Since so many Cornell employees have moved to work from home or hybrid we have seen a large increase in pet hair, dander and dirt inside computers that were brought in for repair. 

Cleaning dust, dirt and germs out and off of your computer is important for several reasons:

Health and Hygiene:

• Germ Buildup: Laptops can harbor bacteria and viruses, especially if you use them in different environments, eat while working, or share them with others.
•  Allergies: Dust, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate in your laptop, which may affect people with allergies or respiratory issues.

Overheating Prevention

• Dust Accumulation: Dust and dirt can block air vents, fans, and heat sinks, reducing airflow and causing your computer to overheat. Overheating can lead to thermal throttling, where the CPU and GPU slow down to prevent damage, reducing performance. In extreme cases, excessive dust build-up can become a fire hazard if it blocks air flow or causes components to overheat.
• Fan Efficiency: Dust on fans can make them less efficient, leading to higher temperatures and potentially causing fans to wear out faster.

 Improved Performance

• Cooling Efficiency: Keeping components cool ensures they operate at optimal speeds. When your computer is clean, components like the CPU and GPU can maintain their performance without being slowed down by heat.
• Reduced Crashes: Overheating from dust can cause random shutdowns or crashes. By cleaning your computer, you can reduce the likelihood of these issues, leading to a more stable system.

 Longevity of Components

• Component Lifespan: Heat is a major factor in the degradation of electronic components. By preventing dust build-up, you help maintain lower temperatures, which can extend the life of your computer's hardware.
• Protection Against Corrosion: Dust can attract moisture, which may lead to corrosion on sensitive components, especially in humid environments.

 Quieter Operation

• Fan Noise: Dust can make fans work harder to cool the system, leading to increased noise. Regular cleaning can keep fans running smoothly and quietly.

 Maintenance of Aesthetic Appeal

• Clean Appearance: Regular cleaning keeps your computer looking new and well-maintained, which can be particularly important if you use it in a professional setting or plan to resell it.

Cornell’s Computer Hardware Repair Team now offers a comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing service.

What exactly will be done to my Laptop?

• UV-C Light Disinfection effectively kills Flu (H1N1), Staph Bacteria, Pneumonia Bacteria, MSRA and other pathogenic microorganisms that can be found on your keyboard and outside surface of your laptop.
• Wipe down outside case and LCD screen with anti-bacterial anti-viral electronic safe wipes.
• Removal of bottom plate
  • Cleaning of air vents
  • Cleaning of speakers remove any metal shavings
  • Cleaning of the fan and if necessary replacing the fan
  • Apply new thermal paste and reseat heatsink
  • Blow out inside of machine to clear away dust and dirt
• Cleaning of Keyboard 
• Cleaning of all ports and refresh reconditioning of contacts
• Onboard diagnostics will be run after cleaning to check for any outstanding hardware issues the Hardware Repair Team can address.
• Sticker removal available for additional fee

How often should I have my Laptop cleaned?

• Cleaning should be performed every 3 to 6 months depending on the operating environment.

How long will a cleaning take?

• 45 minutes to an hour, depending on what service you choose and how dirty the laptop is.

Service Types and Charges

External Cleaning and Sanitizing, Diagnostics

• $35.00

Internal Cleaning and Diagnostics

• $35.00

Both Internal and External Cleaning and Sanitizing (Sticker removal additional $10.00) 

• $60.00

Sticker Removal (includes external cleaning)

• $45.00

Here are some examples of what the Computer Hardware Repair Team have seen.

Actual Cornell owned machines used by CITSG customers.