Laptop computers have a very advanced cooling system that keeps the internal components cool. It consists of cooling fans that pull in cool air from the outside and directs it over the internal components. The hot air is then expelled out the back of the laptop. Thus, it keeps your laptop cool and helps to prevent overheating.
But, when the cooling fans get dusty, it can affect the performance of your laptop. The most obvious is that they will not be able to cool the internal components if it is clogged with dust, causing the computer to overheat and run more slowly.
Therefore, it is important to keep the cooling fans clean. But, since the cooling fans are part of the internal system, most laptops users, especially those who are unable to open their laptops, find it very difficult to clean.
If you are also going through the same phase, then don’t worry. Later in this article, I will explain how to clean laptop cooling fans without opening. Make sure you read the article to the end.
Before starting the cleaning process, it is important to know if your laptop’s cooling fans are actually dirty or not. There are a few signs which will help you determine whether the fans need to be cleaned or not. These signs are:
1. The laptop gets overheated
The cooling fans of a laptop are responsible for keeping the internal temperature low. When the processor or any other component gets heated, the they starts spinning, bringing the temperature down. However, when the cooling fans get dirty, they might not function properly, causing the laptop to overheat.
So, if your laptop gets hot quickly, this may indicate that the cooling fans are malfunctioning. If you don’t act quickly, the laptop’s internal components could get very hot, which could lead to a number of problems.
2. The laptop is running slowly
When cooling fans get dirty, they can’t spin as fast as they should. This will lead to the processor not getting enough air, which will start to heat up.
As a result, the laptop will run slowly because the processor is working extra hard to compensate for the lack of cooling. Also, you will experience more frequent system crashes if the processor gets too hot.
So, if you notice that your laptop is running slowly, it could signify that the fans are dirty and need to be cleaned.
3. The cooling fans are making noise
Another sign that indicates that your laptop cooling fans are dirty is if the laptop starts making noise. Normally, a laptop is not very loud, and you will only be able to hear it when it is turned on at full speed.
However, if the cooling fans are dirty, they will not be able to spin as fast as it should, and this will cause it to make a lot of noise. So, if your laptop cooling fans are making too much noise then it can be a sign that they are dirty and need to be cleaned.
4. The laptop battery drains quickly
Last but not least, if you find that your laptop’s battery is draining quickly, it is another sign that the cooling fans are dirty.
The blades of your laptop’s cooling fans can quickly become clogged with dust and other debris, causing them to work harder than it should. As a result, your laptop cooling fans may end up running non-stop, which not only make them louder but also cause your battery to drain more quickly.
Steps to clean laptop cooling fans without opening
If you are now sure that your laptop’s cooling fans need to be cleaned, you might be wondering how to do it without opening the laptop. Although it is recommended to open the laptop and clean the fans properly, not every laptop is easy to open.
Cleaning the cooling fans of a laptop without opening it can be difficult. However, using compressed air is the most effective way to clean it without having to open the laptop. Not only is this method easy and effective, but it is also safe. All you need to do is to follow the steps below.
Step 1: Prepare the laptop
The first and most important step is to turn off the laptop completely and unplug it from the power source because spraying compressed air inside the laptop while it is turned on can be very dangerous. It can lead to data loss or damage to the internal components.
Also, it is best to take the laptop somewhere you are not worried about getting dusty and place it upside down. This will help to prevent the dust from falling back into the fan.
Step 2: Spray compressed air
Once you have turned off the laptop and unplugged it, now it is time to spray compressed air into the fan.
Point the nozzle of your compressed air can at the cooling vents and start spraying. Start by spraying from different angles to remove all the dirt and dust. Continue spraying until you no longer see any dust coming out of the vents.
However, you need to be very careful while doing this so that you don’t damage the fan. Make sure to spray in short bursts and don’t hold down the trigger for too long as it can cause the blades to bend. Also, don’t aim directly at the fan.
Step 3: Clean the vents and surrounding areas
Once you spray compressed air into the vents, it is time to clean the vents and surrounding areas.
You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the vents. Just make sure to use the brush attachment, so you don’t damage the vents. If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, then you can use Q-tip to clean the vents.
Also, don’t forget to clean the surrounding areas. It is important to make sure that there is no dust left behind as it can quickly build up and cause your laptop cooling fans to get dirty again.
Step 4: Put everything back together
Now that you have cleaned the cooling fans and the surrounding areas, it is time to put everything back together.
First, make sure that all the dust is removed from the keyboard and the screen. Then, reconnect the power cord and turn on your laptop.
Once your laptop is turned on, check if you are still experiencing the symptoms you were before. If the symptoms are gone, the cooling fans are now clean, and if the symptoms are still there, you might need to take your laptop to a professional to get it cleaned.
What to do if the cooling fans are still dirty?
If you have followed the steps above properly but the cooling fans are still dirty and you are experiencing the symptoms you were before, you might need to open your laptop and clean the cooling fans properly.
However, if your laptop doesn’t allow you to open it easily or you are not comfortable doing it yourself, then it is best to take it to a laptop repair shop. The technicians there will be able to clean the fans properly and fix any other issues your laptop might have.
Also, check if your laptop is still under warranty, as you might be able to get it fixed for free.
How often should you clean your laptop fan?
Over time, laptop cooling fans can become clogged with dust, hair, and other debris. This can cause the cooling fans to work harder and run hotter, leading to system instability and even damage to the laptop.
Therefore, you need to keep the fans clean. But how often should you clean your laptop cooling fans?
Depending on how often you use your laptop and how dusty your environment is, you may need to clean them every few months. If you live in a dusty area or use your laptop on the go, you may need to clean them more often.
Can you prevent your laptop cooling fans from getting dirty?
Laptop cooling fans have to continuously spin to keep your laptop from overheating. The air coming from the fans can eventually cause dust to accumulate on the fan blades. While it is not possible to completely prevent your laptop cooling fans from getting dusty, there are a few things you can do to reduce the amount of dust that accumulates on it.
One way to reduce the amount of dust that gets onto your laptop cooling fans is to keep them in a clean environment. If you use your laptop in a place where there is a lot of dust, such as a workshop or construction site, try to keep it in a clean area when not in use. You can also try to avoid using your laptop on carpeted surfaces, as this can increase the amount of dust that gets onto the fans.
In addition, you can try to reduce the amount of heat that your laptop produces. This will help reduce the amount of dust that gets onto the cooling fans and improve your laptop’s overall performance.
By following these tips, you can reduce the dust that accumulates on your laptop cooling fans. However, it is still important to regularly clean the fans to prevent them from becoming too dusty and causing problems with your laptop’s performance.
Final thoughts
It’s normal for your laptop to get hot. If you notice that your laptop cooling fans are always running fast or your laptop gets too hot to touch, it’s probably time for a cleaning.
In this article, I have shown you how to clean laptop cooling fans without opening up your laptop. This is a simple and effective way to keep your laptop cool and improve its performance.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I would love to hear from you!
Thanks for being with us 🙂
