Instructions with photos: How to clean your laptop from dust and replace the thermal paste on the processor yourself

Like a personal computer, its portable counterpart is equipped with a ventilation system that protects the device from overheating. The cooling system is the weak point of the laptop. Tiny debris and dust accumulate inside and penetrate far under the body. The rate at which dust accumulates will depend on the design and how carefully the user handled the laptop. The layer becomes thicker; As a result, it resembles felt, or “felt boots” in other words.

Signs that cleaning is needed

What happens to the PC:

• gets very hot;
• the processor makes noise that increases;
• the fan does not cope with its task;
• programs freeze;
• keys stick;
• switching on takes a long time;
• When the device overheats, it turns off unauthorized.

All of these things may indicate that your laptop needs cleaning. There are also programs for diagnosing temperature conditions. Indicators above 70 degrees are a sign of possible overheating due to contamination.

Signs of a clogged laptop

What are the signs of a clogged laptop?
It is not recommended to wait for the technician to start signaling about a clog inside the components. It is better to set a schedule and strictly follow it to avoid unpleasant situations. This easily becomes a habit and allows you to simply monitor the status of your device.

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Be sure to clean your laptops!

Mandatory laptop cleaning is necessary in the following cases:

1. Periodic shutdown of the laptop when running complex programs. This is an extremely unpleasant situation, as you can lose valuable information and simply lose all pleasure from using the laptop.
2. If you feel that the laptop case is getting very hot, then this is the main signal that a lot of dust has accumulated inside. It is imperative to clean it before it is too late.
3. Excessive noise produced by the cooler when the laptop is running. You definitely need to start cleaning and try to clean your laptop in a timely manner to avoid damage.
4. Pay attention to the air that comes out of the cooling holes. If it is hot, then the system is not cooling properly, which can be an extremely critical point.

Dust is very dangerous for a laptop!

Types of cleaning

There are two types - superficial and deep. When deep, the device must be disassembled, thoroughly wipe all parts, completely removing dirt.

Superficial implies external care of the laptop. Keyboard on the outside, monitor, blowing dust through the fan and radiator grille. This type of cleaning is mostly preventive. The device will remain in service longer. Superficial “cleaning” is important not only for aesthetics, but for the user’s health, because a huge number of microbes accumulate on the keyboard.

If there are all signs of serious contamination on the face, complete cleaning cannot be avoided. It's easier to spend time removing dirt than to pay for repairs.

Rules to help reduce laptop contamination.

By following simple rules, you can reduce the rate of dirt entering mobile equipment.

Rule 1.

If you're not working, turn it off.

The longer your laptop runs, the more air it passes through and, accordingly, clogs faster.

Rule 2.

Don't eat over the keyboard.

When eating food, hard-to-see crumbs appear, which, if there is a computer nearby, will penetrate the keyboard and case.

Rule 3.

Use a stand.

When using a portable device on soft surfaces (blanket, bedspread, etc.), the heat transfer process worsens and the likelihood of contamination increases.

Tools

What tools to choose when preparing for “spring cleaning”:

1. Vacuum cleaner/hair dryer for sucking/blowing dust. If the vacuum cleaner has both functions, you can only use it.
2. A can of compressed air. The aerosol performs the same function as a hair dryer.
3. Soft brushes, small brushes for cleaning the keyboard and other parts. For the same purpose, you can use cotton swabs or swabs.
4. Microfiber cloth for wiping.
5. Screwdriver Set. Screwdrivers of different diameters will be needed during disassembly.
6. Machine oil for lubricating the cooler.
7. Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning microcircuits.
8. Pliers. Special pliers are used to remove the screen.
9. Thermal paste. After cleaning the parts, you will need to replace the thermal paste to better cool the computer.

A few tips for your edification

• Buy a special vacuum cleaner for your laptop.
• Do not use the portable device outdoors in high humidity, dusty conditions, or in an environment that is considered unfavorable.
• Completely clean the device regularly.
• Remember: free access of air to the ventilation ducts of the laptop is a full-fledged operation of the cooling system. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to use a laptop when it is “sinking into the arms” of upholstered furniture or is in “on your lap” mode for a long time.

How to clean your laptop from dust without disassembling it

Superficial “cleaning” without disassembly is a fairly simple procedure that can be easily done at home. To get rid of dirt, you can arm yourself with a vacuum cleaner, hair dryer or spray can. Special cleaning wipes won't hurt.

