Cleaning...

[Martinr36]

@AgentCooper I was thinking the same reasons, especially about the static, but if holding 1ft away, is that a problem, wouldn't the static be on the dryer, and for heat, if the PC is off at the time, again does a little heat for a minute or two matter?

Lots of delicate components in there that normally have acooling system to take the heat away from them, imagine what blowing warm air onto them could do.........

 

[AgentCooper]

@AgentCooper I was thinking the same reasons, especially about the static, but if holding 1ft away, is that a problem, wouldn't the static be on the dryer, and for heat, if the PC is off at the time, again does a little heat for a minute or two matter?

The problem is, a hairdryer doesn't exactly have a small aperture for the air to pass through, it's a large surface area of air flow and heat will be coming out of the end of it. So you can't exactly be accurate with it. So on an area that isn't a heat sink, I'd be very dubious.

 

[scarpa1]

So where does all this dust go when you start blowing it all over the shop.
Obviously you don't want a big build up of dust to start with but does it not just blow it in the air and then re settles?

Or is it a case of this blows the dust out of places you can't reach or see and then you give it a wipe down any areas that are accessible.
Just reading some of the reviews on amazon and one chap who cleaned his ps4 looked like they had been coal mining

 

[AgentCooper]

So where does all this dust go when you start blowing it all over the shop.
Obviously you don't want a big build up of dust to start with but does it not just blow it in the air and then re settles?

Or is it a case of this blows the dust out of places you can't reach or see and then you give it a wipe down any areas that are accessible.
Just reading some of the reviews on amazon and one chap who cleaned his ps4 looked like they had been coal mining

I take mine outside (on a dry day, obviously) when I'm using the blower.

 

[Harag]

My old dead PC seem had a very good case and found very little dust in there, I open them up at least 2-3 times a year and clean them out. A general wipe of the filters, and around the case, then cotton buds on the fans. I've never really gotten to the point of needing a major blow out. We don't have carpets in the house or pets. The question about the hair dryer was just a general curiosity one really.

 

[RogWal]

OK guys n gals quick "PC cleaning" question. I was telling the better half about the two linked products and buying something that blows air for 50 quid sounds a lot of money (I know they are others, but not looked into them). She pulled out a draw a hair dryer, and asked... "Why not use that on the lowest heat setting", it blows air and we already have one.

Which I though - Good question and couldn't really answer. So If the PC is opened more often, and a quick 2 minute blow around with a hair dryer will do the same job..... So What are the thoughts on this? is it a viable alternative (and cheaper since we already have one) ?

To be fair, you're right - they're not cheap.

Still on honeymoon with my PC (Gertrude, because a computer has to have a name) so buckled and bought one. Mentally justified it by listing all the devices I could use it on (mechanical keyboards, laptop, consoles etc). As to whether I actually will spend time regularly cleaning this list of devices . . .

 

[AgentCooper]

To be fair, you're right - they're not cheap.

Still on honeymoon with my PC (Gertrude, because a computer has to have a name) so buckled and bought one. Mentally justified it by listing all the devices I could use it on (mechanical keyboards, laptop, consoles etc). As to whether I actually will spend time regularly cleaning this list of devices . . .

It’s also handy for other things such as the air vents and other hard to reach bits in the car, and if you’re a dog owner you can do this...

 

[RogWal]

Yes, in my experience, compressed air cans can be a bit of a mine field and actually work out quite expensive over the long term.

I always recommend one of these, they're quite pricey but exceptionally good quality, and last forever. They make the job very quick and easy.

IT Dusters CompuCleaner Original Electric Air Duster Blower for PC, Laptop, Console, Electronics and Home Cleaning, Environmental Alternative to Spray air can Duster Keyboard Cleaner: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Shop for IT Dusters PC products at the Amazon.co.uk Computers & Accessories store.

www.amazon.co.uk

They do a premium version also which comes with some anti-electrostatic brushes, which I personally think is worth the extra if you've got it, athough I'm sure it used to be only £10 extra, I'd shop around and see if you can find it cheaper elsewhere:

IT Dusters CompuCleaner Xpert - Electric Air Duster Blower for PC, Laptop, Console, Electronics and Home Cleaning, Environmental Alternative to Spray air can Duster Keyboard Cleaner: Amazon.co.uk: Office Products

Buy IT Dusters CompuCleaner Xpert - Electric Air Duster Blower for PC, Laptop, Console, Electronics and Home Cleaning, Environmental Alternative to Spray air can Duster Keyboard Cleaner at Amazon UK. Free delivery on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

Mine arrived yesterday. Was going to give it a go last night after shutting down, but that plan lasted barely 3 seconds after turning it on after midnight - had no idea something so small could sound so loud (certainly comparable to a small vacuum cleaner). That said, it really does generate a really strong jet of air even without any of the nozzles attached. Definitely only for use during daylight hours (especially as I live in a block of flats with neighbours above me, below me and to either side).