How To Clean a Laptop Fan Safely 💻

When cleaning any Laptop Fan always use a plastic spudger to hold the fan in place and then run your micro attachment for the vacuum over it to clean it this stops the fan from moving too much which can hurt the motor better safe than sorry 💯

[@n8an811]

I honestly just disassemble the entire fan. Just cleaning the fan won't increase the airflow because gunk is stuck at the exit grill. Legit found a 2-3mm thick blanket of dust on the grill. This was after I tried like 5 different brands of thermal pastes and cleaned the outside fans.

[@TechInsomnia]

Couldn't agree with you more! This one wasn't too bad but I've seen that exact blanket of dust you're referring too many times and the only affective way to clean it is to remove the fan/fans like you said. 💯 I've had incredible real-world temperature results with Arctic Silver 5 over the years. Definitely worth a try if you haven't tried it yet.

[@n8an811]

@@TechInsomnia I remember buying artic, but I'm not sure which one I bought. I'll try it the next time I clean it out. My laptop went from thermal throttling and staying above 90C+ when gaming to around 60-70 C. Honestly, cleaning that out should be easier and laptop manufacturers should warn consumers. People are probably buying new laptops because they think that their current one is ruined.

[@TechInsomnia]

Couldn't agree with you more my friend. Hoping to grow my channel and spread the good word and maybe save people some money and help them get the best out of their technology. 🤞 That's a crazy difference in temps.. WOW! You did good my friend. Sometimes those 3M larger size rubber feet can give you a bit of lift from the back and even better cooling depending on the laptop. I've seen so many that have manufacture made feet that don't give quite enough lift to really allow air to come in there. Always good to experiment and test things and that's how we keep getting better. 💯🙏✨

[@condorX2]

​@@TechInsomnia I'm using those air duster to blow the fans on the back without opening the case. Your advice on preventing the fan from spinning is good

[@diprosla592]

​​@@TechInsomnia can i cleanup my gaming laptop at home or do i need to go to some pc guy like you? (lenovo ideapad gaming 3i) Is bad that i was clenaing it up whole 2 years by vaccum cleaner on low power withnout removing back cover just vaccuming it from back cover of fans intake where i found the white dust?

[@gonzalotapia1250]

The motor isn't important. If the fan spins, it generates electricity that can fry electronic components. Remember, any motor is a generator when you make it turn.

[@llibressal]

Any brushless motor that is.

[@Karim-uknwmg702]

what if it spin when the fan is disconnected ?

[@llibressal]

@Karim-ifInwUstfu702 If disconnected Then the electricity produced can't go anywhere and can't damage other electronics.

[@Karim-uknwmg702]

@@llibressal just one more question about the fan my laptop have 2 fans when i clean then i used brush and blow air, but after putting them back 1 fan start making sound when spinning not loud but it sound like (rrrrrr) when it cold and after few munites of activity it stop making sound when it spin, i open it back and test the laptop without backpanel and it work fine without the rrrrrrr noise this is really strange

[@llibressal]

@Karim-ifInwUstfu702 I had the same problem and it gradually got really loud. As I did, you should order a new fan because I think the fan bearings are going to eventually fail and stop the fan completely.

[@Ekitchi0]

If your fan looks like the one in the video, just remove the tiny screw around the edges and open it. Much easier to clean including the radiator fins.

[@zeparthe16thspiritofarsgoe15]

I see a lot of comments here complaining about the vacuum having static. Why not put a rubber coating on the tip of the vacuum

[@TechInsomnia]

I'm pretty sure the hose itself is rubber. I've never had a problem with these and I've been using this exact one over the past 15 years without a problem. Mind you I've bought it maybe 10 times from amazon and ebay because the bristles will wear out over time but other than that, works well. 💯 amzn.to/43IyDjE

[@baker256]

Oh I was spinning the hell out of that fan, no wonder why it made a weird noise after

[@TSBthesoundbooth]

have you fixed it? did the same and now hacve alot of more noise

[@tuongnguyenan6408]

well i think that the best way to clean it is to take it off and then clean it

[@condorX2]

No. I don't want to xD

[@joeghaoui1229]

@@condorX2 did you clean it? If yes how did you do it?