The ventilation grilles are located on the bottom, they suck air inside, there is another grille on the side, from where the air is blown out. These are the places that need to be cleaned first.

Effective ways to remove dust in an apartment and house

If the device becomes too dusty and has not been cleaned for more than three years, it is dangerous to clean it superficially, since a large amount of dense dust will settle on the fan, rendering it inoperable.

Before “blowing out” the laptop computer, you can clean the ventilation grilles with cotton swabs.

Procedure:

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Place it edge-on, like a book.
3. Place the vacuum cleaner on the ventilation grilles one at a time, holding each for about 2 minutes.
4. Repeat the procedure with a hairdryer near the radiator.
5. Go through the vacuum cleaner again.

Due to the long thin spout, the can is well suited for the inlet ventilation hole. Just insert the spout inside. The air will “start” the fan, blowing debris away from it. How to do this using an aerosol:

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Place it edgewise.
3. Blow out the outlet ventilation grilles.
4. Return the device to its normal position.
5. Blow out the inlets.
6. Blow out debris between the keys.
7. To consolidate the effect, you can use a vacuum cleaner.

All that remains is “cosmetic” beauty - tidying up the display and keys. The benefits of such events are purely individual, determined by the design of the laptop.

Features of different models

It is worth considering that there are a large number of different laptop models on the market, which may turn out to be specific and require special attention. After all, each laptop, depending on the brand, may have a complete structure or a unique arrangement of component parts, which can either have a beneficial effect on the cleaning process or hinder it. For example, Asus and Acer are trying to create laptops in such a way that they are convenient to service not only for service centers, but also for ordinary users.

And if we take Sony, HP or Samsung as an example, sometimes special skills may be required to clean such laptops. At the same time, the company itself does not seek to complicate everything, because the main point is the efficiency of using technology.

Complete cleaning at home

When starting “spring cleaning”, it is important to have at least basic disassembly skills. It is necessary to clean the case, motherboard, radiator, processor, video card. If the user is not sure that nothing will be damaged, it is better to entrust the task to specialists.

Before the cleaning procedure, any equipment must be completely de-energized. To do this, you need to shut down the work, disconnect the laptop from the network, and remove the battery. Otherwise, you risk injuring yourself and damaging the device.

If the user is not very experienced in disassembly, then it is worth filming the process. With the help of photographs, the reassembly process will go faster; the main thing is not to skip any steps when taking photographs. It’s worth looking online for a video with the design features of the same model in order to do everything correctly and not damage anything.

Keyboard

The keyboard is almost the dirtiest item in the house, so you should start with it. If it is not very dirty, it is enough to wipe it from the outside. To do this, you can use cleaning wipes for equipment. You can replace them with regular cloth and soap; they will cope just as well with dirty prints.

1. Dampen the cloth and squeeze to prevent water from running off.
2. Lather lightly.
3. Wipe the keys, removing external dirt.
4. Dampen a clean cloth and wring it out.
5. Wipe again to remove soap.
6. Wipe dry with a napkin.

Instead of soap, you can use cleaning products or diluted alcohol, as long as it does not damage the key markings. Such products can erase the paint. If this trouble does happen, special stickers will come to the rescue.

If the keys are too dirty, you can remove them with a knife and soak them in water and detergent. To position them correctly after drying, you can take a photo of the keyboard.

Dust mites. Find and win!

To clean the inside of the keyboard, you need to carefully remove it from the case so as not to damage the cable. This advice applies to all other manipulations, since this is not the only loop in the design.

Connectors

USB and other connectors also become dirty, which can cause interruptions in connecting a mouse, phone, or flash cards. A brush with long bristles is suitable for cleaning. If the connector is narrow and it won’t fit through, you can cut a narrow strip from an unnecessary plastic card to fit the size of the port and cover it with Velcro. It is necessary to moisten the brush or Velcro in alcohol and let it dry. Using light movements, without effort, clean the connectors from dirt. Then blow out the ports with a can of compressed air.

Opening the back cover

The laptop needs to be turned over. To get to the parts that need cleaning, you need to unscrew the bolts holding the back panel. Unscrewed bolts should be placed in a prepared container or bag so that they do not get lost. You should not open the cover by force if it does not give in; it is better to double-check that all the bolts are unscrewed. After removing the panel, use a napkin to wipe it from the inside.

