I just finished cleaning up the fans on my old PC. Here’s what my PC fan looked like before compared to what it looks like now.
In this article, I’ll use the same approach to guide you on how to clean your computer fans.
It may not be possible to clean up every surface of the fans and some dust may still remain.
But as long as you clean them meticulously, you may significantly reduce yourmotherboard temperatureandincrease its lifespan.
Prepare the tools below,move your PC case to a clean workbench,and get ready to clean your case fans.
Open the PC and Disconnect Case Fans
First,open the PC caseby removing the side panels to access the case fans. You should also disconnect the fans before cleaning them to be on the safe side.
Otherwise, if the fan rotates, its motor can generate some current and damage the motherboard components.
The entire process goes as follows:
You may need to remove other panels depending on where you have mounted the fan controller.
Note: If youconfigured different speeds for different PC fans,note where each fan cable goesbefore disconnecting them.
Whenever I need to remove any cables, I usuallytake a picturebeforehand orrecord the whole processin a video to avoid any mistakes.
Clean the Fans
Now, cleanall the fans in your PCusing the steps below. You won’t need to remove them from the PC case unless they are extremely dusty.
Extra Tip: Remove and Clean Case Fans
If youcan’t reach all the surface of the fan, especially without the compressed air can,unscrew andremove the case fan. Then, clean it properly in the same way before reattaching it.
Whileinstalling it back, ensure it follows the properexhaust and intake direction.
After cleaning the PC fans, you may also want toclean other PC componentsif they are dusty. Check outour dedicated guidesif you need extra help:
Reassemble PC
After cleaning the fans and everything else,reconnect the fan andRGB cablesback to the appropriateconnectors on the motherboardor fan controllers.
Then,reattach the case panels, power supply, and all external devicesto the PC. you may alsoenter the BIOSandcheck the fan speedor other settings to ensure everything is alright.
