We talk a lot about cleaning your PC with registry cleaners and so on, but what about actually cleaning it? Your keyboard, your mouse, your monitor, and your computer itself can get incredibly filthy over time. Not only is it gross, but it can even slow your PC down. So bust out your feather duster, and let’s get to work!

Keyboard:

Oh yeah, we know about the cookie crumbs. The keyboard is usually the dirtiest part of your computer, especially if you eat at your desk. Bits of food fall between the keys and the keys get dirty too. To take care of it, you have a couple options. You can leave the keys on, and blow out the dirt with a compressed air can.

Most office supply stores carry these cans. Put the nuzzle between the keys and let fly. For dirtier keyboards, you may have to actually remove the keys. Usually this can be done by simply prying them off with a popsicle stick or similar. Be careful, and don’t forget where they go!

Monitor:

The monitor is a magnet for dust. Cleaning it off and you might be surprised how much brighter the image will be! In order to clean it, be sure to avoid rough fabrics, harsh cleaning supplies, and excess moisture. The best way to go at it is with a soft shammy, similar to what is used to clean glasses.

PC:

You might not see it tucked away on your desk, but your computer itself can be a haven for dust and dirt. This is primarily due to its fans. Your computer continually sucks in air with fans in order to keep cool. Of course, it not only sucks in air, but dust, dirt, and pet hair as well.

This gunk can actually clog up your computer’s fans, slowing them down or stopping them. This in turn leads to a hotter PC, which can cause serious damage.

When you clean your PC, use a static strip or some other way to ground yourself. The circuit boards are delicate, and you won’t want to zap them. As with keyboards, you can use compressed air to clean the PC. However, this is quite difficult due to the enclosed space.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take the whole case off first. Be careful! Once you’ve done so, you’ll be better able to blow away the dirt and dust with compressed air.

To keep your PC clean in the future, try to keep it in a clean location. If you have pets, keep them away from the computer. Best of all, keep your PC on a desk, rather than on the floor. This will keep it farther from the inevitable dust.

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