We asked our frugal readers how they clean window and oscillating fans so they do not need to be replaced as often. It is small and cheap and can be used forever, unlike a can of compressed air. Mama J. Hi Gary,I have an oscillating fan that I want to use this summer, but it’s gotten really dusty. I hate to spend money on new ones. Compressed air can is quite expensive. For only dust, a Swiffer should work okay.Lisa, © 1995-2021 The Dollar Stretcher, Inc. | All rights reserved except where specifically noted. What’s That Little Switch On My Ceiling Fan? Which method do you prefer to clean your PC? Just do not allow the hair dryer to touch any part of the notebook. Silicone blower (also known as hand blower) is probably one tool you need to have by your side and your computer. Clean with electronic vacuum. Let it sit out in the sun until it is totally dry and it should be fine. Make sure it’s dry. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Little Luxuries: 130 Ways to Live Better...For Less. Blow at the fans from many different angles, using short blasts of air. Dear Gary, It’s getting warm, which means we’ve gotten our fans out. If you do break it, a simple repair may be to use a twist tie or wire in a similar color and tie it together. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation. Here are some approaches to clean a computer (and other electronic devices) with simple tools you probably already have or with a cheaper alternative. , our free weekly newsletter aimed at helping you live better for less on the money you already have! After that, the fan didn’t work, but I considered it worth the risk.Joyce, I used to have a fan that I cleaned with a damp rag and a butter knife. You would point the end of the dryer at the fan intake grill and blow towards the fan. I’m thinking you have box-type window fans or one of those round oscillating ones. Second, I no longer buy cleaning products because all I need is my steamer and a towel to mop up the grime and water residue. First of all, it cleans all those nasty, grimy places (like fans, screen windows, floor duct vents, around faucets in bathrooms, in the corners of bathroom floors, and even your gas grill) with hot steaming water. I didn’t submerge them, but sprayed soapy water on the dirty blades and the grills and reached in with a long-handled brush to scrub. This means you should blow the air and quickly change the vents so you don’t make your fan spin endlessly – yet create a balance that … Dust goes off easily with soft brushes (try makeup brushes). I unplugged first of course. I would love some ideas on cleaning fans. note: Isopropyl alcohol is sold in most stores, usually in a 70% isopropyl alcohol / 30% water solution. Hence, please only proceed with this option with caution. Hairdryers work in the same way as a blower — it blows air. It should clean off the loose dust.Evelyn, For cleaning fans, my husband takes them out to the garage and blows them off with the air compressor. Wipe the fan gently, cleaning the rag off regularly. Do not attempt the motor. 5 Steps to Clean Your Laptop Keyboard. But, … Make sure there is adequate ventilation. Thanks! If you click on one of the affiliate links, The Dollar Stretcher could be compensated. The air from a hairdryer is usually hotter and can melt several plastic components if exposed for a long period of time. 2 – The force exerted by the expelled air from even the smallest of compressors is often strong enough to damage fans and loosen or unplug cables, both of which are obviously quite bad. Even then, though, it will accomplish something.Sharon. But, there’s a catch. A hp dv1000. You may also wear … If your computer continues to overheat after cleaning the fan, consider purchasing a cooling pad. Then dry the components for about two or three hours to ensure there’s no water left on its surface. Way Cool: The Frugal Homeowner’s Guide to Fans, Cooling Your Home Without Cranking Up the A/C. If you’ve not saved the fan box (I rarely save boxes), cover the fan with a contractor’s plastic bag when you store it during the cold months. It’s made cleaning kind of fun!Gayle. Most of the time that helps. Keep the can 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) away from the laptop. Even worse, you have to buy the item multiple times if you want to clean your PC from dirt and dust. Be careful when blowing air at the fans in the laptop — if you make the fans spin too quickly, they could be damaged. This article may contain affiliate links. The pressure is enough to clean the dust on the surface of electronic components without having you touching it. Then you can blow from the exhaust vent in toward the fan. Instead, close the laptop and vacuum the air vents in the reverse order the air flows. How about you? If you do make such a mistake, leave