In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean your laptop’s fan using compressed air, as well as a more hands-on cleaning method.
How Do I Clean My Laptop Fan Without Disassembling It?
The best way to clean your laptop without disassembling it is with compressed air. It’s cheap, readily available, and offers the safest and easiest way to remove dust and dirt from your laptop without taking it apart.
- Shut down your laptop and unplug it from the charger. If possible, remove the laptop battery. Locate your laptop’s fan intake. It’s usually on the bottom, but it depends on the make and model of your laptop. If in doubt, refer to the manual or manufacturer’s website.
- Point the compressed air nozzle at the vent, but don’t push it in too far to release a short burst of air. Aim at another vent and do the same. If you have the opportunity, blow compressed air directly onto the fan blades themselves.
- If your laptop’s fan is particularly dirty or clogged with dust, blowing compressed air through the exhaust can help. These are usually located on the side or back of the laptop, depending on the model.
The next time you turn on your laptop, you might see dust falling from your compressed air. For a more thorough cleaning, turn it off and repeat the steps above.
How To Clean A Laptop Without Compressed Air
If you don’t have compressed air, or don’t want extra dust in your cans, you can clean your laptop fan without compressed air. However, be aware that this method is much more convenient and requires disassembling your laptop, which voids your warranty and risks permanent damage. It does not contain important data. Only proceed if you are working on your computer or are confident you can fix it.
Shut down your laptop and disconnect it from the charger as above. If possible, remove the laptop battery & back cover of the laptop to clean the fan and service your laptop properly.
If possible, look for a laptop teardown guide on a website such as iFixit. Alternatively, use your motherboard’s manual or manufacturer’s website to find disassembly instructions.
Find and remove the screws on the bottom of the laptop.
Remove the bottom and be careful not to damage the ribbon cable (remove it beforehand if necessary). You may need to loosen the adhesive with a heat source.
Locate the laptop fan and, if you can reach it, use a lint-free cloth to wipe off any visible dust. If your laptop has an accessible heatsink, use the same cloth to wipe off excess dust.
Reinstall the back panel and all appropriate screws and cables.
How often Should i Clean My Laptop Fan?
To keep your laptop cool and maintain peak performance when using compressed air, simply blow it on for a short period of time every 6 months. enough. Disassemble only if absolutely necessary to avoid damage or problems during reassembly. What’s the easiest way to clean a fan? Compressed air is the easiest way to clean a laptop fan, but it’s not the only way to clean your laptop properly.