[@condorX2]

@@joeghaoui1229 I got the IETS GT500 cooling pad instead 😁 95c to 65c

[@joeghaoui1229]

@@condorX2 whoaaaa that a big difference

[@paztwel]

Yes, but some assembly/designs have a problem: the fan can be removed only if the radiator is completely disconnected from the processor and in this case it is necessary to apply a new thermal paste 😩

[@Slurrpii]

Yeah, totally holding the fan helps it whenever the fan spins way more faster than an average person spins it

[@TechInsomnia]

Can you spin faster than the average person? Quit trolling bro 💯

[@diprosla592]

​@@TechInsomnia just quick question if i was just using vacuum cleaner from outside withnout removing the back cover could i do something bad other then not clenaing cooling fans properly?

[@TechInsomnia]

I wouldn't recommend it unless you can stick something thin life a paper clip through the vent to hold the fan blades from spinning as you vacuum it. Safer to open the computer. 💯

[@Androidy]

​@@TechInsomnia he's saying that a laptop fan can spin faster than a person can spin it

[@henrylar8958]

@@Androidy the point he is making is that the fan blades should only be rotating from the internal motor that spins them, not an outside force when the internals are disengaged. Which makes sense i think

[@kasper369]

The way you brushing it, won't the dust just further in I mean down, u know what I mean

[@TechInsomnia]

Not if the suction is strong enough but not too strong 🙏

[@allanbeniga9753]

Hello, is it recommended to use vacuum while using the fan?thankyou

[@FireInFairy]

The fan spins in its life cycle. So if you move it nothing will happen. But if you use a blower, then the fan can spin up and start generating voltage which can kill the motherboard. Of course there are diodes to prevent this

[@maiden5427]

when cleaning any fan, unscrew it from the laptop and clean it away from the laptop to avoid dust getting stuck in the air vents.

[@Væl3k]

What about static electricity from the vacuum?

[@TechInsomnia]

Been fixing computers for 20 plus years. Never had an issue. Plus the hose for the micro attachment is rubber. 🙏

[@toastman2422]

@@TechInsomnia that’s not how it works please start useing a dust blower you will eventually have a problem not trying to be a hater

[@littleregrets8810]

What tools are needed to clean the laptop fan? Should i also detache the battery?

[@mrducky179]

I think simply unplugging the cable attaching the battery is enough

[@legendmaster1989]

Unplug the fan cable not battery and do so at your own risk

[@rohanputtur9186]

I spin the fan a lot while cleaning,am I in trouble?

[@simonasfaw9450]

I used a leaf blower 💀 and now the fan makes a grinding noise...

[@BlingJ.]

you can use small blower

[@AtomicSub]

@@BlingJ.aka your mother

[@simonasfaw9450]

@@AtomicSub I didn't laugh 👀

[@simonasfaw9450]

@@BlingJ. Thanks for the info man 👍🏼

[@amgadamgad3946]

How did you solve the problem because I have the same thing here

[@KRAZE028]

Watching this after destroying my fan🙂... I started blower after opening my laptop and started to clean. I clean the fan with blower and the fan was spinning 100 miles an hour than I booted my laptop after cleaning and from then onwards it making a lot of sound😭😭😭 I think I killed that motor it's still spining but making lot of noise that before

[@joshuavantongeren1734]

rip to your fan...

[@joshuavantongeren1734]

best way to clean it just use a soft brush better than compressed air for the next time ;)

[@legendmaster1989]

Lucky ur mobo didn’t fry

[@SUMIT11231]

can i use air duster(compressed air) to clean the dust of my laptop fans

[@TechInsomnia]

I try not to use them because they can output moisture onto whatever you're spraying when used on certain spay angles. Plus it wouldn't remove the dust but rather push it into different places in the computer where you might not ever be able to clean unless completely disassembling the computer later on. In my experience a good Vacuum with micro cleaning attachments is always best my friend. 🙏

[@SUMIT11231]

@@TechInsomnia thanks for the response :)

[@bugsbugsbugsbugsbugsbugsbugs]

im spinning that shit to high heaven and seeing no side effects and loving it

[@martobee5760]

I just cleaned mine out and was blowing air through the fans like crazy😵😵

[@NotLikeUs17]

@@martobee5760😂😂😂

[@Handlethatineedtouse]

Fr

[@calexito9448]

Honestly I put a vacuum cleaner and I like how it goes FFFFIFUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

[@shadowrld_999]

Bro i broke one fin it looks like this with a lot of fins is it okay to run?