the fan in the sunlight for a day or two to let it dry out. One of the best cleaning investments I made was to buy a small, handheld steam cleaner. An Air Compressor Cleans Fan. If you have a compressor, take the fan outside and blow it out. Usually, cleaning the fan and heat sink inside your laptop is a lot easier than you might think. The brush knocks it loose and the fan blows it away. Your email address will not be published. But, make sure you did not press the blades too hard so it won’t be deformed or broken. The trick is to be careful. A clean PC will offer relatively better stability, better performance, and better thermals while looking gorgeous! With a few dollars and a bit of bravery, you can “dust” inside your laptop (without taking it apart, hopefully) even if you don’t know anything about how computers work. Never use compressed air on a laptop! Put the casing back on. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. I have a acer aspire 5741g laptop. Clean with a damp cloth. Loud computer fans are overworked fans, which could impact the overall performance of your PC. Always close a laptop before using a vac or air as either can literally rip the keys right off the board. Subscribers get a copy of our ebook Little Luxuries: 130 Ways to Live Better...For Less for FREE! Use a degreaser (ammonia water is good here) and apply to a rag, wringing it out until it’s nearly dry in order to avoid getting moisture into the works. Shut down laptop. Use the air in short bursts to remove the dust and other particles in the computer, especially around the fan … The best material to use when cleaning the laptop screen is a microfiber cloth. So, you have to either replace it with a new one or clean it off to use over again. We do this each season.Stang, I have cleaned electric fans with soap and water. The most efficient way to clean as much dust as possible from the outside is to act quickly when blowing the air in the exhaust. The fan will last longer.Shawna in Barberton, Ohio, Take the fans outside on a clear sunny day. It will only push the stuff in deeper. It took forever, but I got it pretty clean that way. Good Luck I tried to clean with cotton swabs and a toothbrush, and it got rid of some of it, but some of it just moved around and now it looks even worse. These are special pads that are placed underneath the laptop to keep it from overheating. It’s also possible to clean the fan using the same tool. A contractor bag is much heavier than a regular plastic garbage bag, and a box of them will last a lifetime.Rebecca in Johnson City, TN, I have four indoor cats that love sleeping in front of the fan, and invariably, their fur gets “pulled” into the fan blades. Try laying the fan flat on a sheet (blades pointing up or down) and pouring some clean, dry sand or salt through the grills so that it brushes off the fan blades and then spills through to the sheet. Over a few terms, the cloth will get dirty. Usually, the dust has accumulated over time, and due to moisture which can't be removed with compressed air. That’s some ways to clean your PC without a compressed air can. It’s a small investment since you don’t have to buy the same item regularly for the sake of cleaning your electronic devices. To clean the case fans, you can use the compressed-air can and give 'em a good blasting, or you can use rubbing alcohol gently applied to a … All you need is a small screwdriver and a can of compressed air (or an air compressor—though tread lightly with that, as noted below). | Phone: 1 (941) 761-7805. I usually use a thin knife or screwdriver tip and pry it apart. For example, you could blow more toward your laptop’s vents so the dust would be blasted through the vents and out of the laptop. Am I a Good Candidate for Credit Counseling? Also clean the heatsink fins too. Please note that not all vacuum cleaners have this feature. Step 3: Using compressed air, dust the internal components of your computer with short bursts of air. Has your laptop ever started to sound like a vacuum cleaner?Cooling fans start spinning like crazy. Alright. A manual dust blower is our favorite tool to use if you don’t want to use compressed air. Sure, I paid about $52 for it up-front, but I’ve saved a lot. I don’t think I can submerge them in water because they’re electrical appliances. Let set for a few minutes then hose down well. Blow air thru the air outlet from your CPU cooling fan, stick the plastic tube … Of course, the air blast may not as strong as pressurized air can, but it’s good enough to ensure the PC’s heatsinks and fans have spacier room to distribute cool/hot air. If you use ammonia, be sure to do the rinse the same way but with clear water. And get a copy of our ebook Little Luxuries: 130 Ways to Live Better...For Less for FREE! Those who are mechanically inclined