Cooler and radiator

After unscrewing the screws that hold the fan, put them in another place so that they do not get confused with the rest. After removing the fan, use a brush or cotton swabs to wipe the blades and blow with air. If the fan does not spin well, lubricate the rotor with machine oil. One drop inside is enough. Then return the fan to its place by turning it.

Pay special attention to the radiator, which is the largest accumulation of dust. It should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining thermal paste.

Motherboard, video card

Having pulled the motherboard out of the case, we can consider that half the job is done. Proceed with extreme caution as this is the most fragile part of the laptop. Walk over the surface with a soft brush slightly moistened with alcohol and use a spray can or hairdryer to blow off all the microcircuits, not missing a single dusty contact.

The video processor should be removed from the slot carefully. Pull the socket pedal to the side and lift it up. When the pedal is in a vertical position, take the processor by the sides and remove it from the socket. Wipe the contacts with a regular eraser or an ear stick soaked in alcohol.

Replacing thermal paste

A complete disassembly of the cooling system involves replacing the thermal paste. First, use a dry cloth to remove any remaining old thermal paste. If the paste is dry, you can moisten a cloth with alcohol. Do not leave scratches on the surface of the processor and heatsink.

Before applying the composition, you need to make sure that the surfaces are clean and shiny. Apply thermal paste in small quantities, carefully spreading it over the heatsink plate and video card with your finger or a spatula, which is usually included with the thermal paste.

Reassembly

Return the video card to the connector, pressing it with your finger, and tighten the bolts. It is necessary to hold it with your finger so that no air bubbles form under it. Replace the remaining parts using the photographs taken.

Screen

Under no circumstances should the display be wiped with alcohol-containing compounds, as this will damage the screen. For gentle cleaning, you should choose wipes for LCD surfaces or sprays for TVs. Apply a small amount of spray to the display and rub with a napkin, leaving no streaks.

How and where does dust come from in an apartment and house?

Cleaning without disassembly

If the laptop has only been in use for a little over a year, it can be cleaned quite effectively without opening the back panel. To do this you will need 1 of the devices to choose from:

• vacuum cleaner;
• hair dryer;
• syringe;
• can of compressed air.

Once the choice of the device with which dust will be removed from the laptop has been made, you can begin the process itself. It is best to remove dust from equipment in a well-ventilated, clean room.

On the laptop you need to find a hole from which warm air comes out during operation. Typically this hole is covered with a grill and is located on the side or back of the device. Apply one of the selected cleaning products to this hole and use a stream of air to blow out all the debris and dust accumulated in the cooling compartment. Repeat the action several times. If manipulations are carried out using a vacuum cleaner, it must first be switched to blowing.

This option for removing dust from a laptop cannot replace a full cleaning. But it will allow you to extend the normal operation of the device for several months. In any case, after 2-3 months, the laptop will have to be disassembled to properly clean the cooling system and replace the thermal paste.

Features of laptops from various companies

The process of cleaning models from different manufacturers is almost identical, only the process of removing the back cover and removing the cooler and radiator changes.

Lenovo and Aser laptops have a simple design. It is enough to remove the battery, remove the cover above the fan by unscrewing the bolts.

Lenovo has developed the Lenovo Energy Management program, which, in the “Dust Removal” mode, speeds up the fan and helps get rid of debris. An analogue of the program from Hewlett Packard is HP CoolSense. The technology determines on what surface the device is used, selecting the appropriate performance mode and cooling system.

The Asus Eee PC will literally have to be disassembled piece by piece, because access to the cooler is difficult, like many Hewlett Packard models.

When disassembling Samsung and Asus K, the entire back panel and sometimes the keyboard are removed.

How to determine that there is already a lot of dust?

Now let's figure out how to understand that your laptop needs to be cleaned, after that we'll tell you how to get rid of overheating yourself:

1. The first thing to do is listen to the sound of the cooler. If it makes a lot of noise, this is the first sign that it is already difficult to cope with cooling.

1. You can also go to the official AIDA64 website and download the Russian version of the program for free. Then we install it and launch it. On the left side of the program, open the Computer tab, then Sensors, and on the right side of the window, look at the temperature of the PC hardware components.

Typically, the normal temperature of a graphics adapter is considered to be up to 70 °C, and for a central processor up to 60 °C.

The program in question is suitable for any operating system, including Windows XP, 7, 8, 10. If you are convinced of the need to clean your laptop from dust yourself, move on to the second part of the article.

Attention: there are no programs for cooling a laptop. The time to believe in fairy tales has already passed.

