Computer systems gather dust and other residues over time. Dust particles themselves may contain chemical residues that can degrade or short-circuit chips, contact surfaces, and wire contacts. Oil from human fingers can contaminate or corrode a sensitive electrical connection. Even perspiration from skin contains chemical salts that can corrode electrical connections. This is another very good reason to hold all electronic boards by their edges, and not where the metal contacts are located. The component surfaces of a computer need cleaning periodically, and more than just blowing off or vacuuming out the dust and lint. Commonly used cleaning products include spray contact cleaner, solvents, swabs, and cleaning pads. Most vendors provide guidelines for the cleaning supplies that should be used with their equipment. Be familiar with them and stock the recommended supplies. Spray contact cleaner is a mixture of a solvent and a lubricant. It is used to get into a very small area like a contact point. The can usually has a long thin plastic nozzle inserted into the head so that it can discharge the solution in pinpoint fashion. Spray contact cleaner is useful when removing corroded electrical contacts or loosening adapter boards with gummy connection points. Solvents are used with swabs to remove residues that stick to circuit boards or contacts, especially when boards or contacts cannot be easily reached with regular cleaning pads. A reliable and frequently used solvent is isopropyl alcohol, which is commonly sold in drugstores.
Prepackaged cleaning pads are used for open, flat, easily accessible surfaces. These types of swabs and cleaning pads can be easily obtained at any electronics supply store. Be especially careful when using cleaning chemicals. Take measures to protect the eyes against volatile solutions.
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