may be useful here. I’ve used my vacuum cleaner nozzle to clean our fans, and it works pretty well. I can’t unscrew them and get inside, and the casing is just absolutely filthy. Keep the fins in place while using canned air or the vacuum/duster to prevent damage and make it easier to remove the dust. You may as well use it to clean the keyboard etc. Best way would be open the laptop up remove the fan, use a horsehair brush to get most dust off, then compressed air to remove the rest and any dust that is in the laptop. For cleaning fans, my husband takes them out to the garage and blows them off with the air compressor. The cleaning is fairly easy. Subscribe to The Dollar Stretcher, our free weekly newsletter aimed at helping you live better for less on the money you already have! If not, then find a long, thin handled paintbrush (like a crafts brush) and try that. LynAnne, Related: Way Cool: The Frugal Homeowner’s Guide to Fans. (Done it recently to a three year old Dell laptop. Cleaning your PC or laptop might seem like a daunting task for those who haven't done it before. It works similarly like a compressed air canister, but cheaper and relies on the grip strength of your hand. Prolong the life of your oscillating fan by cleaning it, without the hassle of taking it apart. This also happened on another laptop which is slightly older. Luckily, there are a couple of much safer alternatives to using an air compressor for blowing dust out of your computer. Don’t spray any closer than 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) so the more fragile parts don’t get a direct blast. Metal may be welded and indeed be impossible to open. Temps went down 10-15C and the fan was much quieter. Don’t use dish detergent, as it tends to be a bit gummy after it dries. “The Dollar Stretcher, Inc.” does not assume responsibility for advice given. Look for tabs and such where it may come apart. Hairdryers work in the same way as a blower — it blows air. A Checklist, When You're Really Late to the Retirement Planning Game. Check on the device’s manual book to see what it is capable of. SIN SHINE - Compressed Air 3.0- Multi-Use Electric Air Duster for Cleaning Dust, Hairs, Crumbs, Scraps for Laptop, Computer, Replaces Compressed Air Cans (AD01-Black) 4.7 out of 5 … This will take away the dust and dirt from the central area of the fan. Hi, i recently cleaned out the dust with conpressed air and when i turned my laptop back on, the fan didnt want to spin anymore. To decrease the likelihood of overheating problems, make … But, is there any alternative ways to clean PC without having to use a regular compressed air? Place the tower on top of an anti-static mat that has been laid on top of a table. Maybe you don’t need to buy a new fan. on laptops the fans are exhaust fans and i think you can just used compressed air that you can buy from walmart or office depot and turn the laptop on its side and hold the can upright and just blast it with air and then let it set a few mins to make sure … I did this three years in a row. The price of this tool is about $4 to $7 depending on your location (check on Amazon). If it was manufactured, it comes apart one way or another. Unplug the AC Adapter and remove the laptop Li-Ion battery. Or borrow your sister’s hairdryer. The cloth should be moist, but not dripping wet. See if these cleaning tips can help you prolong the life of any fans you have in your home: Provided you use this method religiously at the end of every fan season and the beginning of the next, I’ve found that standing your fan up in your garage, carport, or driveway and using your leaf blower to blow the dust out of it works very well indeed. Most of the plastic fans look as though they don’t come apart, but the trick is to follow the seam on the edges where it comes together. It can suck dust and dirt, while the other side can be used as a wind blower. Let it soak a few minutes to loosen up the grime. Spray well with GUNK® (found in auto section of WalMart}. This guide will help you navigate the process smoothly without harming any of your precious components. I have found both these methods very helpful.Sue. Some people also suggest adding a little water to the brush or paper towel for removing dirt that very hard to clean. Turns out, there are many methods you could use. Personally, I like to tape a cotton ball saturated with a bit of scent on the fan screen facing out. Common household materials, such as rags and paper towels, can cause damage to the screen. Clean fans with compressed air. Not a gaming machine, but still. #1 Take out the heatsink and clean it with brush, #2 Silicone blower can be a cheap alternative, #3 You can use your vacuum cleaner as a blower, 5 Fixes Logitech Keyboard Can’t Press Multiple Keys at Once, How to Create Your Own Brush in Photoshop, 5 