How to clean my ASUS laptop...

How do you clean an ASUS laptop? My laptop is a M51A and it's filthy but that's because I've never known how to clean it. It's got that sort of grid where lots of dirt gets trapped, is there anyway to clean it? Same with the keybpard, how do I go about cleaning that?

 

Go buy compressed air cans and it should be able to blow off most dirt on your laptop. There should be a lot of videos on the internet on how to clean your laptop.

 

Be careful about using compressed air. The chemicals in compressed air cans have been known to cause corrosion. Besides, it's probably better to use a vacuum cleaner and pull out the particles, than to push them further inside.

 

I agree with Kalim. Vacuum removes dust while compressed air just moves it somewhere else, perhaps somewhere you don't want it. Those with glossy screens should really avoid compressed air as it might bet dust and particles stuck under the screen cover.

 

Most computer repair technicians will advise you to not use a vacuum inside your computer. Vacuums tend to generate static electricity, and you run the risk of generating a static discharge if you touch the vacuum to certain parts of your computer. There are safer ways to vacuum your computer, such as using a special attachment and not touching components inside your computer with the vacuum, but compressed air is generally a much safer way to clean dust and debris from your computer. You can read a couple of threads arguing both sides of the debate here, and here.

One recommended way to use compressed air to clean your computer, is to take your computer to an open area, unplug everything and remove the optical drive, and then hold your compressed air "duster" can upright, and slowly blow away the dust and debris. You could even use a running vacuum nozzle nearby to then suck in the dislodged air/debris mixture. In cases where your laptop is very visibly dirty, you can partially disassemble you computer by removing covers, and working one section of your laptop at a time, blow out compartments, such as where you HDD is, etc. Here's a great post from David here at NBR, which outlines taking an Asus M50 apart, from which you can get an idea of the compartments to clean.

If you find that you have dirt or particles lodged in other parts of your computer, (like the keyboard), you will want to get a cleaning solution designed for cleaning computers, and gently use some cotton swabs, and the solution, to clean those parts of your computer as well. The most important thing to remember is to go slowly, clean one section at a time, and if you use any cleaning solution make sure you give the surface plenty of time to dry before you power up your laptop again.

With compressed air the one thing you want to make sure of, is that you use one that's designed to clean electronics. That way it won't contain anything which can damage your computer components. I use this Memorex brand, but the brand you'll find at most electronic parts store is the Chemtronics line, (and they cost more too). These are designed to clean computer components, so you shouldn't experience any problem using them.

Good Luck..

 

Static electricity in a vacuum is plasma. Turn off the lights and watch the show.

Seriously, using a vacuum cleaner can be safe as long as you take the same general precautions you would use working around other electronics. Such as removing all power, allowing cap discharge and wearing a ground strap connected to a metal source. Also, not letting the plastic vacuum cleaner tip touch and using a none static brush to release and lift particles.

I've used this method and a loud, boy is it loud, 15 Amp Dust Devil vacuum cleaner and a narrow attachment to clean out my desktop computer without issue for years. But, I suppose there is that one in a million and I don't want to be responsible for that. So, don't do it.

I honestly thought anyone who would be willing to disassemble their computer to remove dust would also be advanced enough to use these commonsense counter-measures. Then again, if you say compressed air, that might be interpreted as using an automotive air compressor.

Speaking of which, in terms of the amount of static generated, what is the difference between air going out through a plastic nozzle at a high velocity and that of air going in through a plastic nozzle at a low velocity?

 

I agree that it's safe to use a vacuum to clean your computer, provided that precautions, such as those you point out, are followed.

That's a good question which I don't know the answer to. However,

It's really important to point out to anyone following this thread, that using ANY kind of compressor to use regular air to blow dust and debris out of your computer, is NOT recommended. By using actual air, you run the risk of blowing water vapor, and other airborne contaminants, into your computer, which can lead to problems with your components. The computer cleaning compressed air products aren't actually air at all, but liquefied gases, and if you read the Chemtronics webpage referenced previously, you'll see that their product purity level is very high, and therefore safe for this use.

A bit more information. Here's a very simple Microsoft at Home "cleaning your computer" article, and just because milfire mentioned it, here's a cleaning your laptop video.

Good Luck..

 

What chemicals are in a can of compressed air that are known to cause corrosion?

Because of allergy issues I have used the combination of canned air ( to loosten dust and junk)and a vacuum(to suck it out of the air)to clean the inside of workstations and servers for years.

 

I believe the chemical is Difluoromethane. As I recall there is a reaction between the impurities and moisture. Which is why it's important to purchase a "can of air" that is approved to be use with electronic devices and has a 99.99 percent purity. I also seem to remember something about spraying away from the surface and then bring the stream into contact with the surface. Perhaps initial condensation?

Help me Mr Wizard!

 

if you are talking about the exterior, just wipe it with a clean towel lol. For the inside i use compressed air but becareful not to spray it at an angle. It will come out wet