To suck or blow? How to clean the inside of your Factorio rig?

[NineNine]

I haven't seen this problem happen since I swapped out my graphics card 9 days ago. I'm going to chalk this particular problem up to hardware. Thanks for the help!

Very glad to hear!

And for the record, I will still argue that a vacuum is better... You have the same amount of static electricity as blown air, but instead of blowing the dust into new places in the device, you're removing it, altogether.

For the record, that's complete nonsense, my friend. Quick internet search would tell you why you are very wrong. Check out this 15 years old article for starters, no point explaining again something already said one million times.

https://www.howtogeek.com/57870/ask-how ... -keyboard/

If in doubt, check your search engine to confirm.

Thanks for the link, but that's not a primary source. I have yet to find a reliable source that what you're saying is true. Why wouldn't the plastic nozzle of an air blowing thing not produce the same amount of static electricity? I do have a basic knowledge of physics, and I can't figure out why air blowing in one direction would build up a charge that air blowing in the opposite direction would not.

If anybody has a good source of information about this, I'd be interested, but right now, to me, it seems like it's just Internet nonsense. (Anecdotally, I did maintain a few dozen very dirty PC's for 20+ years with a vacuum, and never had a problem).

[Jap2.0]

Thanks for the link, but that's not a primary source. I have yet to find a reliable source that what you're saying is true. Why wouldn't the plastic nozzle of an air blowing thing not produce the same amount of static electricity? I do have a basic knowledge of physics, and I can't figure out why air blowing in one direction would build up a charge that air blowing in the opposite direction would not.

If anybody has a good source of information about this, I'd be interested, but right now, to me, it seems like it's just Internet nonsense. (Anecdotally, I did maintain a few dozen very dirty PC's for 20+ years with a vacuum, and never had a problem).

I haven't investigated thoroughly (and I do know people who have maintained computers successfully with a vacuum cleaner), but this piqued my curiosity. Claims I'm seeing for the mechanism basically boil down to "in a vacuum cleaner you have dust brushing against the nozzle and with compressed air you don't".

[NineNine]

Thanks for the link, but that's not a primary source. I have yet to find a reliable source that what you're saying is true. Why wouldn't the plastic nozzle of an air blowing thing not produce the same amount of static electricity? I do have a basic knowledge of physics, and I can't figure out why air blowing in one direction would build up a charge that air blowing in the opposite direction would not.

If anybody has a good source of information about this, I'd be interested, but right now, to me, it seems like it's just Internet nonsense. (Anecdotally, I did maintain a few dozen very dirty PC's for 20+ years with a vacuum, and never had a problem).

I haven't investigated thoroughly (and I do know people who have maintained computers successfully with a vacuum cleaner), but this piqued my curiosity. Claims I'm seeing for the mechanism basically boil down to "in a vacuum cleaner you have dust brushing against the nozzle and with compressed air you don't".

Oh, cool, that's a mechanism I haven't thought of. That's an interesting idea, and something I'll definitely look more into.

Since we're off-topic, I'm going to leave it here, (but I will continue to vacuum my computers)!

[eugenekay]

Vacuum cleaners generate an ENORMOUS amount of static electricity, which can be discharged directly to your computer’s sensitive parts via the plastic hose. Not a great idea when you already have hardware suspicions.

I recommend “canned air”, or an air compressor regulated to <40psi pressure. Or a soft bristle broom brush.

Since this generated so much friendly discussion, my continued/distilled “Technical Maintenance Expert Advice” regarding electronics dusting is:

• Centrally-provided high-volume low-pressure suction lines are optimal; but these are rarely available outside of a Hospital or Laboratory setting. Some manual brushing action or air is still required to remove stubborn dust.
• Chilled & dehydrated high-pressure air is good, commonly piped in Industrial or Commercial settings like automotive shops. I like this for cleaning laptops and general purpose work when available.
• “Canned Air” (in Liquid form, which aerosolizes and expands at the nozzle) contains no oxygen/nitrogen - or water. This is the best commonly-available method, but it is expensive on a per-use base.
• Light-duty home compressors provide acceptable air, but it must be regulated below the Tank pressure or component loss is possible. Condensation must be drained from the tank regularly, and the Compressor should be Grounded electrically. This is good enough for large electronics (vacuum tubes, CRT displays, power supply circuits) which are not especially sensitive. Inline desiccant dryers are available which improve the air quality.
• Domestic vacuum cleaners are typically of the “double insulated” motor type, with no metal path to Ground. Static safety is not usually a concern for the designers of these products. They do work for sucking dirt, and will usually not cause problems… but I have had working systems fail to boot after using these more than once - so I do not recommend them.
• Non-water liquids (denatured alcohol, or vodka in a pinch) and a microfiber rag or cotton swab are a last resort for dusting. These are necessary for deep-cleaning, or rust removal in the worst cases.

