How to Clean a Computer Cooling Fan

by DoItYourself Staff

A computer cooling fan is an essential piece of hardware that helps to keep all the internal components of a computer cool enough to keep working. Without a fully functioning cooling fan the computer could overheat, which would cause a lot of damage to the circuit boards. A fan can become blocked up with dust, so it is important to regularly check and clean the components.

Step 1 – Power

Ensure that the computer is turned off at the mains switch, and then remove the plug. Leave the processor to completely cool down.

Step 2 – Removal

If confident enough, use a small screw driver to remove one side of the outer casing of the processor. It isn’t necessary to do this, but it does make the cleaning process easier. Once you have removed the metal outer casing, set it to one side

Step 3 – Cleaning

Use either a cotton wool swab to clean the blades of the fan and the heatsink. Next, spray the computer cooling fan and heatsink with a can of compressed air to remove all dust particles. When the cooling fan has been cleaned, replace the outer casing.