Using an Air Compressor to clean PC

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Kelvarr

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Now, I've seen references here and there about how people don't use an air compressor to clean the insides of their PC's.

I got a small, 2 Gallon Air Compressor for Christmas, mainly for tires, bikes, inflatable rafts and balls, small things like that. I was hoping that I could also use it on my PC's instead of canned air.

Is there any reason why I can't/shouldn't? I've used them in the past (once or twice), but nothing on a regular basis.
 
The worry is moisture built up inside of the tank due to temperature changes.

IMO, knock yourself out. That's the only way to clean out a PC. I do it all the time. YMMV. Just have the PC off and wait a few minutes afterward. You can also spray away from the PC first to see if any moisture is coming out.
 
Team Obi Juan said:
The worry is moisture built up inside of the tank due to temperature changes.

IMO, knock yourself out. That's the only way to clean out a PC. I do it all the time. YMMV. Just have the PC off and wait a few minutes afterward. You can also spray away from the PC first to see if any moisture is coming out.
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Re: Temperature Changes...that's the one nice thing about a small portable compressor...I can put it and the PC in one of our small rooms and blow it out.

I also got a shop-vac that I could be using to collect the dust as well.
 
You'll get condensation in the tank even if the ambient temp is constant... only exception would be if the humidity is like 0%.

You could play it safe and pick up a small inline filter with a desiccant. I think harbor freight has em for pretty cheap.
 
Pretty sure you only gotta worry about condensation if you use it continuously and it's getting empty.
 
I'd worry most about the air carrying a static charge from it traveling through the hose.
 
Team Obi Juan said:
The worry is moisture built up inside of the tank due to temperature changes.
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I don't see that as a problem. So what if moisture builds up in the tank? good thing your PC doesn't live inside a steel air compressor tank. A tankless compressor is more likely to spew water.

The only precautions that should be taken, IMNSHO, is to occasionally crack the tank drain while the compressor is on to prevent water from pooling in the tank - and blasting out the nozzle at your PC.

I've been cleaning mine this way every six months since I had a computer - the benefits outweigh the perceived "risks". My compressor is in the garage anyways, the PC is off while I carry it out there - well, except for last time, I got lazy, and brought in a 10 gallon tank of air and left it running.

grimster said:
I'd worry most about the air carrying a static charge from it traveling through the hose.
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Air doesn't really build up a charge, objects do - if you're ultra paranoid, plug your PC and compressor into grounded outlets while cleaning. Grounds aren't switched.
 
Kelvarr said:
Now, I've seen references here and there about how people don't use an air compressor to clean the insides of their PC's.

I got a small, 2 Gallon Air Compressor for Christmas, mainly for tires, bikes, inflatable rafts and balls, small things like that. I was hoping that I could also use it on my PC's instead of canned air.

Is there any reason why I can't/shouldn't? I've used them in the past (once or twice), but nothing on a regular basis.
Click to expand...

take care with that, sometimes it throws a little bit of water.
 
Using an air compressor, outside, is definitely the only way to go. Don't worry too much about moisture. From the way some guys react, you'd think it's as bad as cleaning your computer off with a squirt gun. Just check for moisture before you begin cleaning by blowing some air on your hand. If the air feels damp, drain the tank and start over.

For some reason, seeing huge billowing clouds of dust rise out of my computer is a very cathartic experience. Don't be surprised if you start coming up with lists of other household items to clean just so you can get a chance to use the compressor more often.
 
I've been using a compressor for years never an issue. Unplug it and spray away and let it sit for a few minutes before plugging it in. However, don't go at it too long with the compressor constantly running or you will start spraying some mist.
 
I'd use a leaf blower. Its one big nozzle and you see a big cloud of dust come right out. Gets the job done quicker, IMO.

Well, if you have a leaf blower.
 
You can get an oil/moisture trap added on most air compressors. Have one on mine so that you do not get unwanted moisture when you spray paint.
 
grimster said:
I'd worry most about the air carrying a static charge from it traveling through the hose.
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Maybe with certain cheap coil hoses but this is not very common. I mean I have worked with compressors with my father (carpenter now retired) for decades and I have never ever had a problem with static.
 
I take both sides off and place computer on a pair of hooks hanging off a tree and use the compressor. Blow out the entire computer then do the fans last and power supply. Ive never ever worried about condensation, unless you have a really crappy compressor with no moisture plug.
 
I've been doing this for years with zero trouble. Gotta watch out that you don't overspin fans though. It's easy to exceed the rpm ceiling of the fan and damage the bearings.
 
I've been using compressed air to clean my rigs for years and have never had a problem or any component die. What I do is I try not to spray directly and not at point blank, but from a distance. There is liquid moisture that comes out .. thats the only thing you really have to be careful about.
 
I've been using exactly what you are describing for 2 years with no ill effects. In that time I have cleaned literally hundreds of laptops, and dozens of desktops/gpus. I always keep it inside, but I have never had any issues. You could do this to be safe-

You could play it safe and pick up a small inline filter with a desiccant. I think harbor freight has em for pretty cheap.
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But I think all the moisture/static worry warts watch too much sci-fi.

Make sure it is off, blow it out, done. You'll notice any significant moisture.

Also- compressors are MUCH better than canned air. Take a laptop, point the nozzle in (fan) when it is off, boom. Done. Don't go crazy, you'll mess up bearings, etc, but I have never had any issues.
 
Don't forget folks, moisture and static electricity are practically opposites. Why do you think people run humidifiers in the winter?

[H], I am disappoint.

As for fan bearings, I like to hear them whizzzzzzz! up to stupid speeds. How else am I to get the dust off them? :p
 
Kelvarr said:
Heh...I like doing that do...although I will probably not...didn't know it could damage them.
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According to this thread, crying in the room with them could cause moisture damage, so don't lose too much sleep on that point.
 
MooCow said:
I'd use a leaf blower. Its one big nozzle and you see a big cloud of dust come right out. Gets the job done quicker, IMO.

Well, if you have a leaf blower.
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+1

A leaf blower works great. Just don't get too close and make sure the blower doesn't cause your case fans to spin too fast.
 
I ha e used my brothers super massive air compressor on my PC without any problems.

Make sure there is no moisture coming out. And when you're spraying an area with a fan make sure you hold the fan still or itll blow your fans out from too high rpms.

It works way better than some over priced canned air garbage. I'd go for it. Even if there is a little moisture its probably not going to hurt anything unless the computer is on and connections get crossed.
 
Should be OK, my husband cleans the computers @ our place every month using a small air compressor and never had an issue this way.
 
I actually take my tower outside, set it on a table and use our large air compressor to clean it out. I do stand back a good 5 or so feet though, so the air that is actually hitting the tower is more of a calming breeze instead of hurricane, use the compressed air can for getting in close.
 
I have been cleaning out my computers with air compressors for the last two decades without any problems. Just make sure you have a water trap install on the compressor & blow away.
 
I've been doing this with a compressor kept in my garage 24/7 for the last 8 years or so. Works like a charm.
 
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