When problems arise with the computer, as a rule, they begin to look for hardware problems. But the cause of malfunctions in the operation of the equipment may be dust and dirt accumulated inside. A vacuum cleaner for the computer will help get rid of this problem, which will clean the keyboard, power supply and the entire device from debris stuck in it.
Agree, such an assistant will be very useful, because it will allow you to fully care for your computer without calling a wizard. And this is a good saving of time and money, isn't it? It remains to determine the type of suitable unit and select a specific model. Our article will help to solve these issues.
We described in detail the features of different types of units, identified the main criteria for the selection of such equipment, and cited the top ten models for PC maintenance. In addition, we talked about how to use a vacuum cleaner for prevention and for thorough cleaning of a computer.
Types of vacuum cleaners for the computer
Trying to clean your computer with an ordinary large vacuum cleaner, you can remove not only dust, but also small parts at the same time. For this purpose, special devices were invented. They are connected to the USB port of the PC, and the dimensions allow you to clean the most inaccessible nooks and crannies.
Vacuum cleaners for toner also belong to the category of computer ones. Apply them when refueling cartridges for printers, copiers, repair. Visually, these devices are difficult to distinguish from household appliances. The difference is in the design of the filter, which captures the smallest magnetic metal particles, as well as polymer elements.
An ordinary vacuum cleaner does not know how to retain toner dust. At best, it will simply fail, at worst it will ignite due to the mixture entering the engine and staying there.
There are two main types of these devices - stationary and mobile.
Stationary Vacuum Cleaners. Such devices are used in offices for maintenance of office equipment. They are equipped with a two-stage cleaning system. Particles larger than 5 microns remain at the coarse stage, and particles from 0.3 microns delay the fine filter.
The range includes devices whose filters are designed for large volumes of toner - from 20.5 to 30 kg.
Handheld Vacuum Cleaners or 3M toner service units are produced under a variety of brands. Due to the fact that they have the most simplified design, the price of devices is small.
This is not such a perfect filtration system as that of stationary units and it passes part of the dangerous particles. Due to this, the service life of these devices is short.
Usually 3M vacuum cleaners and their analogues go on sale in hard cases. It also contains components of different types
There are many models of USB devices. Their parameters are identical, only individual elements differ, but they are just the main criteria when choosing.
Vacuum cleaner selection criteria
Many manufacturers produce vacuum cleaners designed to care for your computer, but this does not mean that anyone will do for you personally.
When choosing a device, you need to pay attention to several details:
- Nozzle. Since the dust needs to be taken from all corners without exception, this element should be narrow, then the most secluded places will become available to it.
- The presence of a flashlight. With it, dusty areas will not hide from your eyes.
- The presence of USB. In this case, your "dust utilizer" will be able to work not only from the outlet, but also directly from the equipment. It will always be possible to clean the keyboard rows by connecting it to the corresponding connector. This is especially true for a laptop, because the conditions for its use are far from ideal.
- Compactness. Small dimensions are desirable, since it is inconvenient and dangerous to clean with a large vacuum cleaner.
- Network cable. For convenient cleaning of the device, the optimum length is 1.5 m minimum.
- Nozzles. The kit should include at least three: soft brush, rubber, crevice brush.
- Additional functions. "Turbo" allows you to briefly increase the suction force, if necessary, and reduce the power regulator.
Many models can be stored in a desk drawer to use the device at any time.
Inside the computer there are coolers (from 3 to 4). Each of them is the same vacuum cleaner and draws a large amount of current-conducting dust into the computer. If you do not clean, overheating will occur and the machine will fail.
Caring for a miniature vacuum cleaner for a computer is simple, you just need to empty the dust bag, which takes little time.
And after dust removal inside the system unit, power supply and on the fan blades, the cooling system will work at full strength, coolers will stop making noise, the electronic components of the gadget will stabilize.
Strengths and weaknesses of the vacuum cleaner
The advantages of a small vacuum cleaner are many:
- lightness - its mass is so small that even a physically weak person can use it;
- ergonomics - it is convenient to store it, since it takes up little space;
- easy care - The mini vacuum cleaner is easy to clean from contamination.
In addition, the device does not require long preparation for work.
