, anyplace to store it!!!

I still like the rubber hose attachment fabrication Denis shared he evolved.

What I do not get, is why are there such firm but ANTITHETICAL OPINIONS ON THIS ONLINE? Never saw anything like that before. Which is why I posted.

I will never quite get over having fried that board....so I am being verrrrrrry careful now.

 

[paul878]

You can get one of ebay for cheap if you really want one, but I think it is an overkill.

There are so many opinions on this subject someone did it THIS WAY and it didn't kill their system. The fact is that static don't always kill electronic right away, it damage it and shorten the life of semiconductors greatly, the problem might not show up a few months down the road. From personal experience there are lot of tech out there that have no understanding of what static electricity is.

That is how I was taught by major manufactures, a small $99 air compressor is the best investment you can make in this matter.

 

[Lorthreth]

I have vacuumed my computer a bunch of times, quite efficient and always use the plastic nozzle it came with... still alive >_>

Although once my computer crashed weirdly when I was vacuuming the outside, had the side open to help cooling... lifted the head so that it went little bit inside and the metal parts touched the case (I think) -> BSOD. Didn't mean to clean the computer at all that time so I wasn't careful... if I ever clean it again... way more careful.

Totally freaked me out, but it survived the ordeal and is still humming next to me.

 

[Virgorising]

I have vacuumed my computer a bunch of times, quite efficient and always use the plastic nozzle it came with... still alive >_>

Although once my computer crashed weirdly when I was vacuuming the outside, had the side open to help cooling... lifted the head so that it went little bit inside and the metal parts touched the case (I think) -> BSOD. Didn't mean to clean the computer at all that time so I wasn't careful... if I ever clean it again... way more careful.

Totally freaked me out, but it survived the ordeal and is still humming next to me.

Ahah! As I posted my current Miele vac has all plastic/nylon attachments.
Tell me, when this happened to you, vacuuming the outside and then the BSOD.....was the system on? Was it plugged in?

 

[Sheep221]

I have vacuumed my computer a bunch of times, quite efficient and always use the plastic nozzle it came with... still alive >_>

Although once my computer crashed weirdly when I was vacuuming the outside, had the side open to help cooling... lifted the head so that it went little bit inside and the metal parts touched the case (I think) -> BSOD. Didn't mean to clean the computer at all that time so I wasn't careful... if I ever clean it again... way more careful.

Totally freaked me out, but it survived the ordeal and is still humming next to me.

No worries bro, I accidentally shorted 2 motherboards, instant shut down at the moment but after reboot they worked normal.

 

[Virgorising]

OK< see using the info Corky gave....I just found this:

http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Attachme...attachment+kit

I do not see how, cept for size, these are any different from what I already have RE MATERIALS! I will make a pic when i can.

 

[Lorthreth]

Ahah! As I posted my current Miele vac has all plastic/nylon attachments.
Tell me, when this happened to you, vacuuming the outside and then the BSOD.....was the system on? Was it plugged in?

Yup, running and plugged, I was just doing a quick cleaning and started vacuuming and (sort of) unintentionally lifted the head so that the metal bits underneath the head touched the case just barely.

When I clean the computer, I totally unplug it and open both the sides, remove the front mask and vacuum all over with the plastic attachment. That has never harmed it. Only that one crazy 'accident' and it survived thankfully.

The vacuum in question is a beautiful '80s Philips P58
Incredibly difficult to find bags for it.... if it ever breaks, parts might be impossible.

No worries bro, I accidentally shorted 2 motherboards, instant shut down at the moment but after reboot they worked normal.

Yeah, it happened like over 2 years ago and still running