Introduction: Cleaning a Computer With a Tempered Glass Side Panel

After purchasing a computer, it is important to periodically clean it, so that it stays in good condition. While we can often forget or prioritize other tasks, cleaning your computer does give you benefits. Typically, cleaned computers achieve cooler temperatures than those that are not cleaned. This is because dust can accumulate in the computer's fans, and result in the fans becoming less effective at cooling down the heat from the computer components. Cleaning also makes the computer look much nicer, as it is no longer filled with dust or smudges on the tempered glass. This guide will walk you through how to clean a computer, even if you are a beginner. It will show you a basic list of steps on how to clean the computer, glass, and what my preferences and warnings are.

Supplies

Required

  • Glass Cleaner
  • Paper Towels/Cleaning Cloth
  • Can of Compressed air

Optional

  • Elevated workspace (workbench or desk)
  • Old blanket/soft material for ground

Step 1: Turn Off the Computer and Remove All Cables.

*In the photo, the power supply unit is off, represented by the switch set to O.*

  1. Ensure that the computer is fully powered down and that the power supply unit is turned off as well.
  2. Remove all cables so that no monitors, keyboards, mice, or other devices are connected, and that the computer can be moved.

Step 2: Move the Computer/Increase Airflow

    1. Move the computer to an area with more airflow like a garage or outside on a clear day.
      1. This prevents dust from circulating inside, where it can dirty the room and be breathed in more easily.
      2. If you can not find another area to work in, open your windows in the room that you will be cleaning in, so that there is more airflow.

    *It is suggested to place the computer on an elevated surface like a workbench or a desk, so that the computer is not on the ground. While this step is not necessary, I recommend it as it makes it easier to ensure that the compressed air can is kept upright*

    Step 3: Remove the Tempered Glass Side Panel

    Caution: Be careful handling your glass panel as drops could shatter the panel.

    1. Starting from the bottom, remove any three thumbscrews attached to the glass, while holding your glass panel in place.
    2. Carefully remove the last thumbscrew while still supporting the glass, so that the panel does not fall.
    3. After the last thumbscrew has been removed, put the panel aside, while being careful not to touch the inside of the panel that faces the computer components.

    *I suggest placing something like an old blanket or other soft material underneath the computer to reduce the chance of the glass shattering if it touches the ground *

    Step 4: Clean the Inside of the Computer

    *The compressed air can is upright in the photo before spraying the inside of the computer.*

    Warning: Ensure that the can is upright and distanced when spraying. Follow the compressed air can’s instructions as written. Failure to properly use the can as intended could result in liquid spraying onto electric components, possibly damaging your computer.

    1. Spray air in steady bursts for a couple seconds in areas where you see dust.
      1. If the can becomes cold and will not spray any more air, just wait for a few moments until the can begins to warm up and spray air again.
    2. Continue spraying air until a majority of the dust has been removed.

    Step 5: Reassembly

      1. Before adding the tempered glass panel back on, briefly spray the inside of the panel with air, so that it will be clean before reassembly.
      2. Carefully place the tempered glass back into place.
        1. While holding the glass in place, begin adding thumbscrews to secure the glass, starting from the top.
        2. Continue until all of the thumbscrews have been placed, and the glass is securely in place.

      Step 6: Clean the Glass Panel

      Caution: Avoid letting any spray hit the computer case, as this cleaner is only meant for glass.

      1. Briefly spray the glass panel with compressed air to remove any dust.
      2. Then, spray the glass with glass cleaner.
      3. Use a paper towel or cloth to spread and clean the glass.
        1. Try to clean the glass in a circular motion, so that no streaks or lines are left after cleaning.
        2. Use a dry paper towel to remove any leftover dust or smudges.
        3. Continue cleaning until the glass is clear.

      Step 7: Clean the Outside of the Computer

      While interior cleaning is important for airflow, exterior cleaning has an impact as well.

      1. Check all dust filters on your computer, and remove the dust with compressed air.
        1. After cleaning these filters, reinstall them as they were before.
      2. Use compressed air to remove any hair or dust from the outside of your computer.
        1. Continue until you are satisfied with the result.

      Step 8: Move and Replug

      *Caution: While moving the computer, do not touch the tempered glass. Touching the tempered glass will leave smudges and fingerprints*

      All of the cleaning has been completed, so all that is left is to move the computer back, plug everything back in, and turn the power supply unit button back on.