Cleaning your PC

A computer is no different than anything else in your house or a car. It needs routine cleaning and care otherwise it'll end up performing slowly and overheating every easily. Most people who aren't regular computer users are usually scared of touching anything in the CPU. Regardless of your usage everyone should know how to clean it.

HOW OFTEN YOU SHOULD CLEAN 
There are several factors to take into account when it comes to how often one should clean. The most important matter is your usage. Those who don't use their PC rigorously don't need to clean it every month. They can do it every 3 months.  But for people who use their PC at least 4 hours everyday you should do it every month. Another factor is your environment. If you live in a dirty place or a household with several pets you should clean very often.

TOOLS YOU MIGHT NEED
You can go to a hardware store and get some special equipment for your PC. But it's definitely not a requirement. You can clean it just as well using common household tools. Here's a cheap list- Hardware set with different sized screwdrivers, a clean cloth, brush, a can of compressed air/air blower/air pump and cotton buds. 

TIME TO DIVE IN
Firstly unplug all the cables that attached to the back of your CPU. Then keep it on a clean wooden table that generates no static electricity. Keep your fans turned off; chances are a lot of dust will be flying around. Next up unscrew and open the case. The usual suspect of unnatural noises, heating or slow performance is the fan. Take the pump and blow it into every nook and cranny of the fan. Lightly brush over it. Take a slightly damp cotton bud and get into the inside edges of the fan. By the end it should be clean enough to shine your reflection.

Give the same treatment to your video and sound cards. But remember to take it out first. Otherwise you'll just be blowing the dust into the CPU. Blow out the dust from the fans.

Then we have the case. For this you should use a very slightly damp cloth and rub it over the case. Remember to clean the outer case as well. Give the same treatment to the back of your PC. Don't use the cloth on this. Make thorough use of that brush. 

Lastly perform a cleanup of any ports or empty spaces as those accumulate a ton of dust. Once you're done with the cleaning leave it open under a fan for a few minutes to make sure everything is dry. Then arrange all your cables neatly and plug them in.

Now you're all set! (till the next month that is).

By Daneesha Khan