We are going to talk about how to clean a motherboard effectively? A computer’s motherboard is the main component, whether it is a desktop or a laptop. A computer’s performance relies entirely on its motherboard. Therefore, the motherboard must be well-maintained. Even a tiny crack in the motherboard can affect the entire performance of your system (or it can even cause it to be dead).
It has been observed that over time dust, spills, and sticky substances accumulate on the motherboard, resulting in degraded performance and eventually a shorter lifetime for the PC. That is why it is essential to clean the motherboard regularly to remain in good working condition. For this reason, we have written this article on how to clean motherboards.
- Cleaning the motherboard requires the following items.
- To clean your motherboard, follow the steps here.
- Step 1: Shut down your computer
- Step 2: Disassemble the PC and remove the case
- Step 3: basic Clean
- Step 4: Do a deep cleaning (Only try when your motherboard is dead or faulty)
- Step 5: Put everything back together.
- How to use compressed air to clean a motherboard?
- How to clean a motherboard with alcohol?
- How to clean with a spray?
- Here are a Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Cleaning the motherboard requires the following items.
- Screwdriver
- Makeup brush
- Compressed air, vacuum with attachments
- Cotton
- Isopropyl Alcohol 99% (or any 90%+)
Make sure all of these things are ready before you start cleaning the motherboard.
To clean your motherboard, follow the steps here.
Step 1: Shut down your computer
Turning off your computer is the first and most important step to cleaning the motherboard. The next step is to unplug the entire power supply from the desktop PC after it has been turned off.
Step 2: Disassemble the PC and remove the case
You can now remove the case from the backside of the processor with the help of the screwdrivers. Taking out the motherboard from the point, you need to place it on a flat, clean surface. It is recommended that you put it in a clean cloth. You may also want to start by using the vacuum first if you find a lot of heavy dirt on it.
Step 3: basic Clean
The cleaning task begins now! Start with basic cleaning. Make sure all the dust and dirt are removed from the motherboard using compressed air. If you need to get rid of stubborn dust, you can use a vacuum attachment.
You should keep them a few inches apart if you are using the vacuum attachment. We suggest using the Makeup Brush, and Compressed Air Can work together to get the best results.
Step 4: Do a deep cleaning (Only try when your motherboard is dead or faulty)
If you don’t feel that a basic clean is sufficient to clean your motherboard, then you should consider a deep clean. It involves using 99% alcohol to clean the motherboard thoroughly. When the motherboard is filled with sticky substances and old solder junks, the most effective thing is to clean it with alcohol.
Take a 1L bottle of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and gently place it into a small container of Isopropyl Alcohol. Gently put the motherboard into the bottle and shake it slowly to ensure it gets appropriately dipped into the alcohol. I predict that the stubborn and sticky particles will eventually disappear from the motherboard and leave it as a completely new one.
Before bathing your motherboard, be sure to remove the CMOS battery.
Step 5: Put everything back together.
After the motherboard has been cleaned and the alcohol bath has been applied, allow it to dry thoroughly. This step is essential to preventing further damage. Alcohol evaporates so that it will dry quickly. With the screwdrivers, attach the case properly to the motherboard and correctly place it in the proper area. Make sure you power the unit up again and turn it on to check if it is working.
So, that’s it. It is much easier and takes much less time to clean the motherboard. But, if you do not know to disassemble or assemble the PC, take the help of your friends.
How to use compressed air to clean a motherboard?
In general, compressed air is the easiest and safest way to clean the motherboard. Compressed air can be purchased in containers or compressed with an “air blower,” a device that does not heat the air.
After you’ve completely shut down and removed the computer, use compressed air to remove dirt and dust particles. At times, specific dust particles are hard to remove.
It is possible to use a soft bristle brush to assist in the process. To remove dust particles, gently release them with the brush and then remove them with compressed air.
How to clean a motherboard with alcohol?
It has long been debated how to clean a motherboard using alcohol.
Others argue that the liquid should be poured over the motherboard and washed with alcohol, while some can use cotton swabs to apply the solution. The correct method depends on the type of grime or stain.
If you find any sticky contaminants or particles that are dense and difficult to remove, we suggest using Isopropyl Alcohol and a cotton swab. It will eliminate the dust particles.
Some particles can persist in extreme cases, such as carbon particles or soldering debris. The motherboard can be soaked in alcohol at this point.
So, this procedure may also be used if the motherboard is entirely dead or not performing correctly due to a large amount of dirt accumulation.
How to clean with a spray?
You can begin cleaning your motherboard once you have removed it from your computer and placed it on a clean surface. Clean the top surface of the motherboard using an air blower or compressed air.
It is also possible to use a brush with soft bristles if dust is trapped on some parts of the motherboard.
It would help if you then used your cleaning spray to gently and carefully spray along the soiled parts of the motherboard. The cleaning spray should be made with a long, thin pipe or nozzle.
Adding the length extension will allow you to get it in all the tight spots. Spray the solvent on the surface and allow it to settle for a few minutes. You will notice a slight softening of the stains. Then use cotton swabs or Q-tips to wipe the areas thoroughly and dry them.
Here are a Few Things to Keep in Mind
● Make sure your motherboard is cleaned at least once a year.
● Contact the manufacturer before putting any liquid on the motherboard if your machine is still under warranty. Seek their assistance with the cleaning procedure since using isopropyl alcohol to clean yourself may invalidate the guarantee.
● Before beginning the cleaning procedure, make sure the computer is shut down and switched off.
● When cleaning the motherboard, be sure you use 99 per cent isopropyl alcohol.
● Before turning the computer back on, let the motherboard dry thoroughly.
● When in doubt, use an expert to clean your motherboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash a motherboard with soap and water?
If your computer isn’t plugged in, there’s no risk of water damaging it. Additionally, you shouldn’t add other cleaning chemicals or soap to your dishwasher when you place your hardware in it.
Can you use rubbing alcohol on a motherboard?
Should not use isopropyl alcohol on any other component than thermal paste, fans, or the motherboard. Alcohol can be applied gently to a cotton swab, paper towel, or toothbrush – do not spray. It would help if you used pure isopropyl alcohol to avoid leaving residues on the cleaned surface.
What is a cleaning tool appropriate for cleaning the motherboard?
To clean computer components, cotton cloths are best. With most hardware, we can use paper towels c, but we recommend always using a cloth.
Will water destroy a motherboard?
A motherboard can quickly become wet from spills of water. The PC will also remain dry since it can easily wipe it out of water. Second, if you have your computer on, a water drop can ultimately damage the circuit board if it is on.
How do you get the moisture out of a motherboard?
Before applying power, open up the case and let it dry thoroughly. You can also use a hairdryer to speed up the process, but be careful not to get it too hot. Be careful not to burn yourself. As long as the water was clean and you dried it thoroughly, it should be fine.
Conclusion
We had discussed in detail how to clean a motherboard? It should now be clear to you how it tends and why it’s essential to clean your motherboard once a year. You don’t have to maintain your computer every day. It just needs to be done occasionally. The air contains various pollutants that can make their way into the computer’s motherboard if they are not appropriately treated.
There are airtight rooms equipped with air conditioning systems for technology departments in some educational institutions and workplaces. It prevents dirt from getting into the motherboard, as well as the electronics from overheating.
Knowing how to clean motherboards is essential for your PC, whether you have to clean less or more.
