Cleaning Macbook internal fan

[-tWv-]

As I was opening up my macbook to install a new upgrade of RAM i noticed that there was a considerable buildup of dust on the internal fan. I thought that this could not be good for the macbook but I didn't touch it because I didn't want to mess anything up. Has anyone cleaned out the unibody macbook fan and is it even necessary to clean the fan? I just don't want my macbook to have problems because there is dust buildup in the inside of it.

Any experiences/methods when cleaning internal fans in laptops would be appreciated.

 

[John01021988]

Use a can of compressed air, that should do the trick

 

[alphaod]

Use a can of compressed air, that should do the trick

Be careful not to spin up the fans too fast.

 

[NewMacbookPlz]

John hit it on the head. Compressed air, but in short bursts and don't tip the can much, as it'll start shooting REALLY cold air+propellant which could cause moisture to build.

 

[twylie]

bringing back an old post, but I cleaned out my Unibody MBP today and although it didn't appear that there was a lot of dust and build up, it was obviously enough to cause higher fan speeds. Now back down to a whisper under light load (mail, web and documents). Prior to the cleaning, fans were running at 3000 - 3800 rpm. Post cleaning, right at 2000 and virtually silent. My UMBP is a late 2008/early 2009 version with removable battery. Easy 10 min operation and recommended if you're experiencing higher fan speeds under light loads.

 

[miicah]

Be careful not to spin up the fans too fast.

lol?

 

[alex.purple.mac]

bringing back an old post, but I cleaned out my Unibody MBP today and although it didn't appear that there was a lot of dust and build up, it was obviously enough to cause higher fan speeds. Now back down to a whisper under light load (mail, web and documents). Prior to the cleaning, fans were running at 3000 - 3800 rpm. Post cleaning, right at 2000 and virtually silent. My UMBP is a late 2008/early 2009 version with removable battery. Easy 10 min operation and recommended if you're experiencing higher fan speeds under light loads.

Could you provide a link to that post?

 

[AndyK]

Could you provide a link to that post?

lol

 

[miicah]

Just find the fan removal guide on iFixIt and pull the fan apart instead of replacing it with a new one.