Best Alternative to Air Cans?

[Dasda]

I have 3 desktops at home to clean every few months. It is getting costly to keep them clean. Any Recommendations as to what I can use?

So far I've found this:

Metro Data Vacuum ED500

Thanks in advance.

 

[kitkat22]

Personally, I would use a small air compressor with an air valve/blower on it.

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

I have a larger air compressor that I use, but this will do the job easily and can use other small tools along the way.

 

[Puppies04]

Anti static adapters for your vacuum cleaner. Not sure where you get them from but I have heard a couple of people around here talking about them.

 

[DominionSeraph]

Open the cases.

^^ bought in 2006 (graphics card installed in January '11). Never been cleaned.

A closed case traps the dust it sucks in. An open case lets it blow out.

 

[corkyg]

I got my anti-static tools at a local Oreck shop. They work well. Another great tool is a Swiffer wipe. They suck up dust very well and it doesn't go bloewing around to land somewhere else. Oh, and taping a Swiffer over fan intake grilles can really cut down on internal dust. They filter the air coming in. Since all my computers are floortops, not desktops, that is important since there is more dust on the floor than in the air.

But blowing dust to me is silly - it just lands somewhere else.

http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Attachment-Vacuums-Round-Hoses/dp/B000SSNPBK/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

 

[C1]

Most everyone has a vacuum cleaner - just use it.

In general, dust should be vacuumed.
There are few cases in which dust should be blown.
Use of high pressure spray cans end up blowing dust INTO keyboards and switches as well as into the air where it becomes inhaled. High pressure blowing of dust at cameras can actually blow dust into/onto optics (such as internal EVFs).

 

[Dasda]

I found this compressor set on sale nearby my house. Are they ok to use? I mean do they cause damage by having too much pressure, static, or anything else I should be cautious of?

Also, I don't mind it not being vaccumed, I'm just going to do it outside anyways in the garage or backyard. Thanks for pointing that out though and I agree with you guys on it should vacuumed when inside.

 

[mfenn]

Open the cases.

^^ bought in 2006 (graphics card installed in January '11). Never been cleaned.

A closed case traps the dust it sucks in. An open case lets it blow out.

What's the deal with the expansion slot cover laying on the floor of the case? D:

 

[XeoNoX]

nothing beats the air compress and its cheap in the long run compaired to cans, the items cscpianoman mentioned are good, but dont forget to buy a Moisture-Residue Filter/Catcher to catch any moisture from getting on your electronics. Link below.. im sure u can find this at your local hardware store as well..but might be a bit more expensive.

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=nnpGT6GrMeifiQKh98HaDQ&ved=0CJQBEPMCMAM

 

[paul878]

Take the computer outside and use an air compress.
A Vacuum is not going to suck out all that dust and you risk knocking something lose or breaking it.

 

[Chiropteran]

Lots of good ideas in this thread. I was just about to buy some canned air but I might go with a compressor instead.

 

[zuffy]

I have 3 desktops at home to clean every few months. It is getting costly to keep them clean. Any Recommendations as to what I can use?

So far I've found this:

Metro Data Vacuum ED500

Thanks in advance.

That looks pretty cool. Put it in my Amazon price alert. Got me thinking too. I have an air pump for inflating a inflatable pool and it comes with varies nozzles. Probably can do the same job as the Metro.

 

[Dasda]

nothing beats the air compress and its cheap in the long run compaired to cans, the items cscpianoman mentioned are good, but dont forget to buy a Moisture-Residue Filter/Catcher to catch any moisture from getting on your electronics. Link below.. im sure u can find this at your local hardware store as well..but might be a bit more expensive.

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=nnpGT6GrMeifiQKh98HaDQ&ved=0CJQBEPMCMAM

Thanks I'll try finding that locally or somewhere from a Canadian site.

 

[gsaldivar]

Target sells these miniature shop-vacs for $25. It can be used as a vacuum or a blower, just connect the hose to the exhaust port. It's surprisingly powerful for it's size, I can blow out cases in a snap now, without going through tons of air cans. :thumbsup:

They also make a nozzle kit for small detail work, probably perfect for keyboard cleaning, etc:

http://www.amazon.com/Vacmaster-V1MK-Micro-Cleaning-Kit/dp/B002MUAGBE/

 

[GrumpyMan]

If you use an air compressor makes sure it's not spraying water out too. Some do.

 

[WT]

I got that Metro Data vac on Amazon for $44 2 years ago and it does a great job. 3/4hp and its output beats a can with ease. Too bad the price continues to climb.

 

[grohl]

Warning on the compressed air. From my personal experience.

First, all compressed air has increased moisture content. Commercial compressors can incorporate drying into their air, but suffice it to say, using a home compressor WILL be shooting air and some water into your precious electronics.

About 5 years ago I got lazy and cleaned out the old dusty computer box. I was especially vigorous with the power supply, since it had the most dust. About a half an hour later when I powered the computer back up the PS blew up. Since then, it's worth it to spend a few bucks for a can of compressed air (3 pack $7 at Frys).

 

[GoStumpy]

Compressors have a water-release valve at the bottom, make sure you drain it monthly

Compressor is your smartest bet for the simple fact of now you have a compressor. Bike tires, car tires, beach accessories, etc...

 

[Lanyap]

When I work on a computer like this I take it to the back yard and use my Metro vac to blow all the dust out.

 

[JamesV]

How do you guys deal with really dirty fan blades on things like the PSU and video card? At least half the fans I see have an actual gunk/dust coating on the blades, and you can't open the video card case, and I'm wary to open the PSU case for warranty issues.

I usually remove things like case fans, and wash them with rags and a light degreaser solution. For the trouble fans (vid card, PSU), I tend to use degreaser and Q-tips (takes forever).

Going to check out that Target vac above (for general blowing out), thanks for the info.

 

[Chiropteran]

I just bought one of these this morning-

http://www.lowes.com/pd_215726-2009...br|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

And then I bought the micro accessory kit-

http://www.lowes.com/pd_36979-20097...br|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

Probably comparable to the target vac above.

All I can say is "wow". With the "micro" adapter, all attached to the exhaust blowing port, it's like having a can of air with about triple the normal air pressure, which works FOREVER, and doesn't stop working when you turn it upside down or sideways. Made cleaning out my computer much easier.

I am going to demand that we buy one of these at work, at the rate we go through canned air it'll pay off in a few weeks.