Laptop cleaning Reddit

Hey Reddit. I have a dv6-1253cl Hp laptop that has been heating up faster and faster over over time. I also get a burning dust smell whenever I do anything intensive on my laptop such as games. I am almost positive that it is because of the fan being full of dust, HP laptops are notorious for having this problem, and was wondering how to clean it out. My two options are to 1) Take a compressed air can and while using a toothpick to stop the fan from rotating(I read online that it might cause a voltage that could harm the laptop if allowed to rotate freely) blow in through the vent openings, or 2) Take apart the laptop to get to the fan and clean it by hand. For option 2 I found a website that has step by step instructions on how to take it apart, but since I've never done this before I don't know how good they are. Instructions

What should I do? I'm fine with trying to take it apart if the instructions seem decent or if there is a reason to not do method 1. Any additional input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

UPDATE: After 4 hours of work I took it apart and everything went fine. I used the arctic silver and so far so good. Thanks for all the help and links. Had to use 3 of them to figure it out. One thing though... why didn't anyone tell me the computer would take forever to start back up while it constantly flashed the keyboard lights?! I almost shit myself when it happened. Thanks again Reddit.

I was recommended Belkin Mini Display cleaner, but it leaves smears if not totally removed after spraying, and I can never get the screen totally smear free. They are really noticeable when there is black on the screen.

Is there anything better?

How to Clean laptop fan area dust ? from laptops

What is the best way of cleaning a laptop fan? Preferrably just using tools/things that are commmonly found at home? Would it be advisable or not? Finally, what things should i lok out for when i'm cleaning it?

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How to Clean Laptop's screen? We've used alcohol wipes before and this is what the screen's become. Can still use it but it looks like a thick cloud on the screen. from howto

I know this is a simple question but hence the title. My screen is fucking dirty and I don't know how to properly clean it.

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Due to lack of spcae in my house, my laptop was in the kitchen reulting in some gunk on it. Just wiping it lightly with a cloth doesnt work so I need some way to clean without applying to much pressure. Also, if someone could tell me how much pressure I can apply to the screen before it damages it, that'd be great.

My laptop is getting old, and I want to take it somewhere to clean out all the lint and dust inside. I know that I could do it at home, but just don't trust myself. All I can think of is Geek Squad, but I don't really like them.

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I buy and refurbish laptops all the time. I typically go through about about 3-6 laptops a month. Here are some basic tricks you can use to help make them look as new as possible.

Use rubbing alcohol. use 90%+ (92-95% is preferred). Use it straight, do not dilute. Use it in a large spray bottle. It cleans everything! Food, grime, sticker residue. etc

Removal of sticker: Use a heatgun on low for anywhere from 10-20 seconds to soften the glue on stickers. Paper stickers require more heat so they wont tear as easy. Use rubbing alcohol immediately after to remove extra residue.

Deep cleaning (nasty dust build up, usually caused by smokers). If you turn on the PC and it stinks, youre in for some fun. Heres the breakdown

Remove battery, drain residual power. Remove bottom cover.

Use air compressor (NOT canned air, get a compressor). Blow it out as much as you can. Focus on the fan area. Also do this to the keyboard on top.

take apart the entire laptop. Set aside all electronic components and bits. Plastic frames, covers, etc can all be washed. Take apart fans from heatsinks if possible.'

wash plastic bits in hot soapy water.

spray fans down with a large amount of rubbing alcohol. wash entire fan off in hot water. blow dry fan with air compressor.

same for heatsinks

dry everything, reassemble

extra bit to burn off dust. run a CPU or GPU intense program to hurt the PC temps (such as FurMark). Let it run for 10-15 minutes. The heat build up will help burn off the extra dust/cigarette odor.

For stubborn, nasty LCD screens, lay them on there back (flat), spray a liberal amount of alcohol on the screen. rub it in gently with your fingers. let it sit for 10-seconds or so. then wipe off. Also, remove the plastic bezel on the frame of the LCD. You can make the nastiest LCD look new.

Do yourself a favor and have 20-30 microfiber and flannel rags for cleaning.