MODULE 8

Procedure in Cleaning
Hardware Components

Cleaning your computer and its components

and peripherals helps keep the in good working
condition and helps keep the computers from
spreading germs.

Figure 150:
Cleaning Schedule

How often should I clean my computer?

The frequency of how often you should clean your computer varies on several different factors. To help
you determine how often you need to clean your computer, we have created the chart below. Check
the appropriate boxes below that apply to your computer’s environment to determine how often it
should be cleaned.

General Cleaning Tips

Below is a listing of general tips that should be taken when cleaning any of the components or
peripherals of a computer, as well as tips to help keep a computer clean.

1. Never spray or squirt any liquid onto any computer component. If a spray is needed, spray the
liquid onto a cloth and then use that cloth to rub down the component.
2. You can use a vacuum to clean up dirt, dust, or hair around the computer on the outside case.
However, do not use a vacuum for the inside of your computer as it generates a lot of static electricity
that can damage the internal components of your computer. If you need to use a vacuum to clean the
inside of your computer, use a portable battery powered vacuum designed to do this job or try using
compressed air.
3. When cleaning a component or the computer, turn it off before cleaning.
4. Be cautious when using any cleaning solvents; some individuals may have allergic reactions to
chemicals in cleaning solvents and some solvents can even damage the case. Try to always use water
or a highly diluted solvent.
5. When cleaning, be careful not to accidentally adjust any knobs or controls. In addition, when
cleaning the back of the computer, if anything is plugged in, make sure turn off the PC and unplug the
power cable.
6. When cleaning fans, especially the smaller fans within a portable computer or laptop it is
suggested that you either hold the fan or place something in-between the fan blades to prevent it from
spinning. Spraying compressed air into a fan or cleaning a fan with a vacuum may cause damage or
back voltage to be generated.
7. Never eat or drink around the computer area.
Cleaning Tools

Although many companies have created products to help improve the process of cleaning your
computer and peripherals, you can also use household items to clean your computers and peripherals.
Below is a listing of items you may need to use while cleaning your computer or computer peripherals.

Keep in mind that some components in your computer may only be cleaned using a product designed
for cleaning that component.
• Cloth - A cloth is the best tool used when rubbing down a component; although paper towels can be
used with most hardware, we recommend using a cloth whenever possible. Caution: It is
recommended that you use a cloth when cleaning components such as the outside of the case, a
drive, mouse, etc. You should not use a cloth to clean any circuitry such as the RAM or motherboard
since they can generate Electro Static Discharge (ESD) that can damage electronics.
• Water or rubbing alcohol - When moistening a cloth, it is best to use water or rubbing alcohol. Other
solvents may be bad for the plastics used with your computer.
• Portable Vacuum - Sucking the dust, dirt, hair, cigarette particles, and other particles out of a
computer can be one of the best methods of cleaning a computer. Over time, these items can restrict
the airflow in a computer and cause circuitry to corrode. Do not use a standard vacuum as it can
generate a lot of static electricity that can damage your computer.
• Cotton swabs - Cotton swabs moistened with rubbing alcohol or water are good for wiping hard to
reach areas in your keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals.
• Foam swabs - It is Always better to use lint-free swabs such as foam swabs.

Procedures in Cleaning Hardware Components

Case cleaning

Why do we need to clean the computer case regularly? It keeps the appearance of the computer
looking new. During cleaning, if ventilation locations are found, these can be cleaned helping the case
keep a steady airflow to the computer, keeping components cool and in good working condition.

Procedures:

1) The plastic case that houses the PC components can be cleaned with a lint-free cloth that has
been slightly dampened with water. For stubborn stains, add a little household detergent to the cloth. It
is recommended that you never use a solvent cleaner on plastics.
2) Make sure all vents and air holes are hair and lint free by rubbing a cloth over the holes and vents.
It is also helpful to take a vacuum around each of the hole, vents, and crevices on the computer. It is
safe to use a standard vacuum when cleaning the outside vents of a computer. However, if you need
to clean the inside of the computer, use a portable battery powered vacuum to prevent static electricity.

CD-ROM, DVD, and other disc drive cleaning

Why do we need to clean disc drives? A dirty CD-ROM drive or other

disc drives can cause errors when reading discs. These read errors
could cause software installation and other issues while running the
program.
Procedure: To clean the CD-ROM drive, it is recommend to purchase
a CD-ROM cleaner from your local retailer. Using a CD-ROM cleaner
should sufficiently clean the CD-ROM laser from dust, dirt, and hair.
In addition to cleaning the drive with a special disc designed to clean
drives, you can also use a cloth dampened with water to clean the tray
that ejects from the drive. Make sure however, that after the tray has
been cleaned, it has to be completely dried before putting the tray back
into the drive.
 CD and DVD disc cleaning
Why do we need to clean disc? Dirty CDs can cause read errors or total malfunction.

Procedure: Cleaning CDs and DVDs should be done with a cleaning kit but can also be done with a
normal clean cotton cloth or shirt. When doing this with a clean cotton cloth or shirt, wipe against the
tracks, starting from the middle of the CD or DVD and wiping towards the outer side as shown in the
below picture. Never wipe with the tracks; doing so may put more scratches on the disc.