I do not have any Primary Source or Scientific Research behind these recommendations; they are based upon my working experience with the different types of cleaning equipment that are available for small-scale Data Center hosting locations (aka, “the Server Closet” at a business), from restaurants to warehouses to oil rigs. A clean computer is a happy computer.

[pioruns]

Vacuum cleaners generate an ENORMOUS amount of static electricity, which can be discharged directly to your computer’s sensitive parts via the plastic hose. Not a great idea when you already have hardware suspicions.

I recommend “canned air”, or an air compressor regulated to <40psi pressure. Or a soft bristle broom brush.

Since this generated so much friendly discussion, my continued/distilled “Technical Maintenance Expert Advice” regarding electronics dusting is:

• Centrally-provided high-volume low-pressure suction lines are optimal; but these are rarely available outside of a Hospital or Laboratory setting. Some manual brushing action or air is still required to remove stubborn dust.
• Chilled & dehydrated high-pressure air is good, commonly piped in Industrial or Commercial settings like automotive shops. I like this for cleaning laptops and general purpose work when available.
• “Canned Air” (in Liquid form, which aerosolizes and expands at the nozzle) contains no oxygen/nitrogen - or water. This is the best commonly-available method, but it is expensive on a per-use base.
• Light-duty home compressors provide acceptable air, but it must be regulated below the Tank pressure or component loss is possible. Condensation must be drained from the tank regularly, and the Compressor should be Grounded electrically. This is good enough for large electronics (vacuum tubes, CRT displays, power supply circuits) which are not especially sensitive. Inline desiccant dryers are available which improve the air quality.
• Domestic vacuum cleaners are typically of the “double insulated” motor type, with no metal path to Ground. Static safety is not usually a concern for the designers of these products. They do work for sucking dirt, and will usually not cause problems… but I have had working systems fail to boot after using these more than once - so I do not recommend them.
• Non-water liquids (denatured alcohol, or vodka in a pinch) and a microfiber rag or cotton swab are a last resort for dusting. These are necessary for deep-cleaning, or rust removal in the worst cases.

I do not have any Primary Source or Scientific Research behind these recommendations; they are based upon my working experience with the different types of cleaning equipment that are available for small-scale Data Center hosting locations (aka, “the Server Closet” at a business), from restaurants to warehouses to oil rigs. A clean computer is a happy computer.

Pinnacle of years of research and development in this area is chinese $20 blower Like this:

04-27-2025, 11-57-39.png (395.23 KiB) Viewed 557 times

This solves all home computer blowing requirements. No need for expensive cans or crazy machines.

[eugenekay]

Pinnacle of years of research and development in this area is chinese $20 blower Like this:
04-27-2025, 11-57-39.png

This solves all home computer blowing requirements. No need for expensive cans or crazy machines.

I would not even use those things to clean my car. Attempting to bring a $20 uncertified Chinese device or non-sealed chemicals into a proper “data center” usually leads to annoying conversations with Security personnel. Hence I have always preferred to use the Facility-provided cleaning supplies (or a brand-new Canned Air) in my work.

It is all about fitting the tool to the situation. Fancy equipment and techniques are not necessary on “home computers” for personal use; but the cheap stuff has risks. There are a lot of stories of “eh, it should be fine” that lead to “whoops blew a capacitor off my GPU, how do I solder”. The risk is low - but repeat it enough times and something will break.

I am the type of person who uses (and Tests!) static-discharge wrist straps before opening the Metal Case…. If your risk tolerances are higher than mine - go for it! Customers breaking their devices is ultimately good business for somebody in my line of work… I look forward to assisting with your PC Repair or Replacement needs in the future.

[NineNine]

I inadvertently started a debate in another thread about vacuuming vs blowing the insides of our computers clean... So, what do you prefer? Sucking or blowing, and why?

[eugenekay]

…why am I laughing so hard…

It would be great if a Moderator could please rearrange the second half of this Forum Thread over here for Context on where to start this off.

I am going to start by proposing that we establish (or adopt an existing) standard for dust removal testing. ASTM D1739 and D7486 are concerned with dust deposition; not removal…

[Bilka]

…why am I laughing so hard… :lol:

It would be great if a Moderator could please rearrange the second half of this Forum Thread over here for Context on where to start this off.

Enjoy :D

[Panzerknacker]

I use both, suck away the big dust blobs with a vac then blow the remaining stuff out with the compressor.

[pioruns]

I would not even use those things to clean my car. Attempting to bring a $20 uncertified Chinese device or non-sealed chemicals into a proper “data center” usually leads to annoying conversations with Security personnel. Hence I have always preferred to use the Facility-provided cleaning supplies (or a brand-new Canned Air) in my work.

Of course, that's why I said with tongue and cheek - home computer requirements, amateur level only. I use that when I de-dust computers I receive for spares or repairs, some of them were never cleaned in 10 years before they were retired. Amount of dust inside them is insane. So I go outside to the garden and I blow using chinese blower. 3 minutes later job is done. I also do my own rigs that as way, but with more care, of course. Always holding fans by hand while blowing around them, so they're not spinning forcibly. Hand held blowers like this have a trigger with allows you to adjust blowing power. No need to go full blast when blowing out computers, of course. That makes it more safe than hose from compressor, which always go full blast.
All this is not suitable for work/server room cleaning, like you described - a whole different level of complication.

