DCN Services: technologeneral
General Technical Musing from the Staff at Dyess Computer & Networking Services, LLC.
03/28/17
Last time we talked about why you should clean out your computer equipment. Today, we are talking about where you should clean that equipment. Sounds like an odd topic for an entire post doesn’t it? You are going to clean it either where it is at or wherever you have space to move around and clean it. Well, read on for some things you might not have thought about.
In 2004, Three environmental groups (silicon valley toxics coalition, computer takeback campaign, and clean production action), Conducted a study of toxins found in household dust. So as to not list everything the found, I will sum it up like this: every chemical (or a byproduct of it) that has ever come into your house can be found in your dust. Think you don’t have dust because you keep a clean house? When was the last time you cleaned out your AC (duct work and all), the inside of your dryer, every piece of electronics with a fan, etc. The inside of your hand mixer has dust in it. Some dust you can see. Watch a sunbeam and see if there is dust falling in it. Some dust, however, you cannot see. I am sure your house is clean, but it is not sterile. Work with me here. 
So, if dust is toxic, how toxic is it, and how much is in your computer? It is toxic enough that some of the compounds found during the study were banned right afterwards (some build up in your body a little more with every exposure). How much is in you computer depends on how much it is generating, how much airflow the case has (in and out), and how often you clean it. Still think it is a good idea to clean these just anywhere?
So, where should you clean your computer equipment? Well, unless you have the equipment to capture the dust as it comes out, you should do the dust removal outside (on a clear, dry, still day). If you do have the equipement, do it wherever you want. After the dust is gone, the remainder of the cleaning can be done on any flat surface that is comfortable to work on in either a standing or sitting position.
That dear friends is where you should clean your computer equipment. Of course, you can always bring them to us and we can clean them, let you know if any hardware is in danger of failing soon, and tune them up for you. As always, if you have any questions on this or other topics, just send us a message or post in the comments. Have a great day!