Keeping Your PC Clean

One of the best clean-air machines on the market is a computer. The cooling fan constantly sucks in the dusty air and filters out the dust. A monitor acts like a dust magnet, pulling in any airborne particles unfortunate enough to get close to it. And the keyboard and mouse act like vacuum cleaners, sucking crumbs and other debris from your desk.

Unfortunately, the dust and smoke that your computer filters out eventually build up on the mechanical and electrical components inside it. When enough dust and debris collect on your computer and accessories, it's time for a thorough cleaning.

Tools of the Computer-Cleaning Trade

Before you start cleaning, turn off your computer and any attached devices, and gather the following cleaning equipment:

• Screwdriver or wrench: This is for taking the cover off your system unit. (If you don't feel comfortable going inside the system unit, take your computer to a qualified technician for a thorough annual cleaning. It really does get dusty in there.)
• Computer vacuum: Yes, there are vacuum cleaners designed especially for computers.
• Can of compressed air: You can get this at a computer or electronics store. Compressed air is great for blowing the dust out of tight spots, such as between keyboard keys.
• Soft brush: A clean paintbrush with soft bristles will do. Use this to dislodge any stubborn dust the vacuum won't pick up.
• Toothpick: This is the only tool you need to clean your mouse.
• Cotton swabs: Another good tool for cleaning your mouse, it's great for swabbing down your keyboard, too.
• Paper towels: Use these for wiping dust off your equipment and for cleaning the monitor.
• Distilled water: You can get special wipes for your monitor, but paper towels and distilled water do the trick.

Tip You've probably seen floppy disk or CD-ROM cleaning kits, but most likely you don't need one. If your drive is having trouble reading disks, buy a cleaning kit and clean it. If it's running smoothly, let it be.