How To Clean Motherboard In 3 Minutes

dusted - How to clean motherboard

As we all already know, the motherboard is one of the most important parts of a computer. A slight issue in the motherboard can affect the overall performance of the computer.


Hence, it is necessary to remember that the motherboard needs to be well-maintained and looked after regularly.

The motherboard is being used at every point in time, so after a certain period, dirt and dust are set to accumulate on it. The motherboard, if not cleaned regularly, may lead to overheating, malfunctioning, and even stop working altogether due to a short circuit.


So, it is of utmost importance to clean your motherboard. Now, the cleaning process can get a bit tricky, as even the slightest damage or error could affect its overall performance. Here are a few steps that will ease this process for you.





best ways to clean motherboard

There are two main ways with which you can clean a motherboard. They are: 

  • By using compressed air or a blower.
  • By using isopropyl alcohol.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
  • Compressed air
  • Vacuum with attachments
  • Soft-bristled Brush
  • Cotton swabs
  • Rubbing alcohol

While some might ask if it is okay to clean the motherboard using a vacuum cleaner or a cloth, these methods come with their own set of risks. A vacuum cleaner could cause static and damage to the motherboard, while a cloth can easily leave fibers behind, and pressure might need to be applied for proper cleaning, which is not recommended.

CLEANING MOTHERBOARD USING COMPRESSED AIR

This is the easiest and safest method for general cleaning of the motherboard. Cans of compressed air or air duster are usually and easily available in the market, and you can buy one of those. You can even use an ‘air blower’ which basically compresses air without heating it.

  • Step 1: Shut down the computer and dismantle it gently without adding heavy pressure
  • Step 2: Simply use compressed air to get rid of the dirt and dust particles

  • Step 3: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove those dust particles that you feel are difficult to remove with the compressed air. Use the brush gently, which will help loosen the dust particles and then use compressed air again to eradicate them completely.
  • Step 4: Reassemble your computer and get back to work!
HOW TO CLEAN MOTHERBOARD USING ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL

Isopropyl alcohol works best if you are dealing with sticky stains because, in such a scenario, compressed air might not be enough. It is important to remember that using a liquid on the motherboard is an extremely delicate process.


If you want to ensure that the best results are obtained, use great care while using the alcohol. The isopropyl alcohol that you use for cleaning should be more than 90% pure. Ideally, 99%, as this form of the liquid is non-conductive and dries really fast.

The best method to employ while cleaning your motherboard with isopropyl alcohol is difficult to determine. It is quite debatable whether one should use the method of alcohol bath or with the help of a cotton swab. All of it actually depends on the type of dirt or stains that you are dealing with.

While removing sticky material or particle that is thick or really difficult to remove, we recommend using a cotton swab to apply the Isopropyl Alcohol. This will thoroughly ensure that the dust particles are eliminated.


However, in some extreme cases, some particles might still remain, and that is when you may give your motherboard an alcohol bath. You can also use this method when the motherboard is completely dead or not functioning properly.


The proper steps to clean a motherboard using alcohol are:

isopropyl - How to clean motherboard
  • Step 1: Shut down the computer completely and make sure that all the mains are switched off, and wires are unplugged. 
  • Step 2: Remove the motherboard by disassembling the computer. Do it carefully so as to not break something. 
  • Step 3: After using compressed air or a blower for the dirt, use isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab too deep clean the motherboard and eliminate the sticky and thick stains completely. 
  • Step 5: If your motherboard is completely dead and not functioning at all, then pour isopropyl alcohol on it. 
  • Step 6: Allow the motherboard to dry completely. 
  • Step 7: Once you have made sure that it has dried out completely, reassemble the computer back to how it was and check for power.

IMPORTANT TIPS

  • Remember to clean your motherboard at least once a year.
  • Speak to the manufacturer before using any liquid on the motherboard, especially if your computer is still under warranty. You may seek their help for the cleaning process.
  • Ensure thoroughly that the computer is shut down and powered off before the cleaning process. This step is very important.
  • Make it a point to use 99% isopropyl alcohol for cleaning the motherboard.
  • Do not reassemble the computer before the motherboard has dried out completely; otherwise, it can really damage your machine.
  • Seek professional help for cleaning if you are doubtful about it.
  • Be patient and keep your calm. The process should not take a lot of time. Avoid doing it in the presence of infants or children.

Conclusion

That's a wrap now. I hope now after reading this article, you got some ideas on how to clean a motherboard. If you have tried these methods, then comment below on how it works. Also, if you know any other methods apart from the ones mentioned above, then pls do share them in the comment section. Thanks for reading through!

Peter
 

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