It is recommended to use water when cleaning a CD. However, if the substance on a CD cannot be
removed using water, pure alcohol can also be used.

Hard drive cleaning

Why do we need to clean a hard drive? While hard drives cannot be cleaned physically, they can be
cleaned with various utilities on the computer to help it run fast and more efficiently. Disk Management
is one of the utilities that will prevent the hard drive from slowing down.

Procedure: Disk Management can be accessed in the Control Panel, look for Administrative Tools,
then double-click on the Computer Management icon. In the System and Security window, click on the
Administrative Tools. In the Administrative Tools window, double-click on the Computer Management
icon.

When Computer Management opens, click on Disk Management on the left side of the window, located
under Storage. After a brief loading period, Disk Management should now appear on the right side of
the Computer Management window.

Keyboard cleaning

Why do we need to clean the keyboard? The computer keyboard is often the most germ infected item
in your computer. Often, it will contain more bacteria than your toilet seat. Cleaning it can help remove
any dangerous bacteria. Dirt, dust and hair can also build up causing the keyboard to malfunction.

Procedure: Before cleaning the keyboard, turn off the computer or unplug the USB keyboard. Not
unplugging the keyboard can result in causing other computer problems as you may press keys that
cause the computer to perform an unwanted task.

Many people clean the keyboard by turning it upside down and shaking. A more effective method is to
use compressed air. Compressed air is pressurized air contained in a can with a very long nozzle. Aim
the air between the keys and blow away all of the dust and debris that has gathered there. A vacuum
cleaner can also be used, but make sure the keyboard does not have loose "pop off" keys that could
possibly be drawn up by the vacuum.

After the dust, dirt, and hair had been removed spray a disinfectant onto a cloth or use disinfectant
cloths and rub each of the keys on the keyboard. As mentioned in our general cleaning tips, never
spray any liquid onto the keyboard.

Substance spilt into the keyboard

Below are a few recommendations to help prevent a keyboard from malfunctioning once a substance
has been spilt within it.
If anything is spilt onto the keyboard turn the computer off immediately or at the very least disconnect it
from the computer. Then, flip the keyboard over helping to prevent the substance from penetrating the
circuits. While the keyboard is upside down, shake the keyboard over a surface that can be cleaned
later. While still upside down, use a cloth to help clean out what can be reached. After you have
cleaned it to the best of your ability, leave the keyboard upside down for at least one night allowing it to
dry. Once dry, continue cleaning the keyboard with any remaining substances.

If after cleaning the keyboard you have keys that stick, remove the keys and clean below the keys and
the bottom portion of the key.

Finally, if the keyboard still works but remains dirty or sticky, try washing the keyboard in the
dishwasher.
If after doing all the above steps the keyboard does not function properly or at all, it is recommended
you buy a new keyboard.

LCD screen cleaning

Why do we need to clean the LCD screen? Dirt, dust, and finger prints can cause the computer
screen to project blurry images/texts.

Procedure: Unlike a computer monitor, the LCD or flat-panel display is not made of glass, it therefore
requires special cleaning procedures.

When cleaning the LCD screen, it is important to remember not to spray any liquids onto the LCD
directly. Press gently while cleaning, and do not use a paper towel as it may cause the LCD to gather
scratches.

To clean the LCD screen, use a non-rugged microfiber cloth, soft cotton cloth, or swiffer duster. If a dry
cloth does not completely clean the screen, you can apply rubbing alcohol to the cloth and wipe the
screen with the damp cloth. Rubbing alcohol is used to clean the LCD before it leaves the factory.

Monitor cleaning

Why do we need to clean the monitor? Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can cause the computer screen to
project blurry images/texts.

Procedure: The glass monitor screen can be cleaned with ordinary household glass cleaner. Be sure to
remove power from the monitor and spray the cleaner onto a lint-free cloth so the fluid does not leak
into the electrical components inside the monitor. Vacuum off any dust that has settled on top of the
monitor, and make sure no books or papers have been placed on the air vents. Obstructed monitor
vents can cause the monitor to overheat or even catch fire.

Caution: We suggest using a cloth dampened with water when cleaning monitor or a screen that is not
made of glass or has any anti-glare protection on the screen. Using ordinary household glass cleaner
on special screens, especially cleaners with ammonia can remove anti-glare protection or other special
surfaces.

Other good cleaning tools

• Microfiber Towels
• Swiffer Dusters

Motherboard cleaning
Why do we need to clean the motherboard? Dusts can build up and corrode circuitry causing various
problems such as computer lockups.

Caution: When working with interior computer parts (e.g.

motherboard), take the necessary ESD precautions and avoid unplugging any cables or other
connections.

Procedure: Compressed air is recommended when cleaning the motherboard from dust, dirt, or hair.
When using compressed air, hold it in the up-right position; otherwise, it is possible that chemicals may
come out of the container that could damage or corrode the motherboard or other component within
the computer. Also, make sure to always blow the dust or dirt away from the motherboard, or out of the
case.

