Vacuum cleaner for a computer: specifics of the device and use + review and advice for the buyer
When problems arise with the operation of the computer, as a rule, they begin to look for hardware faults. But the cause of equipment malfunctions may be dust and dirt accumulated inside.A computer vacuum cleaner will help get rid of this problem by cleaning the keyboard, power supply and the entire device from debris stuck in it.
Agree, such an assistant will be very useful, because it will allow you to fully care for your computer without calling a technician. And this is a good saving of time and money, isn’t it? All that remains is to decide on the type of suitable unit and choose a specific model. Our article will help solve these questions.
We described in detail the features of different types of units, outlined the main criteria for choosing such equipment, and listed the ten best models for PC maintenance. In addition, we told you how to use a vacuum cleaner for preventive purposes and for thorough cleaning of your computer.
The content of the article:
Types of vacuum cleaners for computers
Trying to clean your computer with a regular large vacuum cleaner, you can remove not only dust, but also small parts at the same time. For this purpose, special devices were invented. They connect to the USB port of your PC, and their sizes allow you to clean the most inaccessible nooks and crannies.
Toner vacuum cleaners also belong to the computer category. They are used when refilling cartridges for printers, photocopiers, and repairs. Visually, these devices are difficult to distinguish from household ones.The difference is in the design of the filter, which captures the smallest magnetic metal particles, as well as polymer elements.
A regular vacuum cleaner cannot capture toner dust. At best, it will simply fail, at worst, it will ignite due to the fact that the mixture enters the engine and remains there.
There are two main types of these devices - stationary and mobile.
Stationary vacuum cleaners. Such devices are used in offices to service office equipment. They are equipped with a two-stage cleaning system. Particles larger than 5 microns remain in the coarse cleaning stage, and particles from 0.3 microns are retained by the fine filter.
The model range includes devices whose filters are designed for large volumes of toner - from 20.5 to 30 kg.
Portable vacuum cleaners or 3M toner service units are produced under many brands. Due to the fact that they have the most simplified design, the price of the devices is low.
The filtration system here is not as perfect as that of stationary units and it allows some dangerous particles to pass through. Due to this, the service life of these devices is short.
There are many models of USB devices. Their parameters are identical, only individual elements differ, but these are the main criteria for selection.
Criteria for choosing a vacuum cleaner
Many manufacturers produce vacuum cleaners designed for computer care, but this does not mean that any one will be suitable for you personally.
When choosing a device, you need to pay attention to several details:
- Nozzle. Since dust must be removed from all corners without exception, this element must be narrow, then the most secluded places will become accessible to it.
- Availability of a flashlight. With its help, dusty areas will not be hidden from your eyes.
- Presence of USB. In this case, your dust “recycler” will be able to work not only from an outlet, but also from equipment directly. You can always clear the keyboard rows by connecting it to the appropriate connector. This is especially true for a laptop, because the conditions for its use are far from ideal.
- Compactness. Small dimensions are desirable, since cleaning with a large vacuum cleaner is inconvenient and dangerous.
- Network cable. For convenient cleaning of the device, the optimal length is 1.5 m minimum.
- Nozzles The kit should include at least three: a soft brush, a rubber brush, and a crevice brush.
- Additional functions. “Turbo” allows you to briefly increase the suction power, if necessary, and the power regulator to decrease it.
Many models can be stored in a desk drawer so that you can use the device at any time.
Caring for a miniature computer vacuum cleaner is easy; you just need to empty the dust container, which takes little time.
And after removing dust inside the system unit, power supply and on the fan blades, the cooling system will work at full capacity, the coolers will stop making noise, and the operation of the electronic components of the gadget will stabilize.
Strengths and weaknesses of the vacuum cleaner
A small vacuum cleaner has many advantages:
- lightness — its mass is so small that even a physically weak person can use it;
- ergonomics — it is convenient to store, since it takes up little space;
- easy to care for — the mini vacuum cleaner is easy to clean from dirt.
In addition, the device does not require long preparation for operation.
Along with the advantages, there are also some disadvantages:
- limited opportunities — no other cleaning can be performed with such a vacuum cleaner;
- low power - therefore, the suction power is also low, and the quality of cleaning suffers from this;
- small volume of dust container — because of this you have to take breaks and clean it;
- dust particles entering the room - filters do not completely capture them.
