Re: Electronic dust bunnies

[mjmahon@aol.com (Michael J. Mahon)]

M. Pender wrote:

>On 3/12/04 2:18 PM, in article 20040312141852.06694.00001117@mb-m05.aol.com,
>"Michael J. Mahon" <mjmahon@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Martin Doherty wrote: <something snipped, but not this...>
>> 
>> If you are experienced at disassembling and reassembling
>> electronic equipment, then the best procedure is to take the
>> computer out of the case and off the metal baseplate and
>> brush/blow it clean.  The other parts can be cleaned, too,
>> using your favorite cleaning solutions (I prefer Windex for
>> most things).  Take care not to get fluids into the keyswitches.
>
>When using one of the cans of compressed air, be sure to keep it far enough
>away from the chips that you're not blowing liquid onto the chips.  Also, I
>don't know about Windex, but I strongly recommend *against* using isopropyl
>alcohol.  It has a water content which doesn't evaporate very quickly.  I
>suggest using something that evaporates *rapidly*, such as nail polish
>remover (acetate?).

Perhaps I should have been clearer.  The Windex is for the "other"
parts of the machine, like the case, keys, and baseplate.

Does your canned compressed air contain so much water that it
condenses when you blow air?  It _should_ be dry air.  (Of course,
it will cool whatever it is directed at, so if your environment is
very humid, there may be some condensation.)

And acetone is _very_ likely to dissolve the plastic case, while
Windex (water, alcohol, and ammonia) is quite safe but has
substantial cleaning power and very low residue--and I wipe
it dry anyway.

Windex is also pretty safe to use, even inside, while solvents
like acetone are extremely dangerous (fire, inhaling, etc.).

Bottom line:  electronic equipment doesn't need to be spotless
on the inside to work perfectly.  Removing the obvious dust and
lint is enough.  The exterior of the case, however, can benefit
from careful and thorough cleaning.

-michael

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