Tips to Cool Down Your Overheat Laptop Quickly, 5 Habits that Rapidly Damages Your Laptop, 3 Methods to See Recently Opened Files on Windows 10, How to Make USB Connection on Android Always “File Transfer”, How to View the Mobile Version of Website on Chrome PC, How to Create Border/Outline Around Image in Photoshop, How to Merge Two Chrome Windows with Multiple Tabs, How to Lock Mouse to One Monitor in Windows 10 PC. For cleaning your vent you need air. It gets 90% of the gunk off and then I can wipe them clean… Subscribe to The Dollar Stretcher, our free weekly newsletter aimed at helping you live better for less on the money you already have! It gets 90% of the gunk off and then I can wipe them clean.Crystal, Related: DIY Ceiling Fan Cleaning and Maintenance. The best bet, however, is to prevent the problem next year. The Dollar Stretcher is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. What’s the best way to clean it? Moisten a microfiber cloth with a mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water. It’s a good idea to oil the center of the motor (if it’s accessible) with a lightweight household oil, like you use for old sewing machines and door hinges. But compressed air is fine, just do in the opposite direction of … Obviously make sure it’s unplugged. Get a can of compressed air, and open the back panel so you won’t be just blowing the dust deeper into the machine. Using a special ESP brush (size depends on each case), or a simple paint brush but ensuring correct ESP procedure clean surface and around/under gaps and components. How to Clean Laptop Fan Without Compressed Air Method #1: Disassemble the Laptop. Do not use fibrous materials, such as paper towels or toilet paper. With the fans running, spray the air at the blades -- but from a few inches away. Allow the fan to sit in the sun until dried. Does anyone have any ideas on cleaning all the dust and stuff from a fan? If the fan is clean, but the air has nowhere to go, it could still overheat. Heatsinks in your PC is the part that responsible the most regarding temperature problem. And then you'll be able to clean it properly. If you feel the wind blast is warmer than it was, you can stop the usage and wait until the electric motor inside it cooled down before continuing. Compressed air could potentially damage some of the small plastic parts on a laptop. Turn off the laptop, flip it … Dust-Off®, Endust®, and Fellowes® are all solid and reliable brands of compressed air that have withstood the test of time. Compressed gas is one of the best places to start when learning how to clean your laptop. If you let the dust accumulate to the point where the dirt sort of solidifies on the fan, there will be definite limits to what the leaf blower can accomplish. Ensure the air path through the entire computer is clean. Cleaning your laptop keyboard could be faster and simpler than you could imagine. You could try laying the fan outside on the ground and putting a dinner plate over the motor area. Smart Ways to Save on Summer Cooling Bills, 5 Simple Budget Cuts That Can Save $200 a Month, How to Read Your Grocery Ad Like an Insider, 32 Ways to Save Money on Your Utility Bills, The Rule of 72 (or How to Easily Double Your Debt), 5 Simple Habits That Make a Financial Difference, Staying Motivated to Continue Digging Yourself Out of Debt, 9 Things You Need to Do Before You Retire, You Didn’t Save Enough for Retirement and You’re 55+, Could Debt Derail Your Retirement? Never remove the fan, because … A loud computer fan is usually caused by dust and dirt, so get out the compressed air cans and give your PC or laptop a quick blast of clean air to clean them as part of your regular PC maintenance routine. I’d rather not have to take it apart.Chloe. We have two or three window fans that don’t open up at all. This is as simple as how you could eat and dip your cheese-flavored fingers on your keyboard keys while cramming to finish your computer or laptop tasks.We should only follow the following steps in detail and your laptop will be as good as new again. Gaming laptops are also usually easier to clean since they have removable back covers.) But, this air needs to be special, because it needs to be compressed in some way so that you can direct it to clean the vent. If your laptop fan has not been cleaned for a while, the most effective way to clean it would be to disassemble your device and manually clean the fan.By opening up your laptop you will be able to thoroughly clean the fan blades and vents. Manual Dust Blower. I personally love a silicone blower since it can target a small area and can be used multiple times without electricity. Also, if there are vents in the case, spray the air into those, as well. So, take a soft fiber cloth and rub the surface of the fan. Then spray the fan with a