[@TechInsomnia]

If only one fin you’ll be fine brother 💯

[@stssundr2807]

Sir Excuse Me ... what vacumm cleaner did u use, can u give me a name of it

[@TechInsomnia]

It's a smaller Bissel Vacuum with Mirco Cleaning Attachments added to it. 🙏

[@stssundr2807]

@@TechInsomnia tankQ sir

[@paztwel]

The old worn out vacuum cleaner nozzle looks funny 😂

[@thedevil9442]

Okay, so I normally hold it in place but one time I accidentally spun the fan and now it's making noises. Is it fixable or nah?

[@Mouseclops]

THANK YOU!

[@addictedgamer3146]

I don't have compress air spay can i just use brush to clean my laptop's fans?

[@TechInsomnia]

I like that method the best to be honest. Spray tends to more dust around and sometimes into places where you will never be able to get to without having to disassemble the entire machine completely. 💯

[@addictedgamer3146]

@@TechInsomnia thanks

[@Cryptic141]

I just remove the fan itself and clean that way lol

[@BoiledEgg48]

Damn I hope I didn’t fuck up my fans…. I cleaned mine with a shop vacuum…

[@Propaganda45]

One of the screws is really deformed and I can't get the laptop opened to clean it

[@legendmaster1989]

Drill noise intensifies

[@Lunar360]

no wonder it was vibrating my entire laptop

[@VoXa969]

Thank you that helps🙏🙏

[@Loytvshow]

This is not cleaning sir

[@we-drive]

sir this is wendy's

[@Jolteon52]

I used my compressor. That brush will do nothing without removing the fan.

[@geotom5627]

Guys I followed all the instructions in this video on my Legion 5 from 2021. After cleaning the laptop, the screen is completely flickering and idk what to do. I opened the back cover of the laptop with an old credit card. I cleaned the fan with an old but clean toothbrush. Guys idk what to do my parents will KILL me if they find out. I would really appreciate if someone helped me here

[@Lampyshady]

Update please

[@michellekim8193]

any update? same to mine

[@itchyJaw]

I spin my laptop fan and it stops working

[@zeparthe16thspiritofarsgoe15]

I accidentally spin my fan too by blowing with my lungs and it just stopped too. I and thinking if the bearings or the plug not fully inserted

[@jacksparrow7474]

oh man, why didn't you say that before I went all in?

[@TechInsomnia]

Next time 🙏 Some fans are more resilient than others 🤞

[@monalystt]

Whoops....

[@Jaushan2256]

This is how we clean in the video, but in reality, he will not use the equipment😊

[@EXDfuzz]

thanks

[@TechInsomnia]

Pleasure 🙏

[@tartartartartar2731]

Hey mate can you clarify how fan gets damaged by moving? I just cleaned my laptop fan

[@TechInsomnia]

Excessive movement by force of the motor in either direction can cause damage on some fanes depending on the make and quality of manufacture. I always just play by the better safe than sorry moto. 🙏

[@sysostv8058]

motor is not going to be damage UNless you use force but still can make electric and damage other electronic parts of pc

[@sociscin]

Do I need to disconnect the battery? I don't wanna mess with the battery...

[@TechInsomnia]

If you can unplug it, it’s always good to be safe but you should be ok with the battery still connected. Just make sure the computer is turned off.

[@Broxy_]

Actually you shouldn’t use a vacuum co clean computers because the static electricity from the vacuum can fry the motherboard. Instead use a blower or compressed air

[@TechInsomnia]

Not true my friend. Electricity cannot easily travel through pure plastics which are the majority of vacuum hoses and ends. Plastic will inhibit the flow of electrons. Plus compressed air just moves dust and particles around and you unknowingly can blow dust into places of the computer that can be hard to remove after. Been vacuuming computers on a daily/weekly basis for over 20 years. Never fried anything. 🙏

[@Broxy_]

@@TechInsomnia Don't use a vacuum cleaner. A vacuum can create static electricity that can damage computer components. A vacuum can also create enough suction to make your fans spin hard enough to damage them. Don't use a feather duster or rag, either. It maybe didn’t happen to you this time but I know from personal experience that my customers have tried to vacuum their pc or computer to get dust out and it fried their entire computer or pc and I had to replace the entire motherboard. Just because plastic is an insulator doesn’t mean that static electricity can’t flow through the pipe. In face plastic has nothing to do with it making the static electricity, it’s the suction and the electricity inside the vacuum.

