Dust clogs the heatsink fins and filters, so air no longer cools the processor and graphics card properly. The result: higher temperatures, louder fans, lower performance (thermal throttling) and, in the worst case, sudden shutdowns. Regular cleaning takes about 20–30 minutes and is the cheapest way to keep a PC fast and quiet.
Clogged filters and fins block this path, so the parts get hotter.
1. How often to clean
- Normal home use: every 3–6 months.
- Pets, carpets, smokers, a PC on the floor, a case without dust filters: every 1–3 months.
- Clean right away if temperatures have grown noticeably, fans are louder than before, or the PC throttles or restarts under load.
2. What you need
- A can of compressed air or an electric duster (a blower). Cheap and effective.
- A soft brush (an anti-static or clean makeup brush works) and a dry microfiber cloth.
- A screwdriver (usually Phillips PH2) and a few zip bags or a box for screws.
- Isopropyl alcohol 90%+ and cotton buds, only for stubborn dirt on fan blades and filters.
- A toothpick or a small plastic stick to hold the fans.
Do not use a household vacuum cleaner (it builds up static electricity and can damage components), a hair dryer, water or wet cloths on the boards.
3. Step by step
- Shut down and unplug. Turn the PC off, switch off the power supply switch, unplug the power cable and press the power button for 5 seconds to discharge the capacitors.
- Move the PC to a ventilated place or outside, onto a clean table. Dust will fly around.
- Open the case. Remove the side panels. Take a photo of the cables and connectors before you unplug anything.
- Remove and clean dust filters (front, top, bottom). Rinse them with lukewarm water, dry them completely and only then put them back.
- Hold the fans still with a toothpick or a finger. A fan spinning freely from the air stream can overspeed and damage the bearing.
- Blow the dust out in short bursts (1–2 seconds), keeping the can upright and 15–20 cm away. Go from top to bottom so dust falls out of the case: first the CPU cooler, then the graphics card, the case fans, the radiator (if you have liquid cooling), and finally the bottom of the case.
- Stubborn dust between fins and on blades: remove it with a brush, then blow it out. Wipe blades with a slightly damp (alcohol) cotton bud.
- Power supply: never open it. Just blow through the vents from the outside while holding its fan.
- Check the memory and card connectors: they should be seated firmly. Do not touch the contacts with your fingers.
- Assemble in reverse order, connect the cables according to your photo, close the case.
4. After cleaning
- Start the PC and check that all fans are spinning.
- Run a game or a stress test and compare temperatures with the values before cleaning (HWiNFO or MSI Afterburner).
- If temperatures are still high after cleaning, the thermal paste may be old. See our guide on replacing thermal paste.
5. Tips to keep it clean longer
- Keep the PC off the carpet, at least 10–15 cm from the floor.
- Use cases with removable dust filters and clean them monthly.
- Do not blow the dust only once into the room: wipe it up so it does not return to the case.