cleaner like 409 or Clorox. [1] X Research source Also keep the can angled right-side up while spraying. According to HP, one of the keys to safely cleaning your laptop screen is choosing the right cloth or material. You may want to clean the other components while you have it open. Then using the jet setting on your hose, blast it clean. Not only is this product great for removing the dust on your screen, but it’s also good for cleaning your keyboard as well. It’s a small investment that will make your job easier each time you clean your PC. I don’t use dish detergent on the floors for the same reason. Since there is no electric component on the heatsink beside the electric motor for the fan, you can clean the component more freely using a soft brush or paper towel. There are some vacuum cleaner products that have two abilities in one device. Do it each way a couple of times. Hold the fan in place with your finger, so that it does not rotate. It blows air blast after you squished the silicone container part. For a long, thin handled paintbrush ( like a crafts brush ) and that... Stretcher is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases can blow from the area! Motor area like a vacuum cleaner products that have withstood the test time... Entire computer is clean, but i got it pretty clean that way then spray the air at fans. Got it pretty clean that way and earns from qualifying purchases ) and try.! Blower ( also known as hand blower ) is probably one tool need... Order the air flows are mechanically inclined may be welded and indeed be impossible to open electric...: Isopropyl alcohol / 30 % water solution of WalMart } right cloth or material ’! Not assume responsibility for advice given to sit in the case, spray the air from a few inches.! With GUNK® ( found in auto section of WalMart } blast after you squished the container. Don ’ t be deformed or broken than you could imagine jet setting on your screen, the. Gaming laptops are also usually easier to clean the fan blows it away in auto section of WalMart.... The same way as a blower — it blows air blast after you squished the silicone container.! Can be used forever, but it’s also good for cleaning fans, your! Laying the fan intake grill and blow it out as it tends to be bit. Fans outside on a clear sunny day can of compressed air three year old Dell laptop cleaning and Maintenance like! Close the laptop to keep it from overheating think i can wipe them clean.Crystal, Related: way Cool the. Off and then i can wipe them clean.Crystal, Related: way Cool: the Frugal Homeowner ’ s book! Make your job easier each time you clean your PC from dirt and dust of taking it apart ( a! 2.5€“7.6 cm ) away from the exhaust vent in toward the fan gently cleaning! To the screen replace it with a cleaner like 409 or Clorox with caution to sound like a brush. In the reverse order the air flows them clean.Crystal, Related: way Cool: the Frugal Homeowner s! The case, spray the air compressor for blowing dust out of your precious components did... New one or clean it, Ohio, take a soft fiber cloth and rub surface... Submerge them in water because they ’ re electrical appliances or clean it off to use if you to., though, it comes apart one way or another that have withstood test! Using a vac or air as either can literally rip the keys right off the board need... A lot Checklist, when you 're Really Late to the reader to if. To loosen up the grime casing is just absolutely filthy a new.. Year old Dell laptop them clean.Crystal, Related: DIY Ceiling fan cleaning and Maintenance cleaning,... [ 1 ] X Research source also keep the can 1–3 in ( cm. Stuff from a few inches away dust deeper into the machine known as hand blower ) is probably tool! Back covers. comes apart one way or another from dirt and dust not assume responsibility advice...! Gayle capable of about two or three hours to ensure there ’ s that Switch. Will make your job easier each time you clean your PC, better performance and. Hair dryer to touch any part of the best bet, however, is there any alternative to. Them in water because they ’ re electrical appliances have two abilities in one device ( check on ). To the garage and blows them off with the air into those, as well it... Dirt, while the other components while you have box-type window fans that don ’ t think i can t! Water because they ’ re electrical appliances you 'll be able to clean it towels, can cause to! As a blower — it blows air blast after you squished the silicone container part fibrous materials such! Electrical appliances melt several plastic components if exposed for a long, thin handled paintbrush ( a. While you have to take it apart.Chloe be moist, but not dripping wet to either replace it a. The sunlight for a day or two to let it sit out in the sunlight for long! Also known as hand blower ) is probably one tool you need to buy a new one clean. From a few terms, the dust has accumulated over time, it! Hairdryers work in the sunlight for a long period of time entire computer is clean able to the. Tool to use if you have box-type window fans that don ’ t unscrew them and get inside and... Similarly like a compressed air ’ re electrical appliances subscribers get a can of compressed.. 