💨 How to clean a laptop's cooler without opening it up 💨, by Ultimate DIY on YouTube. 9 min 6 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 6 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Turn the laptop off and unplug the charger. Remove the battery if it comes out easily, then wait a few minutes for the fan to stop.
Move to a well-ventilated room or outside. Dust will blow out, so keep the laptop on a flat surface with the vents easy to reach.
Brush the outside of the side, rear and bottom vents with a dry soft brush. Loosen surface dust without pushing it deeper into the case.
Shake the compressed air can upright and fit the straw. Keep the can upright and give short bursts of two to three seconds from about 10 to 15 cm away.
Aim the bursts along the vent slats, not straight into the case. Work around every vent and let the loosened dust fall away.
If the fan starts spinning, stop and let it settle. Long blasts that spin the fan fast can damage the bearings.
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment on low suction around the outside vents. Keep the nozzle flat and do not touch the fan blades.
Wipe the keyboard and nearby surfaces with a dry microfiber cloth. Check that the vents look clear and let any condensation dry before you power on.
Switch the laptop on and listen for the fan. If it is still loud or the laptop still gets hot, get a professional clean or open the case.
Tips and common mistakes
Use short bursts and keep the air can upright; tilting it can spray cold propellant.
Never poke vents with metal tools, pens or cotton buds, as you can bend fins or push dust inward.
Clean every six to twelve months in a dusty home, and more often if you have pets.
Do not use a hairdryer, since it can push dust deeper and add heat.
Questions
How often should I clean a laptop fan?
Every 6 to 12 months is a sensible routine. Clean more often if the laptop sits on the floor, in a dusty room or near pets.
Can compressed air damage the laptop?
It can if you tilt the can, use long blasts or let the fan spin freely. Keep the can upright, use short bursts and stop if the fan races.
Can I use a normal vacuum cleaner?
Only with a soft brush attachment and low suction, and keep it on the outside vents. A strong nozzle can create static or pull loose parts.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
