How to Clean a Laptop with Compressed Air

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Remove dust and debris from your laptop with a simple can of compressed air

Co-authored by Yaffet Meshesha

Last Updated: June 24, 2023 Fact Checked

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Cleaning the Laptop Exterior

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Dusting the Internal Components

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

Cleaning your laptop doesn’t have to be a complicated chore. You can do it quickly and easily with a can of compressed air. Compressed air is inexpensive and widely available from computer or office supply stores. They are safe for your computer, as long as you keep the cans angled right-side up and don't spray them closer than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from internal components. Follow along as this wikiHow guide teaches you everything you need to know about cleaning a laptop with compressed air.

Things You Should Know

Keep the can 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) away from your laptop and angled right-side up while spraying.
With the laptop closed, spray quick bursts of air into the vents along the sides and bottom.
Use a screwdriver to remove the exterior panel(s) of your laptop and spray quick bursts along the motherboard and other internal parts.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Cleaning the Laptop Exterior

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1
Keep the can 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) away from the laptop. Compressed air could potentially damage some of the small plastic parts on a laptop. Don’t spray any closer than 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) so the more fragile parts don’t get a direct blast.
- Also keep the can angled right-side up while spraying. If the can is upside down, it could spray out cold foam that will damage the computer.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Yaffet Meshesha
  Computer Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 February 2021}
- This wikiHow guide can help you clean your laptop's keyboard using other easy-to-find products.
2
Spray quick bursts into all the side vents along the bottom of the laptop. Start by keeping the laptop closed and flipping it over so the bottom points up. Take the spray can and give each opening on the bottom a few quick bursts to blast out dust and gunk that’s built up.^{[2]
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- These vents are responsible for keeping the laptop cool. Dust buildup could cause overheating, so your computer should run more smoothly when all the dust is removed.
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3
Clean out all the USB and charging ports. These openings are along the sides of the laptop, and there may also be some along the back edge. Spray a few bursts into every port along the laptop to clear them out.
- Dust in the ports can cause connectivity issues, so any external devices should run smoother with the dust cleared out.
4
Open the laptop and tilt the front down at about a 75-degree angle. Lift the screen and open it slightly more than halfway so you can access the keyboard easily. Then tilt the laptop downward so its front edge points at the floor. This tilt is important so any dust you blow off doesn’t settle back in a different spot.
- You could also flip the laptop on its side and get the same effect.
- Make sure you're working over a wide, flat surface in case you lose your grip on the laptop. You don't want it falling to the floor.
5
Spray the keyboard from top to bottom in even rows. Start on either side and position the can at the top of the keyboard. Spray in straight rows, from top to bottom, so the dust blows downward. Work across the keyboard until you reach the other side.
- You can use slightly longer bursts than you did for the vents, but don’t hold the trigger down for very long bursts. This could spray out cold foam that could damage the computer.
Some dust may have settled on the touchpad while you cleaned the keyboard. Give this a quick spray to remove it and finish up cleaning the laptop exterior.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Dusting the Internal Components

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Always make sure the laptop is off and unplugged before opening it up. Otherwise, you could shock yourself and damage the internal parts.
2
Open the laptop to expose its motherboard and other internal parts. Close the screen and flip it upside down. Use a screwdriver and remove the screws along the back of the laptop. Then remove the plastic casing to expose the laptop’s internal components.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Yaffet Meshesha
Computer Specialist

Expert Interview. 10 February 2021}
- Work in an area with the windows closed and no fans running. Wind can blow more dust into the computer.
- If you aren’t comfortable working on your computer or opening it up, then bring it to a repair shop for a professional cleaning.
3
Hold the can at least 3 in (7.6 cm) away from the components. The laptop’s internal components are much more fragile than the exterior, so keep the can a safe distance away. Don’t spray the air any closer than 3 in (7.6 cm) to avoid any damage.
- Also angle the can off-center from where you’re spraying. Spraying straight at the computer components could blow the dust deeper, or at least not remove it as well.
Dust can build up on the chips and boards within the computer and inhibit performance. Give a few sprays around all of the internal parts to blast out the dust. Remember to keep the can a safe distance away while you’re spraying.
5
Clean off any fans that you see to prevent overheating. The laptop fans can’t spin as well if dust builds on them. While the computer is open, spray any fans you see to keep them running smoothly.
- Hold the fans down with your finger if they spin while you’re spraying them. Apply light pressure so you don’t break them.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can compressed air ruin a computer?

Yaffet Meshesha
Computer Specialist
Yaffet Meshesha is a Computer Specialist and the Founder of Techy, a full-service computer pickup, repair, and delivery service. With over eight years of experience, Yaffet specializes in computer repairs and technical support. Techy has been featured on TechCrunch and Time.

Yaffet Meshesha

Computer Specialist

Expert Answer

If you hold the can sideways or upside-down, it could spray liquid and damage your computer. Keep the compressed air upright while you're working.

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Tips

For further cleaning, you can also dampen a microfiber cloth with a 1:1 alcohol and water mixture and wipe down the screen and keyboard. Make sure the cloth doesn’t drip any liquid onto the computer.

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Foam coming out while the can is right-side up could mean that it’s almost empty. Get a new can if you see foam spraying out.

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Warnings

Do not inhale the fumes from a spray can. Keep the can arm's length away from your face while spraying.

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Keep the can turned right-side up while spraying it. If you flip the can upside down, it will spray out a cold foam that could damage the computer. Avoid this by only spraying the can while it’s angled straight up.^{[4]
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