[Tertius]

If you have insane amounts of dust inside your PC, consider choosing a better case, one with appropriate dust filters. With this, you just need to clean the dust filters and not the inside. Since these are just plastic, you can use your usual home vacuum cleaner without the danger of static electricity.
My case has a big air inlet at the bottom with a removable filter. Usually thick covered with dust. Around the front, there's another inlet with filters you get access to if you remove the front. Also much dust, slightly finer than the bottom dust. The top also has the option of a filtered air inlet.
At the back of the case there's just air outlet. There's never dust there as well as inside and on the motherboard or on the graphics card. Not even that fine dust you're able to remove with wiping or high air pressure only.

Ok, there are the fans. They sometimes have that fine dust on their wings. To not create any unbalance that might damage the fan bearings in the long run, you either must not touch that dust at all or completely remove the dust by wiping them clean, each wing separately and thoroughly. It's usually necessary to unmount and extract some fans for this kind of cleaning, since even with a pressured air can you're not able to clean both sides of its wings.

[NineNine]

I used to maintain PC's in pet stores. They were regular PC's, so they didn't have fancy "gaming computer" cases. As a result, these computers would get filled with very thick layers of dust and pet hair. Sometimes it was so thick that I could peel off large pieces of dust and hair with my fingers. Only on a very few occasions, did cleaning the dust out of them fix a problem. 99.9% of the time, they operated just fine filled with dust and dirt and hair. When I did clean them out, I just used a regular ShopVac and never had a problem.

Today, I still use a ShopVac to clean out my computers, although it's barely necessary when you're using one of these fancy "gaming" computer cases. They keep out a LOT of dust and dirt!

I never understood why somebody would use compressed air to clean out a computer. It seems like a very bad idea, because you're potentially forcefully blowing a lot of dust and dirt deeper into your computer, instead of removing it.

[eugenekay]

I used to maintain PC's in pet stores. They were regular PC's, so they didn't have fancy "gaming computer" cases. As a result, these computers would get filled with very thick layers of dust and pet hair. Sometimes it was so thick that I could peel off large pieces of dust and hair with my fingers. Only on a very few occasions, did cleaning the dust out of them fix a problem. 99.9% of the time, they operated just fine filled with dust and dirt and hair. When I did clean them out, I just used a regular ShopVac and never had a problem.

Today, I still use a ShopVac to clean out my computers, although it's barely necessary when you're using one of these fancy "gaming" computer cases. They keep out a LOT of dust and dirt!

I never understood why somebody would use compressed air to clean out a computer. It seems like a very bad idea, because you're potentially forcefully blowing a lot of dust and dirt deeper into your computer, instead of removing it.

There are different Scales to cleaning. I have never used a pet store PC, but my cats give a good Preview - ouch! I refuse to touch keyboards used by Smokers - I just hand them a new one (at-cost, of course). If you are operating on that scale then a Vacuum may be the only Sensible tool!

When I do an Electronics Service, there is no longer an "Inside" to the computer case - the dust dissipates into my workshop's air handler. All exterior panels are opened and cleaned chemically (Windex or whatever; it's just painted sheet metal), any expansion cards (and possibly also the Motherboard) are removed from the frame, pin-edge connectors are inspected for signs of corrosion or heating damage, cables are checked for fatigue cracking and replaced as necessary, any spinning HDD is set aside to be Imaged & replaced by SSD. Unless there is a "Reason" such as Upgrade or Warm CPU I will leave the heatsinks and other semi-permanent components mounted, but they still get a good clean to make sure everything is shiny.

Compressed-air regulated to 40psi (~2.5 bar, take your pick) expanding to atmospheric pressure provides sufficient turbulence to dislodge dust without contact in most cases. Vacuum cleaners seem to require you to "brush" the tip of the plastic nozzle to remove dirt, or use a bristle brush for crevices - that's specifically why I do not like them for general purpose use. Mini-blowers seem to have all the same static risks of Vaccum cleaners, without the pinpoint tip and sub-second pulses of a Air nozzle. They are cheap though!

[Tertius]

I can't figure out why air blowing in one direction would build up a charge that air blowing in the opposite direction would not.

I guess it's different not because of the static but because of handling the nozzle. The static accumulates on the nozzle due to friction between dry air and the nozzle, which is an insulator, so static electricity is able to accumulate. The plastic nozzle is charged and the source of the danger. If you're blowing, you need to hold and push the nozzle to keep it near your target. There is a tendency there is always a gap between the mainboard and the nozzle if you're blowing the mainboard, so the electricity stays on the nozzle and nothing happens. If you're sucking, the nozzle is being sucked and pulled onto the surface, and if you're not holding it back, it will touch the mainboard and the static will unload to the circuit it touches there.