How to clean your laptop’s fan without compressed air

Compressed air in a can is dust-free, so it is ideal for cleaning keyboards or inside laptops, including their fans, of dust. Computer stores, drugstores, and dollar stores usually carry these cans, which are usually inexpensive and easily obtained.

The Pros and Cons of Compressed Air

Compressed air can, on the other hand, isn’t exactly eco-friendly. Metals and plastics that are fused together makeup cans and can’t always be recycled. Also, compressed air may not be readily available when needed. In case you don’t have access to fresh air, you shouldn’t let a computer overheat because of a dirty fan. Cleaning your laptop without compressed air is possible if you’re careful.

Methods for cleaning laptop fans without compressed air

Method 1. Dismantle the laptop.

Disassembling your laptop and cleaning the fan manually is the best way to clean a laptop fan that has not been cleaned in a while. It is possible to thoroughly clean the fan blades and vents on your laptop by opening it up. Although this process may take some time, you won’t have to worry about your laptop fans for some time.

Remove the battery from the laptop after it is switched off and the battery is removed. Take the screws out of the bottom panel when your laptop is turned off. You should make sure the screwdriver you use is the right one. So that you don’t lose the screws, place them in a bowl. Hold the laptop fan firmly before you start to clean it to prevent damage. Cleaning the fan blades and the fan with a microfiber cloth will remove dust particles.

It’s likely that your fan is covered in dust if you haven’t cleaned it for a while. Then you will need more than one microfiber cloth for cleaning if that is the case. Clean your laptop’s vents and other areas once you are done cleaning the fan blades. To get rid of any remaining dust, blow into the fan with your mouth. Make sure all the screws are tightly seated before reassembling the laptop.

To clear away any extra dust from the fan blades and the heat sinks, you can use a napkin, Q tip, paintbrush or makeup brush.

Step 1 – Unplug the Laptop

Disconnect any power source from your laptop and place it upside-down on an anti-static mat if possible.

Step 2 – Remove the Bottom Panel

Remove your laptop’s bottom panel. Laptop enclosures are built by different manufacturers, but most used screws could be removed with a Philips head screwdriver. The casing may need to be removed using tweezers, electronics forceps, or needle-nose pliers if the screws are particularly small. Organize the screws in a small dish or cup and note the location of each screw if it is of different lengths or sizes. As soon as the laptop interior is exposed, you should see the cooling fan clearly.

Step 3 – Hold the Fan in Place

Make sure the fan does not rotate by holding it with your finger. Remove the fan under no circumstances, since removing parts without advance knowledge of the hardware may cause damage to the processor or the heat dissipators.

Step 4 – Clean the Fan with a Cloth

With the cloth, wipe the face of the fan, rubbing gently to remove dust and dirt. Keep using the same cloth or use another part of the cloth if the cloth gets dirty. The purpose of cleaning the fan could be defeated if a clump of dust falls inside.

Step 5 – Clean the Vents.

Dust should be removed from the laptop’s vents and any other open areas.

Step 6 – Gently Blow into the Fan

Blowing gently into the fan will dislodge dust that may have fallen into it. Once you have cleaned the fan, repeat the process. Replace the laptop’s bottom cover when finished.

Warning

Remove hardware from the computer only after knowing what the working parts of the computer are. You should never use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust. This may cause static discharge, which can harm laptop hardware even if it is not connected to a power source.

Method 2. You can use a vacuum cleaner.

A vacuum cleaner makes it easy to remove dust from your laptop. A vacuum cleaner can be used in two distinct ways, the most common one being to vacuum (suck) dirt off, and the second being to use it as a blower (some models do not have this option).

Using a lightweight cordless handheld vacuum is the best way to clean your laptop fan because it offers a lot more comfort due to its size and you can approach your computer gently and with care. To protect your laptop from static electricity damage, earth the vacuum cleaner. Also, there is the possibility of damaging the hinges of your laptop if you place it on rough surfaces.

If you haven’t turned your laptop off, start by doing so. Block the fan from spinning by inserting a non-metallic object, such as a piece of wood, into the hole. Make sure your vacuum cleaner is set to low pressure before you turn it on. Put the vacuum cleaner at an angle rather than directly over the fan blades. The best way to use the vacuum is to hold it there for a few seconds at a time. Be sure not to touch your vacuum tube directly with the vents on your laptop while repeating this process for all vents.

While using a handheld vacuum won’t produce the same pressure as using compressed air, your fan will be effectively cleaned and you will have steady airflow.

Method 3. Hairdryers are useful

Is it really possible to clean a laptop with a hairdryer? Well, it isn’t as shocking as you might have thought! The most common method of cleaning laptop fans is to use a hairdryer. Vacuums can be replaced by them. In order to get the best results, we recommend getting a small, compact hair dryer. All kinds of electronics can be cleaned with these, so it’s a good idea to keep one on hand.

Ensure that your computer is turned off and that the battery is removed before starting. To prevent excessive spinning, place a non-metallic object between the fan intake grill and the fan blades, which could cause the bearings of the fan to become damaged. Do not use a hairdryer on a high setting, as the heat can melt the laptop’s plastic components. If you’re cleaning the laptop fans, make sure you don’t touch anything with the hairdryer!

Occasionally clean a few sections of your laptop fan. The best thing you can do with electronics is to be gentle with them!

Method 4. Silicone Blower

Hand blowers or silicone blowers are similar to compressed air cans, but they are more affordable and easier to use. Hand blowers can also be used to clean dust from your laptop’s nooks and crannies, just like compressed air cans.

Make sure that you are working in an open area when using a blower. Use it by a window or make sure you go outside if you plan to use it in your room. You release pressure on the container to make the blower work, getting rid of all the dust from the fan. You will make a mess if not done properly!

Conclusion

You can clean your laptop fan without compressed air by using any of the methods listed above. You should clean your machine if it hasn’t been cleaned for over a year; dust will have collected on it. An overheating situation and permanent damage will result if you fail to do this.

In order to avoid problems like overheating and slow performance, it is important to clean your fans regularly.