In any case, cleaning your PC from dust with a special device is more comfortable. Moreover, the nozzles traditional vacuum cleaner are unsuitable for this purpose.
Popular models and their characteristics
For a more informed choice, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the most popular models of computer vacuum cleaners. It should be noted that some models are considered universal - they are often used for car cleaning.
Sample No. 1 - Daewoo Power DAVC150
This model is compact and powerful with an ergonomic handle. The main advantage over analogues is the function of absorbing liquid substances. Just a godsend for those who like to drink coffee in front of a computer monitor without stopping at work.
Daewoo provides a 3 year warranty.
Specifications:
- voltage - 12 V;
- declared power - 150 V;
- suction power - 95 V;
- cable length - 4 m;
- Dust container capacity - 0.7 liters.
The set consists of a narrow nozzle, a brush for cleaning any surface, and a device for collecting liquid. As disadvantages, users note the rapid contamination of the sponge filter when there is a lot of dust and the lack of a power regulator.
Sample No. 2 - Gembird KBC-USB
This USB vacuum cleaner has a reliable motor, backlight, and all the necessary attachments.
A big plus is the presence of a power regulator. The problem is low power, loud noise during operation, and unprepossessing design. The cost of the gadget is more than 2 thousand rubles.
Sample No. 3 - Philips FC 6141
The ergonomic device is made of high-quality plastic. Equipped with a two-stage cleaning system - coarse filter and dust filter.
This convenient and lightweight tool has an attractive design. It is easy for them to collect crumbs, small hairs, and other debris. There is a case for storage.
Some users are not satisfied with the low suction power - only 22 kW. Cost - about 3 thousand rubles. It also doesn't suit everyone. In addition, the battery does not last long, so you have to charge it frequently.
Sample No. 4 - Orient V-01
Orient V-01 is a compact and practical device. It does a good job of ridding your PC keyboard of small debris. Its advantages include light weight and dimensions that allow you to place the gadget in your hand.
No additional modules are needed for connection, since it operates from a USB port. This vacuum cleaner has a built-in flashlight. The small unit is equipped with a turbo mode function and a spiral-shaped cord more than one meter long.
The kit includes a pair of attachments: a soft one that cleans hard-to-reach places and a brush equipped with three tubes. Crumbs are swept out of the keyboard and they are sucked through tubes into the dust collector.
As a disadvantage, users note the loose connection of the nozzles and noise during operation. This gadget costs about 250 rubles.
Sample No. 5 - CBR FD-368
This small-sized device fits in your hand. Cleans the keyboard from everything that gets into it after snacks while working on a computer or laptop. Connect it directly to the USB connector of the system unit or laptop. Two attachments improve the quality of cleaning.
The cord is 1 m long, which is enough to clean your PC. It operates when the computer is turned on from the USB port. It is quite inexpensive - close to 200 rubles.
Sometimes in reviews, users complain about low suction power, poor quality assembly, as a result of which gaps have formed at the joints of parts. The device is quite loud.
Sample #6 – Clean Kit
It’s a mobile, small device, but it effectively cleans the keyboard and the insides of the computer from dust and small debris. To turn it on, you only need a USB port, so you can use it not only at home or in the office, but also on a picnic or in the car.
The weight is scanty - only 200 g with dimensions of 215 * 35 mm. The vacuum cleaner comes with two attachments and a 1 m long cord. The device is extremely simple to use.At the end of the work, you need to rinse the filter under the water tap and then dry it. Its price is about 200 rubles.
The power of the vacuum cleaner is 60 W, it consumes 5 amperes, designed for a voltage of 12 V. The suction power is small - about 5 W. The noise level is also high for such a small unit.
Sample #7 – Migliores
The model is very light - only 90 g. It has low energy consumption. Connects to a USB port and has two attachments. This is a compact, convenient device with a moderately long cable. It is compatible with all existing USB devices.
This vacuum cleaner has a built-in LED, a “turbo” mode, and an “open” button for cleaning the dust container. Product weight 90 g with dimensions 18*4 cm.
When should you open your PC case?
The need to clean your computer is indicated by the following problems with its stability:
- uncharacteristic noise from the system unit;
- spontaneous reboots;
- freezing;
- OS inhibition;
- the appearance of a specific odor;
- increased body temperature.
