can you use an air compressor to clean your computer

Cyberism [OP]: Jr. Member; Mar 5, 2011; 186 posts; 3 upvotes; Toronto

Apr 26th, 2011 7:01 pm

Necessary to use compressed air can to clean computer?

Is it okay if I just use a balloon pump instead? Or could it somehow damage my hardware? :confused:

also, where is the cheapest place to buy a air duster?

Apr 26th, 2011 7:22 pm

will888: Deal Expert; Dec 12, 2009; 22166 posts; 10802 upvotes; Toronto

Apr 26th, 2011 7:22 pm

I have used a vacuum cleaner with hose connected to outlet as well as air compressor. Tire pump, balloon pump should be safe. You would have to try pretty hard to damage any components with air.

Apr 26th, 2011 11:38 pm

DiceMan: Deal Fanatic; Aug 16, 2010; 6842 posts; 4089 upvotes; Aurora

Apr 26th, 2011 11:38 pm

is this for real? Yeah, use a vacuum cleaner, duster, sham wow, or whatever doesn't have (a lot) of static electricity and you'll be fine. Never used compressed air and I've been building PCs for 20 years.

Apr 27th, 2011 12:39 am

Gee: Deal Expert; Aug 2, 2004; 34461 posts; 7985 upvotes; East Gwillimbury

Apr 27th, 2011 12:39 am

will888 wrote: ↑You would have to try pretty hard to damage any components with air.

The pressure is more than enough to blow off some of the components.

I never understood why people used compressed air. Stupidest thing ever. Even when used properly. You are just re-circulating dust into the air.

Apr 27th, 2011 12:45 am

SovereigN: Sr. Member; Oct 25, 2010; 575 posts; 100 upvotes; Winnipeg

Apr 27th, 2011 12:45 am

It's not that the air will damage the circuits and electronics, but the static electricity created by the vaccum cleaners that will damage it. Air compressors I believe do not create static electricity.

I personally used a vaccuum cleaner to take out dust in case corners and far away from circuit boards. Some people might not agree with it, but there isn't any damage done at all. There are very small electronic air compressors available if you're really worried about dust accumulation in your computer.

Apr 27th, 2011 12:45 am

taylyn: Deal Addict; Dec 24, 2008; 1326 posts; 44 upvotes; Mississauga

Apr 27th, 2011 12:45 am

I used a vacuum to clean my laptop and it sucked up the E button

Now I use compressed air.

Apr 27th, 2011 12:55 am

trixstar: Deal Guru; Jun 11, 2005; 13196 posts; 2056 upvotes; Toronto

Apr 27th, 2011 12:55 am

taylyn wrote: ↑I used a vacuum to clean my laptop and it sucked up the E button

Now I use compressed air.

do you use a dyson or something?

Apr 27th, 2011 7:43 am

eldiablo: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2007; 15071 posts; 2664 upvotes

Apr 27th, 2011 7:43 am

One method to blow off and clean pc is utilizing your shop vac. If you gently place the open pc case outdoors/garage and with the shop vac hose configured for blowing rather than sucking, one can produce a fairly clean pc.

Apr 27th, 2011 9:41 am

will888: Deal Expert; Dec 12, 2009; 22166 posts; 10802 upvotes; Toronto

Apr 27th, 2011 9:41 am

taylyn wrote: ↑I used a vacuum to clean my laptop and it sucked up the E button

Now I use compressed air.

That literally sucks. Sorry I could not help myself.

Apr 27th, 2011 12:29 pm

Ottomaddox: Deal Fanatic; Oct 22, 2007; 9170 posts; 2801 upvotes; London

Apr 27th, 2011 12:29 pm

taylyn wrote: ↑I used a vacuum to clean my laptop and it sucked up the E button

Now I use compressed air.

H y, th sam thing happ n d to m !

Apr 27th, 2011 1:46 pm

antichrysler: Deal Addict; Aug 11, 2008; 2131 posts; 111 upvotes; Regina

Apr 27th, 2011 1:46 pm

I use compressed air. I aim the can at the area that's dusty and then I use my Dyson to collect the dust from the air.

Haven't had an issue. I wouldn't put the wand directly in my tower. As someone else said you have to worry about static electricity.

I would recommend using a compressor or compressed air. No static.

May 7th, 2011 4:44 am

Fraser River Rat: Deal Addict; Mar 4, 2007; 2038 posts; 316 upvotes; Vancouver

May 7th, 2011 4:44 am

Hi,

Save your money & get a decent small air compressor. It has a pressure regulator, so you can adjust the air pressure down to gently remove all those dust bunnies. The only hassle is that you need to take your computer equipment outside for the cleaning session. It's pointless to blow the dust out of the equipment in the same room that it's going to be operating in. And it just so happens CT has 1 on sale this week

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/produ ... 4699555980

May 7th, 2011 10:50 am

LeeBear: Deal Addict; May 26, 2002; 1862 posts; 416 upvotes

May 7th, 2011 10:50 am

I use a metro data vac duster to do my cleaning. Its light and easy to handle so you can use one hand to hold the metro vac and use a vacuum house on the other hand to suck up the dust thats gonna get blown out. I picked up my data vac for $50 at TD.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... CatId=4558

-LeeBear

May 7th, 2011 2:07 pm

CodecX81: Deal Addict; Aug 24, 2004; 4455 posts; 51 upvotes

May 7th, 2011 2:07 pm

Fraser River Rat wrote: ↑Hi,

Save your money & get a decent small air compressor. It has a pressure regulator, so you can adjust the air pressure down to gently remove all those dust bunnies. The only hassle is that you need to take your computer equipment outside for the cleaning session. It's pointless to blow the dust out of the equipment in the same room that it's going to be operating in. And it just so happens CT has 1 on sale this week

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/produ ... 4699555980

+100
Don't spend money on compressed air cans, its wasteful.
Great price for this compressor!! Its oil-less so it doesn't need maintenance, just store it in a cool/dry location in your house or garage.
and don't worry if you cannot find one. This particular model goes on sale at least 3 times per year.

With this compressor, if you have a really dusty PC you'll have to let it fill 2-3 times to really get it clean.

I highly recommend using the inflation needle piece for laptops and keyboards. you'll want to use the nozzle for the insides of the PC tho.
Make sure you have other tools to help you tighten the nuts around the nozzle. You want it tight as possible to prevent air leakage & get the most out of your tank.

..And like Fraser River Rat said, don't do it inside!! Blowing dust around your house is pointless, and besides it IS a bit loud when its filling up

Use a garage or a workbench in your backyard...15-20 minutes you'll have every component as clean as it was on its first day

If you're worried about pressure--don't.
I used to use my dads 200psi air compressor to clean out PC's for years. You'll never get a clean like you do with an air compressor