[@bergkaiser]

So its safe if i use compressed air?

[@TechInsomnia]

@bergkaiser I would always recommend to use a vacuum with micro attachments and make sure to hold any fan blades with your fans or a pry tool so that they don’t move while cleaning. Compressed air just moves dust and particles around and those cans contain moisture which in certain angles can come out in liquid form. Never had an issue with vacuums and the right rubber hose micro cleaning attachments made for electronics. 🙏

[@TechInsomnia]

We will have to agree to disagree my friend. 🙏 I doubt the static electricity you’re referring to could make it all the way down the pipe line of plastic and then 5 ft of rubber nylon before the micro attachments adapter and then through the bristles at the end after everything and even if it somehow did, it’s older motherboards and electronics pre mid 90’s that were extremely sensitive to electro magnetic discharge. You’re never suppose to move a fan when it’s off regardless of how because it can damage the motor. This practice has to be observed regardless of which method you choose to use. If it’s working for you, all the more power to you my friend. 🙏 Different people will always have different methods and I will keep yours in mind and be extra careful moving forward. 💯 Better safe than sorry. Always 💪

[@stanvol]

Oops

[@doodle4369]

My internal fan is broke it's getting faster and slower suddenly, and I don't have the money to change it. Is it fine if im using laptop external fan that i have. And remove or turn off the the internal fan?. Im not using it for hardcore gaming, just drawing.

[@TechInsomnia]

It should be ok unless it’s getting crazy hot in which case the computer will shut off to protect itself. Are your vents clean? If you know how to do it, a fresh layer of Arctic Silver 5 on your CPU can do wonders. 💯

[@doodle4369]

@@TechInsomnia yeah it's clear, i just clean it, tysm. I don't know how to fix knacked bearing on the internal fan it self, most people recommend it for me to get a new one :'v

[@DaSlotho]

What?

[@hefesavas]

Ben fanı tutmayıp elektrikli süpürge ile döndürmüşlüğüm var hatta saç kurutma makinesi ile hava vurdum hiçbirşey olmadı

[@legendmaster1989]

?

[@Mast3r2182]

Just put the fan out, and brush it. Not will be clean so much but you will get those clogged points cleaned out. That is the whole point of it. It will get dusty in 6 months later anyways.

[@Tripendence]

I have the same laptop

[@samiboy7848]

Legends 😂

[@siradmiral5603]

Jamal : 🗿

[@anselmosahlin3057]

Totally wrong, u might break a blade.the best way is to use a blower

[@TechInsomnia]

You won’t break anything if you’re careful. 💯

[@wareca]

XD, que mierda dices, es un rotor no a motor.

[@n.supreme1]

Dude I just cracked my fan blade. I tried to clean it with water while it was running Tbh my gaming laptop still works 💀

[@TechInsomnia]

If it's just one fan blade it should still work and cool fine 🤞

[@toastman2422]

DO NOT USE A VACUME it will kill the computer with static

[@TechInsomnia]

Not true

[@Korutz]

That's a waste of time, dust and hair is not accessible this way, because it's deeper inside. It would be easier if there was a way to disassemble it.

[@dolanD2]

or just hold the center with your finger...?

[@legendmaster1989]

Yes

[@jaredtoney3417]

You're a motor

[@Something42068]

69th comment 💀

[@RockyTheFluffyFox]

DO NOT USE A VACUME UNLESS YOU WANT TO DESTROY YOU DEVICE

[@TechInsomnia]

I’ve cleaned likely close to a thousand computers this way. Never had a problem. 💯

[@RockyTheFluffyFox]

@@TechInsomnia 😱☠️💀

[@GirlOnAQuest]

The more we knew!