If the computer was often used outside the home or stored in a non-residential area, it is necessary to clean it before starting it up.
General cleaning of the inside of the computer is recommended every 6 months. Shifting the deadline up or down depends on many external factors, as well as the type of electronics.
Operating a computer vacuum cleaner
To ensure that your computer never needs a thorough cleaning, you need to take care of it periodically.
General recommendations for use
When cleaning your computer to avoid damage, you need to follow the recommendations of specialists:
- The computer must be unplugged from the network, otherwise you may receive an electric shock. Peripheral cables need to be disconnected.
- It is better not to touch the motherboard so as not to damage small parts.
- The use of attachments is mandatory.
- To avoid damaging the microcircuits, they must be cleaned very carefully.
The technologies for periodic maintenance and general cleaning of PCs differ from each other.
Using a vacuum cleaner for periodic cleaning
To clean the system unit, remove the cover on the left side. Then use a vacuum cleaner to suck out all the dust. Particular attention should be paid to the video card and heatsink. The next step is to clean the power supply. Dust is removed from memory sticks and other hard-to-reach places using a brush.
Finally, the power cable is connected to turn on the computer and check that all the coolers are spinning. Afterwards, the computer is turned off again and the cover is screwed back into place.
Major cleaning work
If your computer is heavily soiled, superficial cleaning will not help. When the computer radiator blades are clogged tightly, the fan will have to be removed.
Work order:
- Disconnect the power terminals of the cooler on the motherboard and remove it.
- The blades of the cooling unit are cleaned of dust layers.
- The mechanical part is lubricated.
- Install the cooler in its place.
Some modifications, due to their design features, require complete dismantling, because The cooling system is located deep in the body.
To thoroughly clean the system unit in this case, take the following steps:
- Turn off the PC, free the system unit from cables.
- The cover on the left is removed, as is the power supply.
- Next, disassemble the power supply and remove all dust from its casing using a vacuum cleaner.
- Unscrew the cooler.
- Replace the thermal paste on the graphics card and processor.
- The PC case is freed from dust by cleaning hard-to-reach places with a brush.
- Remove the video card and clean it.
- The power supply and video card are returned to their place.
- Check that the power cables are connected correctly.
- Check the rotation of the coolers by turning on the PC briefly.
- Replace the cover of the system unit, having previously turned off the power to the computer.
Experts advise buying a new cooler before replacing the thermal paste on the video card. Often the old cooler gets damaged.
The radiator should not become loose after installation in its proper place. To avoid this, connect the bracket grooves to the hooks, and then lightly press the radiator with your hand.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The process of cleaning a PC with a vacuum cleaner:
Proper disassembly of the computer before cleaning:
As you can see, a vacuum cleaner for removing dirt and dust from a computer is a necessary thing. Using such a device, you can significantly increase the effect of preventive maintenance of computer equipment and prevent PC breakdowns.
Have you ever had to clean your computer yourself? Please tell us what vacuum cleaner you used at work and whether it had enough power to remove dust and debris. We are waiting for your comments, questions and advice on choosing and using such equipment - the contact form is located below.
Interestingly, this is the first time I’ve heard about the existence of such a vacuum cleaner. As far as I understand, the only difference is the size and the optional ability to work from usb. I’m not sure it’s worth buying a separate device; you can get by with a standard vacuum cleaner with a small attachment. And the keyboard is generally easier to disassemble and clean, because the vacuum cleaner will not be able to pull out all the debris from under the keys.
I believe that such a vacuum cleaner should only be owned by a specialist who repairs equipment. In an ordinary apartment, such a vacuum cleaner will not be needed. Yes, and it costs a lot. The question also arises of where to store it, since if the apartment already has a corded vacuum cleaner with a bunch of attachments, plus a manual one (for picking up crumbs and small debris), then there is no free space left.
Once I saw such a vacuum cleaner for a computer on Ali and decided to order it. I often eat at the computer and small crumbs get stuck in the keyboard. To be honest, I was very disappointed. Its only convenience is that it is light and compact, but that’s where the advantages end. He can’t even cope with dust; rather, he drives it from corner to corner. In my opinion, it is an absolutely useless thing. Unless you buy a professional device, which doesn’t make any sense to me.
A USB vacuum cleaner is like a scooter truck.
I disconnect the system unit from the network and disassemble it. Where should I plug the USB in? In the ass?!