Another good alternative to compressed air is to use a portable battery powered vacuum that can
effectively remove the dust, dirt, and hair from the motherboard completely and prevent it from getting
trapped within the case. However, do not use a standard electric vacuum as it can cause a lot of static
electricity that can damage the computer. When using the vacuum, it is vital that you stay a couple of
inches away from the motherboard and all other components to help prevent contact as well as to help
prevent anything from being sucked into the vacuum. Ensure that you do not remove any small
components with the vacuum such as jumpers.

Optical Mouse cleaning

Why do we need to clean optical mouse regularly? A dirty mouse

(mouse with a ball) can be difficult to move. It can also cause strange
mouse movement.

Figure 153. Optical Mouse

Procedure: To clean the optical mouse, you must first wipe the bottom
cover of the mouse. Turn the mouse upside down to look at the lens.

If there is a smudge on the lens, gently clean the area with a plain cotton-
tipped swab. If there is debris in the lens, gently blow the debris away
from the area. Check the
Figure 154. Cleaning
surface on which you are using the mouse.
Optical Mouse
Note: Cleaning your mouse pad with a damp cloth can also help improve a computer's mouse
movement.

Why? To help keep a mouse clean and germ free it can be helpful to clean the mouse.

Procedure: Use a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol or warm water

and rub the surface of the mouse and each of its buttons.

Mechanical mouse cleaning

Why is it important to clean an optical mouse? A dirty optical-

mechanical mouse (mouse with a ball) can be difficult to move. It can
also cause strange mouse movement.
Procedure: To clean the rollers of an optical-mechanical mouse, you must first remove the bottom
cover of the mouse. To
Figure 155. Mechanical Mouse do this, examine the bottom of the mouse to see what direction the
mouse cover should be rotated. As you can see in the illustration below, the mouse cover must be
moved counter clockwise. Place two fingers on the mouse cover and push the direction of the arrows.
Once the cover has rotated about an inch, rotate the mouse into its
normal position, covering the bottom of the mouse with one hand
and the bottom should fall off including the mouse ball. If this does
not occur, attempt to shake the mouse gently.

Once the bottom cover and the ball are removed, you should be able
to see three rollers located within the mouse. Use a cotton
Figure 156. Mouse Opening swab, finger, or fingernail to remove any
substance. Usually, there will be a small line
of hair and dirt in the middle of the roller, remove as much as this
substance as possible.

Once you have removed as much dirt and hair as possible, place the ball back within the mouse and
place the cover back on.

If the mouse still appears to be having the same issue, repeat the above process. If after several
attempts the mouse is still having the same issues, it is likely that your mouse has other hardware
issues and we recommend that it be replaced.

Note: Cleaning your mouse pad with a damp cloth can also help improve a computer's mouse
movement.

Why do we need to do this? To help keep a mouse clean and germ free.

Procedure: Use a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol or warm water and rub the surface of the
mouse and each of its buttons.

Printer cleaning

With some printers it may be necessary to clean the inside of the printer to
help keep the printer running smoothly.

Figure 157. Printer Cleaning

Why do we need to do this? Cleaning the outside of a printer can help keep the printer's appearance
looking good; and in the case of a printer that is used by many different people, it will keep the printer
clean and free from germs.

Procedure: First, make sure to turn off the printer before

cleaning it. Dampen a cloth with water or rubbing alcohol
and wipe the case and each of the buttons or knobs on the
printer. As mentioned earlier, never spray any liquid directly
onto the printer.

Scanner cleaning
Why do we need to do this? Flatbed scanners commonly become dirty with dust, fingerprints,
and hair. When a scanner is dirty, the images may have distortions.

Procedure: Clean a flatbed scanner's surface by spraying a window cleaner onto a paper
towel or cotton cloth and wipe the

Figure 158. Scanner Cleaning glass until clean. As mentioned earlier, never spray a liquid directly onto
the component.

To clean the outside of the scanner, the same towel or cotton cloth can be used.

Miscellaneous Cleaning Steps

Below are listings of miscellaneous computer hardware that is rarely used today, but some people who
will use it and therefore need to know how to clean their devices.

Floppy drive cleaning

Why do we need the floppy drive? Because dirty read/write heads on the floppy drive can cause
errors during the reading or writing process.

Procedures: The floppy drive can be cleaned in two different ways. The first method of cleaning a
floppy drive; (and our recommended method) is to purchase a kit at your local retail store designed to
clean the read/write heads on your floppy drive.

The second method of cleaning the floppy drive is only recommended for experienced computer users.
Open the floppy drive casing and physically swab the read/write heads with a lint-free foam swab
soaked in pure alcohol, or trichloroethane. When performing these steps, be extremely careful when
cleaning the heads to ensure that you do not lock them out of alignment causing the floppy drive not to
work. To help prevent the heads from becoming out of alignment, use a dabbing motion lightly putting
the swab on the head and removing it, do not perform a side-to-side motion with the swab.

Performance Task:
Essay. 5 points each

1. How often should I clean my computer?

2. What are the parts of computer we need to clean?
3. What are the Cleaning Tools we can use in cleaning the computer?