How often is cleaning required?

The best time to do the first cleaning is after the warranty has expired. Acer, Asus, Samsung, HP, IBM, Lenovo recommend cleaning at least once a year. More expensive models from SONY, HP and Asus will require attention in two years. Apple will operate without interruption for up to three years. In many ways, the frequency of cleaning depends on operating conditions. If you are using the laptop on a hard surface in a clean room, you will need to clean it later. On average, the device needs to be cleaned once every year and a half.

We disassemble the case

Place the laptop on a flat surface with the bottom cover facing up. Remove the battery and remove the cover secured with three screws. Unscrew all visible screws and disconnect the plug connections of both WLAN antennas and the plug-in card.

Then turn the laptop back over and open the top cover with the display. Next you need to remove the keyboard. To do this, pry it and lift it slightly. It is best to do this using a plastic card.

Grab the base of the keyboard and gradually move it away from the mounts. Pull the flat cable out of the keyboard connector and remove it after opening the latch.

How to avoid frequent contamination

In order not to constantly blow dust out of the device, it is enough to arm yourself with simple tips:

• Use the laptop on a hard surface. By placing the computer on the lap or bed, the user blocks the air supply and small debris is sucked inside.
• You should not snack while working at the computer. Crumbs will get inside. And knocked over tea or coffee will completely kill the device.
• When finishing work, the laptop should be turned off so that it does not run idle.
• A USB cooler will provide additional cooling effect, but will not help avoid dust.

A laptop is a powerful portable computer, and keeping it clean is key to the safety and reliability of the device.

Prevention of heavy pollution

To ensure that the internal parts of the laptop do not become clogged with dust and that cleaning can be carried out as rarely as possible, you must follow a few simple rules:

1. Work only on smooth and clean surfaces.
2. If you need to work on a bed or in a chair, you should use special tables. Otherwise, lint from the blanket or dust from the upholstery can easily get into the fan.
3. While working with the device, try not to eat and do not allow children to do so.
4. Use special USB coolers in the form of a stand. They allow the device to cool better and avoid overheating.
5. Turn on the laptop only if it is necessary for work, and then turn it off or put it into sleep mode. The fact is that those miniature parts that make up a laptop do not have such a large resource as parts of a personal computer.

A careful attitude and systematic preventive actions will allow the laptop to last for many years.

Do I need to clean fans and coolers in laptops and computers?

The component, called Cooler in the English-speaking part of the Internet, is an extremely important part of the entire system. It performs one of the main roles in the system unit: it constantly cools the processor and video card, saving them from overheating. Therefore, when the fan itself becomes dirty, starts to spin slowly or stops completely, the other components begin to get very hot.

Therefore, we recommend a thorough cleaning every few months. Otherwise, get ready to buy new parts and change the “stuffing” of your PC every couple of years.

Differences in the disassembly process between different manufacturers

Laptops from HP, Asus, Acer and Lenovo are disassembled almost identically. The entire procedure remains the same for all models. But some differences are still present. They consist, first of all, in the location of the screws, the type of fastenings and the design of the keyboard. There may also be differences in the location of the device components themselves, such as the cooling system, processor, video card, etc.

As for the materials from which the devices are made, it is usually plastic. It is light, strong and durable. However, HP prefers to produce models with an aluminum body. It is much stronger than plastic, and also heavier.

Why doesn't my computer or laptop turn on after cleaning the fan?

Sometimes after you have cleaned the cooling device yourself, the device itself refuses to start.

This happens for two reasons:

• Incorrect assembly.
• Damage to contactors and wires.

Try to disassemble it again for initial diagnostics. Check if everything was assembled correctly.

Why did the fan start to chirp after cleaning?

It's worse when all the components are working, but the annoying noise has not disappeared. On the contrary, it is intensifying. This also means that you made a few mistakes during assembly. Most likely, the blades of the mechanism affect the housing or radiator. Often they touch the power wires in some way.

Try to hang it evenly.

Timely and proper cleaning can save your computer from contamination. But don't take it on if you're not confident in your abilities. In this case, it is better to take the component to the so-called “dry cleaning” of a full-fledged service center.

Pros of timely cleaning:

• Overheating of components can be avoided.
• Dust will not accumulate in the computer.
• Spare parts will last longer.

Disadvantages of timely cleaning:

• To do this you will have to disassemble the PC.
• Its blades are quite fragile.
• The device can be broken.