How Do You Remove Caked On Dust From Computer Components?

[mlauzon]

Finally got most of the bags moved and unpacked, so I finally managed to get near my desktop, I opened the case and it has a tonne of caked on dust in it, the computer has been sitting unused since the fire in 200 Wellesley St. E. in September.

So, my question is this:

How do you remove caked on dust?

If there was someone living close by I'd ask if you could come over and help me. I am getting fed up of using this laptop, and want to get back on my desktop.

[ipaine]

How caked on are we talking here? What I usually use is a few cans of air and then a vacuum to suck it up as it flies into the air.

[Fudd Rucker]

Soft bristle toothbrush ,tlc, and some canned air is what Ive had to use in most situations. ( most of the guys i fix pcs for chain smoke 2 packs a day in front of thier pc for 10 years lol. )

[Polygon]

can of compressed air, and Q-tips is what I use.

[sswilson]

Shaving cream brush FTW!!!! :)

Relatively soft brushes, but short/thick enough to be able to get the work done.

[coleo]

HAHA!
I was going to start a thread about the weird "tools" people have picked up over the years for miscellaneous pc repair.
while cleaning a friends computer one day i asked if she had a small brush.
i got handed a make up brush she no longer used.
worked great and i still have it. soft bristles get in and scrub spots air just doesn't have enough oomph to move.
girlfriend razzes me that i have a makeup brush and she doesn't though

[Keywork]

I usually just bust out the vacuum with a brush attachment and go to town. It's worked great for years.

[Supergrover]

Toothbrush, Q-tips, compressed air canister, 99% iyso.

[CTA]

be careful, 99% iso alcohol ( i think you refer that) will be sticky on pci stuff... and sometime it might dirty-look-like strain on pci too...

[mlauzon]

The one problem is, my screwdriver was one of the things stolen while I was unable to access my apartment and don't have the money to buy one, so components that are screwed in I can't get out, plus I have no idea how to take the case apart. This is why I was hoping for someone local....