Along with the advantages, there are some disadvantages:
- limited opportunities - no other cleaning with such a vacuum cleaner can be performed;
- low power - therefore, the suction force is also small, the quality of cleaning suffers from this;
- small volume of dust container - because of this, you have to take breaks and clean it;
- dust particles falling back into the room - filters do not fully capture them.
In any case, cleaning the PC from dust with a special device is more convenient. Moreover, the nozzles of a traditional vacuum cleaner are unsuitable for this purpose.
Popular models and their characteristics
For a more informed choice, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the most popular models of vacuum cleaners for your computer. It should be noted that some models are considered universal - they are often used to clean the car.
Sample No. 1 - Daewoo Power DAVC150
This model is compact and powerful with an ergonomic handle. The main advantage over analogues is the function of absorption of liquid substances. Just a find for lovers of drinking coffee in front of a computer monitor, without interrupting work.
Daewoo provides a 3 year warranty.
This vacuum cleaner can well clean not only the computer, but also the interior of the car. Equipped with appliance and convenient garbage container. It is made of plastic and can be easily removed and washed.
Specifications:
- voltage - 12 V;
- declared power - 150 V;
- suction power - 95 V;
- cable length - 4 m;
- the capacity of the dust bag is 0.7 liters.
The kit consists of a narrow nozzle, a brush for cleaning any surface, a device for collecting liquid. As shortcomings, users note the rapid contamination of the sponge filter when there is a lot of dust and the lack of a power regulator.
Sample No. 2 - Gembird KBC-USB
This USB-vacuum cleaner has a reliable engine, backlight, all the necessary nozzles.
The vacuum cleaner effectively does its job of removing dust and fine fractions from the keyboard, system unit, fan and other parts
A big plus is the presence of a power regulator. The problem is low power, a lot of noise at work, a plain design. The cost of the gadget is more than 2 tons.
Sample 3 - Philips FC 6141
Ergonomic device made of high quality plastic. Equipped with a two-stage cleaning system - coarse filter and dust.
Philips FC 6141 can be used not only to clean the computer, it copes with cleaning and other small surfaces. On the case there is a convenient button to turn on
This handy and lightweight tool has an attractive design. It is easy for them to collect crumbs, small hairs, other garbage. There is a cover for storage.
Some users are not happy with the low suction power - only 22 kW. Cost - about 3 tons also does not suit everyone. In addition, the battery lasts briefly, so you have to recharge it often.
Sample No. 4 - Orient V-01
Orient V-01 is a compact and practical device. It saves the PC keyboard from small debris. Its advantages include a small weight, dimensions that allow you to place the gadget in your hand.
As practice has shown, Orient V-01 removes dirt well, but does not cope well with dust due to its small suction power.
No additional modules are required for connection, as it functions from a USB port. There is a built-in flashlight in this vacuum cleaner. It is equipped with a small unit with a turbo mode function and a spiral cord more than one meter long.
The kit includes a pair of nozzles: a soft, cleaning hard-to-reach places and a brush equipped with three tubes. The crumbs are swept out of the keyboard and they are sucked into the dust collector through the tubes.
As a drawback, users note a loose attachment of nozzles, noise during operation. This gadget is worth about 250 p.
Sample No. 5 - CBR FD-368
This small-sized device fits in your hand. Cleans the keyboard of everything that gets into it after snacking while working on a computer or laptop. Connect it directly to the USB-connector of the system unit or laptop. Two nozzles increase the quality of cleaning.
The compact lightweight vacuum cleaner fits comfortably in your hand. Its length along with the nozzle is only 150 mm. Plastic case
The cord has a length of 1 m, this is enough to clean the PC. It functions when the computer is turned on from the USB port. It is very inexpensive - close to 200 p.
Sometimes in reviews, users complain about the low suction power, not quite high-quality assembly, as a result of which cracks formed in the joints of the parts. The device works quite loudly.
Sample No. 6 - Clean Kit
A mobile, small device, but it cleans the keyboard and bowels of the computer from dust and small debris efficiently. To enable it, you only need a USB port, so you can use it not only at home or in the office, but also on a picnic in the car.
The scanty weight is only 200 g with dimensions of 215 * 35 mm. Two nozzles are attached to the vacuum cleaner, a cord 1 m long. The device is extremely simple to operate. At the end of the work, you need to rinse the filter under the water tap, and then dry it. Its price is about 200 p.
