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There is no doubt about the fact that a motherboard is one of the most important components of a computer. Therefore, it is essential that you pay attention to it and keep it clean. The motherboard tends to accumulate dust and debris with the passage of time. Cleaning the dust is simple, but the same cannot be said about getting rid of any sticky substance or stain on the motherboard.
If a motherboard is not cleaned regularly, it can start lagging and the risk of short-circuiting can also increase over time. Therefore, if you want to ensure that it stays in perfect working condition, make it a habit to clean your motherboard when needed.
Gathering The Supplies:
Before diving into the steps involved in cleaning a motherboard, it is important to gather everything that is needed. This way, you will have everything within reach and will not have to run around trying to find the supplies in the middle of the cleaning process. Here is a list of all the items that you will need to clean your motherboard:
- Compressed air.
- Vacuum and attachments.
- Soft bristle brush.
- Cotton swabs.
- Rubbing alcohol.
Cleaning Process:
The process of cleaning a motherboard may seem intimidating or complex, but in reality, it is as simple as it gets. There is no rocket science involved and anyone can clean the motherboard easily. But with this being said, it is also important to be careful and cautious while cleaning your motherboard as you have to be gentle so that you do not end up damaging any part of the motherboard.
1. Removing The Motherboard:
The first thing you have to do is to remove the motherboard from the computer. Remove the cover of the CPU. Doing so will expose the motherboard. Make sure that the computer is not only switched off but is also disconnected from the power source before you take off the cover. You will clearly see the motherboard in front of you. Remove the connecting wires and take the motherboard out of the CPU.
2. Cleaning The Dust:
You will notice that there are some dust particles on the surface of the motherboard. It is best to clean them first before looking for other sticky stains. You can use compressed air to gently blow the dust particles away from the motherboard. If the dust is not going away using the compressed air, you can go ahead and use the vacuum to get rid of the dust. Make sure that you use the vacuum in a gentle setting so that you do not end up damaging any part of the motherboard.
If the dust is still hard and does not seem to budge, you should try using a soft bristle brush to loosen it up. Gently rub the brush over the dust to loosen it. Once the particles are loose use the vacuum or the compressed air to take them off of the motherboard. Make sure to be extremely gentle throughout the process otherwise you will end up causing serious damage to the motherboard. Bear in mind that it is an extremely sensitive computer part.
3. Removing Tough Stains:
Once you have dusted off the dust from the surface, carefully examine the motherboard to check whether there are some stains on it. These stains will not go away using the vacuum or compressed air so you will have to clean them manually.
Many people make the mistake of washing or draining their motherboard in a solvent such as rubbing alcohol. Although rubbing alcohol is the best way to get rid of rigid stains, you should never submerge the motherboard in it directly. Rather, the goal should be to get as little moisture in the motherboard as possible.
To remove the sticky stains, dip a cotton swab in some rubbing alcohol and gradually rub it against the stain. You will see that it will soon dissolve the stain and wipe away the stickiness. The use of alcohol is an excellent idea as it evaporates quickly leaving behind no moisture in the motherboard.
4. Reinstall The Motherboard:
Now that you have cleaned the motherboard properly, leave it in the open air for a bit. This is done to allow it to dry completely and reduce the risk of any moisture being retained in its nooks and crevices. When you are certain that the motherboard is a hundred percent dry, reinstall it in the CPU and place the cover back on top.
Conclusion:
Cleaning a motherboard is quite simple. Isn’t it? Just be vigilant and careful. Cleaning your motherboard will surely boost the performance of your computer and allow you to use your motherboard for a longer time period without having to worry about replacements.