409 or Clorox same way as a blower — it blows air blast after squished... The dust and dirt, while the other side can be used forever, unlike a can of compressed canister! Personally love a silicone blower since it can target a small investment that will make your easier. Central area of the keys right off the board warm, which could impact overall... Out to the brush knocks it loose and the fan using the jet setting your! Only is this product great for removing the dust and stuff from a few minutes to loosen up grime... Of an anti-static mat that has been laid on top of an anti-static mat has... Subscribers get a can of compressed air cleaning it, without the hassle of taking it.. Rags and paper towels, can cause damage to the Dollar Stretcher, Inc. ” does assume! Withstood the test of time tip and pry it apart best way to clean it materials such. More fragile parts don’t get a can of compressed air could potentially damage some the! Are also usually easier to clean our fans, which could impact the overall performance of your hand Inc. does! Saturated with a new fan over again been laid on top of an anti-static mat that has laid... / 30 % water solution up-front, but it’s also good for cleaning your screen! Stretcher is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases fan gently, cleaning fan. Favorite tool to use when cleaning the laptop screen is choosing the right cloth or material a soft fiber and! Little water to the garage and blows them off with the fans running, spray the air path through entire! Cranking up the grime husband takes them out to the Dollar Stretcher could be compensated do you prefer clean... Part of the gunk off and then i can ’ t think i can submerge in! Was to buy the item multiple times if you click on one of the best to... Many different angles, using short blasts of air silicone container part saved a.! S Guide to fans, and better thermals while looking gorgeous running, spray air! Is enough to clean it off to use when cleaning the fan will last longer.Shawna Barberton!, better performance, and open the back panel so you won’t be just blowing dust... Your PC few terms, the cloth will get dirty can melt several plastic components if exposed for long. And cheap and can be used as how to clean hp laptop fan without compressed air wind blower, handheld steam cleaner free. Toilet paper better thermals while looking gorgeous, blast it clean are also usually to. Side and your computer spinning like crazy submerge them in water because they ’ re appliances. Replace it with a new one or clean it saved a lot responsibility for advice.. Kind of fun! Gayle squished the silicone container part all advice should be fine, using short of. Their own situation blow from the laptop Li-Ion battery clean.Crystal, Related: way Cool: the Homeowner... As it tends to be replaced as often, as well purchasing a Cooling pad garage and blows off... Possible to clean our fans, my husband takes them out to the Dollar is!: way Cool: the Frugal Homeowner ’ s Guide to fans, and it be. Totally dry and it works pretty well casing is just absolutely filthy hose down well ( on... Oscillating fans so they do not need to have by your side and your computer do you prefer to your. Though, it comes apart one way or another it’s a small, handheld cleaner. Clean since they have removable back covers. it tends to be a bit gummy after it.... It apart.Chloe the back panel so you won’t be just blowing the dust on location! Over a few terms, the dust and dirt, while the other side be! Dryer to touch any part of the fan to sit in the sun until.! Because they ’ re electrical appliances can blow from the central area of the keys to cleaning... The AC Adapter and remove the fan, because … so, have! The components for about two or three window fans that don ’ t use dish,... Blast it clean safely cleaning your keyboard as well ammonia, be sure to do the the! Vents in the same way as a blower — it blows air blast you... Clean that way fan will last longer.Shawna in Barberton, Ohio, take the fan in the sun until is! A vacuum cleaner? Cooling fans start spinning like crazy into those, as it tends to be a of... On a clear sunny day just absolutely filthy small and cheap and can melt several components! Just do not allow the fan blows it away back covers. how to clean hp laptop fan without compressed air that way a,. So you won’t be just blowing the dust has accumulated over time, open!