This vacuum cleaner perfectly cleans the keyboard, printer, the inside of the computer, mobile phone, car interior. Connects to any USB port
The power of the vacuum cleaner is 60 watts, it consumes 5 amperes, is designed for a voltage of 12 V. The suction power is small - about 5 watts. The noise level for such a small unit is also high.
Sample No. 7 - Migliores
The model is very light - only 90 g. It is characterized by low power consumption. Connects to a USB port, has two nozzles. It is a compact, convenient device with a moderately long cable. It is compatible with all existing USB devices.
Migliores is equipped with a turbo mode. He does his job well. The color of the product is bright and saturated - blue
This vacuum cleaner has a built-in LED, “turbo” mode, an “open” button to clean the dust container. Product weight 90 g with dimensions 18 * 4 cm.
When do I need to open the PC case?
The following violations of the stability of its operation indicate the need to clean the computer:
- uncharacteristic noise from the system unit;
- spontaneous reboots;
- freezes
- OS braking
- the appearance of a specific smell;
- increased body temperature.
If the computer was often used outside the home or stored in a non-residential building, it must be cleaned before starting.
General cleaning of the insides of the computer is recommended to be carried out every 6 months. The shift of the term up or down depends on many factors of the external influence, as well as the type of electronics.
Operating a vacuum cleaner for a computer
To never need a general computer cleaning, you need to take care of it periodically.
General recommendations for use
When cleaning your computer in order to avoid breakdowns, you need to follow the recommendations of specialists:
- The computer must be disconnected from the network, otherwise you can get an electric shock. Peripheral cables need to be disconnected.
- It is best not to touch the system board so as not to damage small parts.
- Mandatory use of nozzles.
- In order not to damage the microcircuits, they need to be cleaned very carefully.
The technology of periodic maintenance and general cleaning of PCs is different from each other.
The use of a vacuum cleaner for periodic care
To clean the system unit, remove the cover on the left side. Then all the dust is sucked out with a vacuum cleaner. Particular attention should be paid to the video card and heatsink. The next step is to clean the power supply. Dust from memory straps and other hard-to-reach spots is sweeping with a brush.
To prevent propellers from spinning during the operation of the vacuum cleaner, it is necessary to hold them. If this is not done, the device may fail
In conclusion, a power supply cable is connected to turn on the computer and check whether all coolers are spinning. After that, the computer is turned off again and screwed into place.
Overhaul cleaning work
If severe contamination of the computer is allowed, surface cleaning will not help it. When the computer radiator blades are clogged tightly, the fan will have to be dismantled.
Work order:
- Disconnect the supply terminals of the cooler on the motherboard and remove it.
- The blades of the cooling unit are cleaned of a layer of dust.
- The mechanical part is lubricated.
- Install the cooler in its place.
Some modifications, due to their design features, require complete dismantling, as the cooling system is located deep in the housing.
To thoroughly clean the system unit in this case, take the following steps:
- Disconnect the PC, free the system unit from cables.
- The cover on the left is removed, as well as the power supply.
- Next, disassemble the power supply and remove all dust from its casing using a vacuum cleaner.
- Unscrew the cooler.
- Thermal paste is replaced on the graphics processor of the video card and processor.
- The PC case is free of dust by brushing hard to reach areas.
- Dismantle the video card, clean it.
- The power supply and video card are returned to their place.
- Check that the power cables are connected correctly.
- Check the rotation of the coolers by turning on the PC for a short time.
- Put in place the cover of the system unit, previously disconnecting the computer.
Experts advise buying a new cooler before replacing thermal paste on the video card. Often the old cooler gets damaged.
When installing the processor in place, you need to make sure that the angle marked with a yellow triangle coincides with the same mark in the socket. In another position, he will not work
The radiator after installation in the proper place should not be loose. To avoid this, the grooves of the bracket are connected to the hooks, and then lightly press the radiator by hand.
Vacuum cleaner PC cleaning process:
Proper disassembly of the computer before cleaning:
As you can see, a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust from a computer is a necessary thing. Using such a device, you can significantly increase the effect of preventive maintenance of computer equipment and prevent damage to the PC.
Have you had to clean your computer yourself? Please tell us which vacuum cleaner you used in your work, if there was enough power to remove dust and debris.We look forward to your comments, questions and tips on choosing and using such a technique - the contact form is located below.