Here’s Why It’s Necessary to Clean Your PC

Cleaning anything in life is never an enjoyable experience. A computer is no exception. However, cleaning the inside and outside of a computer doesn’t just keep things tidy, but it will extend the life of the system. It is worth taking the time every so often to clean the computer, and that goes beyond just basic dusting and wiping down surfaces.

Read on to learn why it is necessary to clean a PC’s hardware and software. With just a little bit of effort dedicated, users can avoid trips to a repair shop or feeling forced into upgrading their computer sooner than expected.

Hardware Cleaning

A computer can run smoothly out of the box, but over time it might start to lag. One of the first steps that professionals recommend is cleaning that hardware. Oftentimes, cleaning the outside of the computer protects the data stored on the inside.

The simple steps to a cleaner, longer-lasting computer include a few general maintenance options that people can implement every few days. It is worth wiping off the computer screen and using a separate wipe to clean off the keyboard area. These two places receive the most activity daily, and it is easy for grime and germs to build up.

Some compressed air will also help with this general hardware cleaning process. By spraying air in the crevices of the computer, users can easily remove dust and food crumbs. If you keep on top of tasks like this, the hardware won’t ever get too dirty. But sometimes, it still needs more specific cleaning.

The fan vent area can accumulate some build-up over time. This sometimes builds up externally, which makes it easier for individuals to clean themselves. However, if the build-up is more inside the computer, the fan might need to be repaired by a professional.

Computer fans play an important role in ensuring that components stay cool and everything operates as it should. If just one fan stops working, a computer can overheat and cause more problems than light dust build-up.

Every 9 to 12 months, it is recommended to get a more thorough cleaning done for the hardware. This can mean opening up the computer and examining any vulnerable areas (or damage to internal components). Professionals will know what exactly to look for, and they can prevent owners from causing any problems. Using the hardware delicately means nothing will be compromised. Then, the computer is closed back up and ready for use.

Using Effective Cleaner Software

With the hardware out of the way, cleaning the software on the computer is the next step. Software is not dirty or dusty like hardware, but it can still accumulate its share of “filth”; think programs, duplicate files, and anything else that is stored on the computer.

The first step in cleaning a computer’s software is removing any unused programs that take up space on the hard drive. If there is software on the computer that has never been opened or has not been open in years, it probably doesn’t need to be there. Deleting the software not only clears up space but declutters the computer in general. This can be done manually or using specialized PC cleaning software.

Next, back up the critical information that remains on the computer. Before doing any type of in-depth cleaning, it is always a good time to do a manual update. Many people have automatic updates set up and ready to go, but a manual update ensures nothing is left behind.

Finally, run system update checks and perform maintenance tasks to ensure that all software is up-to-date and operating as it should. It is easy to let the software get out of date, hurting a computer’s performance. It pays off during the cleaning process to have the most current version of software to get the best performance.